El Mencho Killed: What to Know About Mexico's Most-Wanted Cartel Leader

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On Sunday, the drug lord “El Mencho” was killed by Mexican special forces. Deemed the nation’s most-wanted cartel boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was known for co-founding and leading the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). 

According to a report by The New York Times, El Mencho was reportedly injured during an operation in Tapalpa and later died while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment. While the CJNG has not been as internationally renowned as the Sinaloa cartel, the leader's death has been hailed as a major victory in both Mexico and the United States, as the cartel is widely known for its brutal violence and heavily armed, military-style capabilities.

Here is everything you need to know about El Mencho.

Who was El Mencho?

Born in 1966, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, rose to become the leader of one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Long before gaining notoriety as a cartel boss, El Mencho was among the undocumented immigrants who entered the United States in the 1980s. His time in the U.S. ended with imprisonment for nearly three years after he was convicted in 1994 by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California for conspiracy to distribute heroin.

As reported by the BBC, he returned to Mexico after his release and became deeply involved in organized crime. Around 2007, he and Erik Valencia Salazar, known as “El 85,” founded the CJNG.

His influence expanded further after he married Rosalinda González Valencia in 1996, the niece of former cartel leader Armando Valencia Cornelio, strengthening his ties within Mexico’s criminal networks.

Under his leadership, CJNG built a reputation for extreme brutality. The cartel became known for using violence without hesitation, including carrying out public executions, intimidating communities, and allegedly targeting politicians, judges, and security officials across Mexico

What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?

In Mexico, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is regarded as one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations. Formed around 2007, the cartel was founded by Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, and Erik Valencia Salazar, also known as “El 85,” after initially working with the Sinaloa cartel.

In 2009, however, the CJNG split from the Sinaloa cartel and rapidly expanded its influence on its own. The two groups have since battled for territory across Mexico, according to The Guardian.

The CJNG is widely believed to be exceptionally powerful. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has stated that the cartel maintains a presence in all 50 U.S. states, acting as one of the main suppliers of cocaine and generating billions of dollars from the production and trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

What was the immediate response in Mexico?

According to reports by BBC News and The New York Times, Mexico has been gripped by unrest, with roadblocks erected and violence spilling into the streets. The chaos was reportedly carried out by members of El Mencho’s cartel, who set up roadblocks, burned cars and stores, and spread violence across eight states, from Guerrero to Tamaulipas.

The worst of the unrest was reported in Jalisco, the stronghold of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Here, authorities suspended public transportation, and hotels instructed guests to remain indoors for safety.

Read: Mexican Army Kills Drug Lord Oseguera 'El Mencho'

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