Mexican security forces killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. In immediate retaliation, cartel attacks across Jalisco left 25 National Guard members dead and prompted more than 250 roadblocks and widespread disruptions. Authorities — with reported U.S. intelligence support for the raid — cleared blockades while urging citizens to shelter in place. Analysts warn the leader's removal could trigger further violence as rival groups vie for power.
25 National Guard Killed in Jalisco After Raid That Killed CJNG Boss 'El Mencho'
Members of the National Guard stand guard outside the facilities of the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO) in Mexico City, Mexico on February 22, 2026. / Credit: Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images(Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Mexico's Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, said that 25 members of the National Guard were killed in Jalisco in six separate attacks that followed the military operation that killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho,' the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Raid and Death of 'El Mencho'
Mexican forces engaged Oseguera Cervantes during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about two hours southwest of Guadalajara. He was wounded on site and later died while being flown to Mexico City, according to the Defense Department. U.S. officials had placed a $15 million bounty on him.
U.S.-Mexico Cooperation
A source briefed on the operation told CBS News that the raid reflected intensified U.S.-Mexico counter-cartel cooperation under President Claudia Sheinbaum. The source described expanded intelligence-sharing channels linked to U.S. Northern Command and said Mexican special forces executed the mission while U.S. personnel provided intelligence and operational advising from outside Mexico.
Cartel Retaliation and Nationwide Disruption
Following the raid, cartel members launched coordinated reprisals across several states: setting vehicle fires, erecting roadblocks and engaging security forces. García Harfuch reported six targeted attacks in Jalisco that left 25 National Guard members dead. Authorities also reported the deaths of a prison guard, a state prosecutor's office agent and an unidentified woman. Officials said roughly 30 alleged criminals were killed in Jalisco and four in Michoacán.
This aerial view shows a burned truck, allegedly set on fire by organized crime groups on a highway near Acatlan de Juarez, Jalisco state, Mexico on Feb. 22, 2026. / Credit: Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images
Human Impact and Public Response
More than 250 cartel blockades across 20 states were reported and later cleared, officials said. Several states canceled school and local and foreign governments warned residents and visitors to shelter in place. The U.S. Embassy ordered personnel in multiple cities and the state of Michoacán to work remotely and shelter in place; consular messages noted suspension of taxi and rideshare services in some areas such as Puerto Vallarta.
In Guadalajara, more than 1,000 people were stranded overnight at the city's zoo, many sleeping on buses while police guarded the facility. Public transportation and airports experienced disruptions as residents stayed home amid fear of further violence.
Political Reactions and Future Risks
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm as authorities worked to restore order. The raid drew praise from U.S. officials, including statements acknowledging intelligence support. Former U.S. President Donald Trump called for Mexico to intensify action against cartels, while analysts warned the removal of a top CJNG leader could spark additional violence as rival groups seek to exploit any power vacuum.
Background: The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, active since around 2009, is known for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine and for using increasingly aggressive tactics, including attacks on aircraft, drones with explosives and improvised mines. In February 2025 the U.S. designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization.
The situation remains fluid as authorities investigate the full scope of the reprisals and work to stabilize affected regions.
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