By Sayuri Vargas Hernandez, Staff Writer
On the morning of Feb. 22, many citizens woke up expecting to have a regular day, some headed to work, others went out with their families, and many enjoyed a quiet morning. No one imagined that within hours, Mexico would be thrown into one of its most frightening times.
The chaos began after the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His rise, influence, and the circumstances of his death help explain why the country erupted into chaos afterward.
El Mencho was one of the most feared cartel bosses in the country and one of the most wanted criminals in the world. According to Latin Times, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to “El Mencho” over 15 years before he was captured and died.
Authorities located El Mencho after tracking down a romantic partner he planned to meet. During the operation by Mexican special forces, and the help of the U.S. intelligence, including the Joint Interagency Task Force–Counter Cartel, which provided surveillance and targeting data, El Mencho was injured and later died while being transported to Mexico City.
“I was in rural Jalisco when, around 10 a.m., everything shifted. Phones started lighting up with talk that the government was closing in on Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes,” said Angelica Larios, a senior student majoring in clinical counseling psychology.
As soon as news of El Mencho’s death spread, CJNG members launched violent attacks across many states, like Jalisco, Baja California, and more, as retaliation for the loss of El Mencho. These states were placed under “Code Red” as roads were blocked, vehicles were burned, and armed groups clashed with security forces.
“Trucks were left across the entrance, and people were warned that any vehicle trying to push through could be burned,” said Larios.
The violence hit Mexico’s National Guard especially hard, and at least 25 members were killed in Jalisco alone. Many families were forced to hide inside their homes as gunfire reflected through the streets and smoke filled the air.
“No one outside, no music, no dust from passing cars, just quiet, and the uneasy feeling that something huge was happening beyond the fields, even if all we could see was an empty road,” stated Larios.
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, praised the military operation and promised that the government would remain strong and united for all citizens.
“There is calm, there is government, there are armed forces, and there is a lot of coordination,” said Sheinbaum, reassuring the country.
Sheinbaum also emphasized that her top priority is to protect families and restore peace across the nation. El Mencho’s death marks a major turning point, and now that the CJNG is reacting violently, many fear a power struggle could bring even more conflict.
Still, others hope this moment will weaken the cartel and open the door to a safer future. For now, Mexico is holding its breath, waiting to see what comes next.
