Bernie Moreno on El Mencho & US-Mexico Relations | Durango POSTA

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Mexico City – Following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Novel Generation Cartel (CJNG), U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio has called on Mexico to seek assistance from the United States military in dismantling the country’s powerful drug cartels. The call for aid comes amid escalating violence across multiple regions of Mexico, with retaliatory attacks targeting both civilians and public spaces, prompting the U.S. Embassy to issue a shelter-in-place order for American citizens.

The Mexican army killed El Mencho on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in an operation near Tapalpa, Jalisco, approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. He was initially wounded during the capture attempt and died whereas being transported to Mexico City, according to a statement released by the Mexican Defense Department. The operation marks a significant blow to the CJNG, which has become Mexico’s most powerful cartel, notorious for trafficking vast quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.

Escalating Violence and U.S. Embassy Warning

The death of El Mencho has triggered a wave of violence across several Mexican states. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has urged American citizens to shelter in place, specifically in Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacán State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo León State. Reports indicate widespread gunfire and explosions, with rioters clashing with police. The situation is described as increasingly volatile, with citizens expressing frustration with what some are calling a “Narco-President,” a reference to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Footage circulating on social media, including a post from Eric Daugherty on X (formerly Twitter), shows confrontations between rioters and police, with reports of officers using force against protestors. The unrest underscores the deep-seated anger and instability plaguing parts of Mexico.

El Mencho’s Rise and the CJNG’s Influence

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, had a long and complex history with the United States. He initially entered the U.S. Illegally in the 1980s, residing in California for several years before being arrested on drug charges and deported. He re-entered the U.S. Illegally and was again arrested in 1992, serving three years in prison before being deported a second time, according to reporting from CBS News. Upon his return to Mexico, he began his ascent within the criminal underworld.

El Mencho formed the CJNG around 2011 after splintering from the Milenio Cartel. The cartel quickly gained prominence through its aggressive tactics and expansion of its drug trafficking operations. The CJNG became known for its large-scale fentanyl production and distribution, posing a significant threat to both Mexico and the United States. At the time of his death, the U.S. State Department was offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest, highlighting the high priority placed on his capture.

Senator Moreno’s Call for U.S. Military Assistance

Senator Bernie Moreno’s call for U.S. Military assistance reflects growing concerns in Washington about the escalating violence in Mexico and its potential impact on U.S. National security. Moreno argues that the cartels pose a “clear and present danger” to the United States and must be “exterminated.” He specifically urges the Mexican government to formally request U.S. Military support to dismantle the cartels, emphasizing the need for a decisive response to the current crisis. The Senator’s statement comes as the Mexican government grapples with the aftermath of El Mencho’s death and the ensuing violence.

The Mexican army’s operation to capture El Mencho involved the seizure of significant weaponry from alleged cartel members, including armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other arms. Three members of Mexico’s military were also wounded during the operation, underscoring the intensity of the confrontation. The violence that erupted following the operation is consistent with a long pattern of clashes between Mexican authorities and the CJNG.

The Fentanyl Crisis and U.S. Concerns

The CJNG’s dominance in fentanyl trafficking has been a major source of concern for U.S. Authorities. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is significantly more potent than heroin and has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the United States. The cartel’s ability to produce and distribute large quantities of fentanyl has fueled the opioid crisis, prompting increased efforts to disrupt its operations. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified the CJNG as a major player in the fentanyl supply chain, and the agency has been working with Mexican authorities to target the cartel’s leadership and infrastructure.

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle that was set on fire in Cointzio, Mexico, following reports of El Mencho’s death. (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

What Happens Next?

The death of El Mencho does not guarantee an immediate end to the violence in Mexico. Experts warn that the CJNG is a well-established organization with a deep network of operatives, and a power struggle is likely to ensue. The cartel may attempt to retaliate against the Mexican government and security forces, potentially leading to further escalation of violence. The Mexican government’s decision on whether to request U.S. Military assistance will be crucial in shaping the future response to the crisis. The United States is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide support, but any military intervention would require the consent of the Mexican government.

The U.S. State Department continues to advise American citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling to Mexico, particularly in the states most affected by cartel violence. The shelter-in-place order remains in effect for several regions, and travelers are urged to stay informed about the latest developments and follow the guidance of local authorities. The situation remains fluid and unpredictable, and the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of El Mencho’s death.

Key Takeaways:

  • The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”), was killed by the Mexican army on February 22, 2026.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens in several states due to escalating violence.
  • Senator Bernie Moreno is calling for U.S. Military assistance to help Mexico dismantle the cartels.
  • The CJNG is a major player in the fentanyl trade, posing a significant threat to the United States.

The situation in Mexico remains highly volatile. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available. Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below.

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