US Intelligence Played Key Role in Operation Targeting ‘El Mencho’ in Mexico
A specialized intelligence unit led by the U.S. Military played a crucial role in the Mexican operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco Latest Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, which took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, represents a significant blow to Mexico’s organized crime landscape, but has similarly triggered a wave of violence across multiple states. The increased cooperation between the two countries highlights the growing concern over the power and reach of Mexican drug cartels and their impact on both sides of the border.
According to a U.S. Defense official who spoke to Reuters on background, the Joint Interagency Task Force Counter Cartels, established in January 2026, was instrumental in providing intelligence that aided the Mexican military in locating and targeting El Mencho. This task force, comprised of multiple U.S. Government agencies, focuses on mapping the networks of cartel members operating on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. While the official emphasized that the raid itself was a Mexican military operation, they confirmed that the U.S. Government compiled and delivered a detailed package of intelligence objectives specifically focused on El Mencho to their Mexican counterparts. This intelligence included information gathered from U.S. Security and intelligence services.
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) has officially acknowledged receiving “complementary information” from U.S. Authorities to support the operation, but has not disclosed specific details. As reported by Axios, the collaboration underscores the increasing reliance on cross-border intelligence sharing in combating transnational criminal organizations.
Disturbances and Government Response
Following the operation, widespread unrest erupted across at least 11 Mexican states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Colima, Zacatecas, Baja California, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, and Oaxaca. These disturbances manifested as road blockades, vehicle fires, attacks on businesses, and clashes with security forces, reportedly carried out by cells linked to the CJNG. The cartel’s response demonstrates its capacity to exert influence and disrupt public order even after the loss of its leader.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo swiftly called for calm, stating that the situation was largely under control in most parts of the country. In a post on her X account, Sheinbaum emphasized coordination with state governments and urged citizens to remain informed and calm.
La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional reportó el operativo llevado a cabo esta mañana por fuerzas federales, que derivó en diversos bloqueos y otras reacciones.
Existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados; debemos mantenernos informados y en calma.
Las redes…
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) February 22, 2026
She also acknowledged the work of the Mexican Army, National Guard, and Armed Forces in carrying out the operation, which resulted in the deaths of El Mencho and six other cartel members. Sheinbaum’s cabinet is reportedly providing continuous updates on the situation through social media channels, assuring the public that “activities are proceeding normally” in most of the country.
The Impact of El Mencho’s Death and US Involvement
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” had risen to turn into one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world. The CJNG, under his leadership, expanded rapidly, challenging the dominance of other powerful cartels and becoming known for its extreme violence and sophisticated operations. The cartel’s influence extended beyond drug trafficking to include extortion, kidnapping, and illegal mining. As reported by Texas Public Radio, the U.S. Government had issued a travel warning for Mexico following El Mencho’s death, advising citizens to exercise increased caution due to the potential for retaliatory violence.
The U.S. Involvement in the operation, through the Joint Interagency Task Force Counter Cartels, highlights the growing recognition of the transnational nature of the drug trade and the need for international cooperation to combat it. The task force, created in January 2026, is specifically tasked with mapping the networks of cartel members operating on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. This collaborative effort reflects a shift in strategy, moving beyond solely focusing on drug seizures to targeting the leadership and financial infrastructure of these criminal organizations. The U.S. Government considers El Mencho to have been a high-priority target in Mexico, and the intelligence provided to Mexican authorities was instrumental in achieving this outcome.
Recent Developments and Security Concerns
As of February 23, 2026, authorities in Jalisco reported the arrest of 25 individuals linked to the disturbances, with 11 detained for alleged involvement in violent acts and the remaining for suspected looting. According to EL PAÍS English, at least 21 road blockades were reported in the region, prompting the closure of businesses and the suspension of in-person classes at all levels of education in Jalisco.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are continuing to monitor the security situation in affected states. The long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on the CJNG and the broader landscape of organized crime in Mexico remains to be seen. However, the operation underscores the importance of continued international cooperation and intelligence sharing in addressing the complex challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations.
The Mexican government is expected to provide further updates on the security situation in the coming days. Citizens in affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities. The U.S. State Department continues to update its travel advisories for Mexico, and travelers are encouraged to consult these resources before planning any trips.