Mexico Operation Against El Mencho Causes US Citizens to Shelter in Place

Following an operation against CJNG leader El Mencho, the US State Department advised citizens in several Mexican states to shelter in place. This is due to fears of increased violence and instability.
By Newsroom | Crime, Mexico |

Mexico's security forces recently conducted a significant operation targeting Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This operation, characterized as a precision mission based on military intelligence, aimed to capture the high-priority target. However, the events have raised concerns, prompting the U.S. State Department to advise its citizens in several Mexican states to shelter in place. The potential fallout includes fears of internal power struggles within the CJNG and its impact on national stability.

Everything We Know So Far About El Mencho and How the Military Operation Against the CJNG Leader Sparked a Nationwide Crisis - 1

Details of the Operation and Security Response

The operation involved a coordinated effort by various Mexican federal agencies, including:

Everything We Know So Far About El Mencho and How the Military Operation Against the CJNG Leader Sparked a Nationwide Crisis - 2

  • The Ministry of National Defense (Sedena)

  • The National Intelligence Center (CNI)

  • The Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), through its Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO)

The deployment included Mexican Army Special Forces, Mexican Air Force aircraft, and the National Guard’s Immediate Reaction Special Force. Authorities described it as a precision operation. Following the operation, security was reinforced on highways and in urban areas across Jalisco and neighboring states.

Read More: Secret Service Report on Mass Violence Shows 72% of Attackers Faced Money Problems

Everything We Know So Far About El Mencho and How the Military Operation Against the CJNG Leader Sparked a Nationwide Crisis - 3

The CJNG and its Leader

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," is the leader and founder of the CJNG, which has grown to become one of the most powerful cartels globally.

Everything We Know So Far About El Mencho and How the Military Operation Against the CJNG Leader Sparked a Nationwide Crisis - 4

  • The CJNG operates across multiple Mexican states and has international connections.

  • Its criminal activities are reported to generate billions of dollars annually.

  • The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho's arrest.

  • The cartel has been linked to significant violent acts, including shooting down a Mexican military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade, killing nine soldiers, and an ambush that killed 15 Mexican police officers in Jalisco.

  • CJNG utilizes a franchise model, forming alliances with smaller cartels to expand its reach.

Pressures on the CJNG and its Associates

Recent actions by the U.S. and Mexican governments indicate an intensified pressure campaign against the CJNG and its affiliates.

  • A close ally of El Mencho, "El Cuini" (brother-in-law), who served as a financial operator, was among 26 individuals extradited to the U.S. for alleged ties to organized crime and drug trafficking.

  • Another associate, González Valencia, received a 30-year prison sentence for orchestrating a prolific drug trafficking operation and providing weapons to the cartel.

  • El Mencho's son-in-law, Cristian Fernando Gutiérrez Ochoa, pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge.

  • The Trump administration previously designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, providing authorities with new tools to prosecute individuals associated with the group.

Concerns Regarding Leaks and Infiltration

There are reports suggesting that El Mencho may have evaded capture due to internal leaks.

  • An investigative report claims El Mencho narrowly escaped a previous operation after receiving a tip-off from within Mexico’s National Guard.

  • This revelation has amplified concerns about cartel infiltration within federal security forces, a persistent but often unconfirmed issue.

Cultural and Social Repercussions

The CJNG's influence extends beyond criminal activities, touching upon cultural expressions.

  • The Mexican band Los Alegres del Barranco faced controversy and visa revocations for displaying images of "El Chapo" Guzmán and "El Mencho" during a concert.

  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has called for a review of musical events, urging organizers to avoid glorifying violence or criminal groups.

Expert Perspectives and Analyst Warnings

Analysts have voiced concerns about the potential ramifications of operations targeting high-level cartel leaders.

  • There is a warning that such operations could trigger internal power struggles within the CJNG.

  • Concerns have also been raised about the unchecked growth of cartels, with some urging the Mexican government to acknowledge this as a broader threat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the US State Department tell its citizens to shelter in place in Mexico?
The US State Department advised its citizens to shelter in place in several Mexican states after an operation targeting CJNG leader El Mencho. This was due to safety concerns and potential instability following the operation.
Q: What happened during the operation against El Mencho in Jalisco?
Mexican security forces, including Army Special Forces and the National Guard, conducted a precision operation based on intelligence to capture El Mencho, the leader of the CJNG. Security was increased in Jalisco and nearby areas afterward.
Q: Who is El Mencho and why is he important?
El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, is the leader and founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The CJNG is one of the most powerful cartels globally, and El Mencho is a high-priority target for both Mexican and US authorities.
Q: What are the concerns after the operation against El Mencho?
Experts warn that operations targeting high-level cartel leaders like El Mencho could lead to internal power struggles within the CJNG. There are also concerns about cartel infiltration within security forces, as suggested by reports of leaks.
Q: Has El Mencho been captured?
The recent operation aimed to capture El Mencho, but reports suggest he may have evaded capture. He remains a wanted leader of the CJNG, with a $15 million reward offered by the US State Department for information leading to his arrest.