Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum declared on Sunday, February 22, 2026, that there is "absolute coordination" between the federal government and all state administrations following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) known as "El Mencho." The announcement came amid widespread retaliatory violence triggered by a high-profile military operation that resulted in his killing, plunging parts of Mexico into chaos with road blockades, arson attacks, and clashes.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sheinbaum emphasized national unity and calm: "There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm." She added that "activities are proceeding normally throughout most of the country," acknowledging disruptions but stressing that normalcy prevails in the majority of regions. The president highlighted the Defense Ministry's reports of "various blockades and other reactions" following the operation, while reaffirming her administration's commitment: "We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico."
The operation unfolded early Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco—a rural town and known CJNG stronghold approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) stated that Special Forces, including elements of the Mexican Army and National Guard's Immediate Reaction units, launched the mission to apprehend Oseguera Cervantes. During the raid, military personnel came under heavy attack from cartel gunmen. In self-defense, troops repelled the assault, killing four CJNG members at the scene and severely wounding three others, who succumbed to injuries during medical evacuation by helicopter to Mexico City.
Among the deceased was Ruben "N" (alias "El Mencho"), though authorities noted that formal forensic identification by corresponding officials would confirm his identity. The operation also resulted in the arrest of two additional cartel members, along with the seizure of armored vehicles, an array of firearms, and advanced weaponry—including rocket launchers capable of downing aircraft. Reports indicate U.S. intelligence support aided the mission, reflecting heightened bilateral pressure on cartels amid ongoing fentanyl trafficking concerns.
Oseguera Cervantes, aged 59, co-founded and led the CJNG since around 2010, transforming it into one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal organizations. The cartel dominates methamphetamine and fentanyl production and smuggling into the United States, while engaging in extortion, fuel theft, and territorial wars. A former police officer from Michoacán, he evaded capture for over a decade despite a $15 million U.S. bounty and designation by Washington as a major transnational criminal threat. His death marks the most significant blow to Mexican organized crime since the recapture of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán in 2016.
The killing provoked an immediate and coordinated backlash from CJNG operatives and affiliates. Over 250 road blockades—often involving torched vehicles, buses, and businesses—were erected across at least 20 of Mexico's 32 states, paralyzing highways, stranding travelers, and disrupting commerce. In Jalisco, the epicenter, Guadalajara turned into a virtual ghost town as gunmen clashed with security forces, set fires, and blocked major arteries. Similar scenes unfolded in Michoacán, Colima, Guanajuato, and other western and central states, with reports of shootouts, arson at stores and gas stations, and scattered fatalities. Authorities confirmed at least 25 National Guard members killed in retaliatory attacks in Jalisco alone, alongside dozens of civilian and cartel casualties.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a red alert and canceled in-person classes statewide for Monday, February 23, urging residents to stay home and monitor official channels. Similar measures were adopted in multiple states, with schools suspended, flights to destinations like Puerto Vallarta canceled or delayed, and trucking associations advising drivers to seek shelter. The U.S. Embassy issued shelter-in-place advisories for American citizens in affected areas, including Jalisco and Tamaulipas, citing ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity.
By Monday morning, Sheinbaum reported during her daily press conference that most blockades had been cleared—over 90% by late Sunday—and that a unified command center with state governors was coordinating restoration efforts. She praised the armed forces and security cabinet while reiterating calls for calm, noting expectations for full resumption of air travel and normal activities soon.
The incident underscores the risks of the "kingpin strategy," where targeting high-level leaders often fragments cartels but triggers explosive short-term violence as factions vie for control or exact revenge. Analysts warn that Oseguera's death could create a power vacuum within the CJNG, potentially leading to internal splintering or escalated turf wars, though his brother and other lieutenants may seek to maintain cohesion.
Sheinbaum's measured response reflects her administration's emphasis on intelligence-led operations over blanket confrontations, while navigating U.S. demands for tougher action against drug flows. As forensic confirmation and investigations continue, the focus remains on stabilizing affected regions and preventing further escalation in a country long plagued by cartel-related violence.
