President Donald Trump weighed in on the Mexican government’s operation in Jalisco that ended with the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world.
The U.S. State Department had been offering up to $10 million for information leading to Oseguera Cervantes’s arrest.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote:
“Mexico must step up their effort against the cartels and drugs!”
His comment came after Mexican federal forces conducted an operation in Jalisco that turned into an armed confrontation. Officials say Oseguera Cervantes was wounded during the clash, taken into custody and later died from his injuries.
Trump’s reaction reflects growing political pressure in the United States to escalate efforts against narcotics trafficking, particularly amid concerns over the surge of fentanyl entering the U.S.
Related: Who Was “El Mencho”, CJNG Leader Killed in Army Operation?
Mexican authorities described the operation as the result of detailed intelligence and interagency collaboration. But security experts caution that El Mencho’s death could destabilize the CJNG, potentially triggering internal struggles and a spike in violence as rival factions vie for control.
What Happened to “El Mencho”?
For years, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was at the top of Mexico’s and the United States’ most-wanted lists. As the reputed head of the CJNG, he oversaw one of Mexico’s most powerful and expansive criminal networks, known for its territory, firepower and influence.
According to official accounts, federal forces located him in Jalisco after extensive intelligence work pinpointed his movements. The operation sparked an armed confrontation, during which Oseguera Cervantes was injured. Authorities say he later died in custody, closing one of the most high-profile manhunts in recent years.
