02/22/2026
HU Staff: Ariela Anís .anis
⚠️ SENSITIVE: Violence has erupted across México after the Mexican Army kills cartel leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. Cervantes was on the most wanted list as the head of one of the most dangerous and violent cartels, Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC).
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On Sunday (February 22), the Mexican government said it killed the nation’s most wanted cartel boss, marking a major victory and hopes of less pressure form United States President Donald Trump, who has been threatening Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum with strikes against the country. According to reports, El Mencho was the longtime leader of one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels and was widely regarded as one of the country’s most violent criminal figures. Mexican officials revealed its Security Forces completed the federal operation in Tapalpa, a smaller town in the western coastal state of Jalisco — where the JNGC was founded and based.
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While the El Mencho’s killing appears as a victory for both Mexico and the U.S., the move sparked immediately massive violence across the country. At least five states, including Jalisco, have witnessed members of criminal organizations setting vehicles on fire and using them to block streets — a move reportedly commonly practiced by drug cartels. Officials in Jalisco have subsequently suspended public transportation in some areas and warned hotels to instruct their guests to remain inside. Some of the swift violence took place in Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, which is a host city for this year’s World Cup. Elsewhere, planes have been set on fire at the airport, trapping Mexican citizens and tourists inside. Subsequently, the United States has told tourists to shelter-in-place amid airport closure reports and alleged hostage takeovers.
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Click the link in bio for full story 📸 Getty Images / Laura Loomer / Mario Nawfal
