Mexico says CJNG leader Nemesio "El Mencho" killed in military operation
Feb 22nd 2026
Mexican authorities reported that Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed on Sunday during a military-led operation; he was wanted by US authorities and charged in a 2022 fentanyl case.
- Mexican military-led forces killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday, a government official said.
- Oseguera led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which the US Drug Enforcement Agency has called one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.
- He was a former police officer who rose to lead the CJNG.
- The US had offered millions of dollars for information on his whereabouts and charged him in 2022 with directing manufacture and distribution of fentanyl for importation into the United States.
- A Justice Department indictment states the CJNG is active in Jalisco, Colima, Veracruz and other locations.
- The US State Department issued a travel advisory urging US citizens to shelter in place in Jalisco, Tamaulipas and Michoacan because of ongoing security operations and related criminal activity.
- This is a developing story and details may be updated as officials release more information.