What Happened
On February 22, 2023, Mexican military forces successfully located and attempted to apprehend Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The operation was initiated following intelligence gathered from a meeting between El Mencho and his romantic partner, Guadalupe Moreno Carrillo. Reports indicate that El Mencho fled into a wooded area during the military’s approach, resulting in a confrontation that left him wounded and led to the arrest of two of his associates.
Why It Matters
The death of El Mencho could significantly disrupt the CJNG, which has been characterized by its centralized leadership under him. Unlike other cartels that have fragmented into multiple factions, the CJNG’s operations have been tightly controlled by El Mencho. The absence of a clear successor may lead to internal power struggles, potentially resulting in increased violence and instability in Mexico. Historical precedents suggest that targeting cartel leaders often leads to the emergence of more violent splinter groups, raising concerns about a resurgence in cartel-related violence.
What’s Next
In the wake of El Mencho’s death, authorities are closely monitoring the CJNG’s response and the potential for increased violence as factions vie for control. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has noted the cartel’s extensive reach, which spans nearly every U.S. state and over 40 countries. As the situation unfolds, both Mexican and U.S. officials will likely intensify efforts to manage the repercussions of this significant shift in the cartel landscape.
