US Drug Czar Meets Mexican Officials After ‘El Mencho’ Operation

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US Official Meets with Mexican Security Cabinet Following ‘El Mencho’ Operation

Mexico City – In the wake of the reported death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a high-level delegation from the United States met with Mexico’s security cabinet this Tuesday. The meeting, led by US Anti-Drug Czar Sara Carter and US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson, signals continued collaboration between the two nations in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. The discussions centered on strategies to dismantle cartels, a shared priority for both the US and Mexican administrations, and followed a recent operation by the Mexican Army that targeted the CJNG leadership.

The meeting took place in two stages: first at the National Palace, lasting approximately 90 minutes, and then at facilities belonging to the Mexican Armed Forces. All members of the Mexican security cabinet were present, including the Secretaries of National Defense, Navy, Security and Citizen Protection, and the Attorney General. The US delegation was accompanied by Ambassador Johnson, with the group arriving and departing in armored vehicles under heavy security provided by the National Guard and other federal forces. This level of security underscores the sensitivity of the discussions and the ongoing threat posed by cartels in the region.

While the visit occurred just two days after the military operation against the CJNG, sources indicated that the meeting had been scheduled prior to the events of Sunday. This suggests a pre-existing commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation on security matters. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of both “El Mencho” and his logistics operator, Hugo N. “El Tuli,” was reportedly carried out by elements of the Mexican Army with intelligence support from the United States, highlighting the collaborative nature of the effort.

Reinforcing Bilateral Cooperation on Drug Policy

Following the meeting, Sara Carter posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “In Mexico with @USAmbMex watching @POTUS #SOTU2026. Under the direction of President Trump, we work day and night to ensure the security of our nation while we work with our Mexican counterparts to eliminate cartels and illegal drug trafficking.” The post was accompanied by a photograph of Carter and Johnson at the National Palace, in front of Diego Rivera’s mural “Epopeya del pueblo mexicano.” This public display of collaboration underscores the commitment of both governments to addressing the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations.

Security measures were heightened around the National Palace during Carter’s visit, with a significant presence of military personnel, the National Guard, the Federal Protection Service, and the Mexico City Police. This increased security posture reflects the ongoing concerns about potential retaliation from the CJNG following the loss of its leadership. The CJNG has been described as a “foreign terrorist organization” responsible for trafficking illicit drugs into the United States and threatening national security. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reiterated this assessment in a statement released after the meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Carter had already publicly acknowledged the significance of the operation against “El Mencho,” stating on X, “The days of the cartels are numbered. El Mencho’s was today.” This statement, made shortly after news of the operation began to circulate, demonstrates the US government’s strong interest in the outcome and its willingness to publicly support Mexico’s efforts to dismantle these criminal organizations.

US Recognition of Mexico’s Efforts

In a recent interview with News Nation, Carter emphasized President Trump’s commitment to ending the dominance of drug cartels. She stated, “The president has been very clear. The days of the cartels are over. It’s finished for them. I myself have made that very clear. President Sheinbaum understands this, it’s no secret. And I think the cooperation… we are seeing cooperation now.” Carter further noted the positive relationship between President Sheinbaum and President Trump, highlighting the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration.

During the meeting, the US delegation reportedly expressed condolences to the Mexican administration for the loss of life among the armed forces during the operation and the subsequent violence perpetrated by the cartel in response. They also acknowledged the progress made by the Sheinbaum administration in combating organized crime and improving security conditions within the country. The Mexican officials present at the meeting included General Ricardo Trevilla, Secretary of National Defense; Admiral Raymundo Pedro Morales, Secretary of the Navy; Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Secretary of Governance; and Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection.

The meeting underscores the complex and evolving relationship between the United States and Mexico in addressing the challenges posed by drug trafficking and organized crime. The reported death of “El Mencho” represents a significant blow to the CJNG, but the organization remains a powerful force, and continued cooperation between the two countries will be crucial to ensuring long-term stability and security in the region. The US and Mexico share a 1,954-mile border, making collaboration essential to curbing the flow of illicit drugs and preventing the expansion of cartel influence.

Looking Ahead: Continued Collaboration and Security Assessments

The US and Mexico are expected to continue their dialogue on security matters in the coming weeks and months. Further assessments will be conducted to evaluate the impact of “El Mencho’s” death on the CJNG’s operations and to identify potential threats from other cartels. The focus will likely remain on disrupting the financial networks that support these organizations and strengthening law enforcement capabilities on both sides of the border. The ONDCP, under Director Carter’s leadership, will continue to play a key role in coordinating US efforts to combat drug trafficking and promote international cooperation. The next major checkpoint will be a scheduled review of the Bicentennial Framework for Security Cooperation between the US and Mexico, slated for late March 2026.

This ongoing collaboration is vital, not only for the security of both nations but also for the stability of the broader region. The fight against drug cartels is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires a sustained and coordinated response. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this important issue in the comments below.

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