Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader killed in Mexican military operation

The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a Feb. 22 military operation in the western state of Jalisco. The operation triggered widespread cartel violence and prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a shelter-in-place order for American citizens in Mexico. 

In a statement on X, Mexico’s Ministry of Defense said Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was wounded during a raid in the town of Tapalpa and died two hours later while being flown to Mexico City. 

Mexican troops came under fire during the operation and killed four cartel members at the scene, according to the statement. Three other cartel members, including Oseguera Cervantes, were reportedly wounded and later died. Two individuals tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel were arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons. Three members of the Mexican armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment.

Authorities later reported that the death toll extended well beyond the initial raid. In a Feb. 23 press conference, Mexico Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said that at least 25 members of the Mexican National Guard were killed in six separate attacks following Oseguera Cervantes’ death. He also said that some 30 criminal suspects were killed in Jalisco, and four others were killed in Michoacan. 

In total, at least 73 people were killed as a result of the military operation and ensuing violence, AP News reported Feb. 23, citing a body count taken by security officials. The death toll includes Mexican security forces, suspected cartel members, and civilians. 

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that the U.S. government provided intelligence support for the operation. She thanked the Mexican military for “their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”

“‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland,” Leavitt wrote.

The department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the cartel leader’s arrest. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which began operating around 2009, has grown into one of the most powerful criminal groups in Mexico and is known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S. 

In a post on X shortly after the operation, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera Cervantes as “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins” and said his death is “a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.” 

President Donald Trump has in recent months signaled potentially taking military action against Mexico if the country fails to combat the flow of illegal narcotics into the U.S. In February 2025, his administration designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. Trump wrote in a Feb. 23 Truth Social post that “Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!” 

Cartel retaliation sparks chaos in country 

The Mexican military operation prompted a forceful reaction from the cartel. In the hours following the raid, suspected cartel members set vehicles on fire and created roadblocks across parts of Jalisco and neighboring states, disrupting transportation and commerce. Videos circulating on social media showed smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, a major beach city in Jalisco, and passengers running through the airport in Guadalajara, the state’s capital, in panic.

Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro responded by activating a “code red,” a protocol for a state of emergency or security crisis. In a Feb. 22 post on X, he said public transportation was suspended across Jalisco and urged people in the area to remain in their homes until the situation was under control. Jalisco’s public train system stated on X that operations were gradually resuming Feb. 23. 

The department issued a security alert advising Americans in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon, to shelter in place until further notice due to “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.” Hours later, the department expanded the advisory, describing the warning as affecting “widespread” locations.

While no airports were formally closed, roadblocks disrupted airline operations. The department said that most flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta were canceled, and ride-share services were suspended in Puerto Vallarta. 

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the roadblocks in a social media post but said that in “the vast majority of national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.” She added that there is “absolutely coordination with the governments of all states” and told citizens to “remain informed and calm.” 

Catholic leaders respond

In a statement signed by Bishop Ramón Castro Castro, president of the Mexican Episcopal Conference, the bishops of Mexico called on the faithful to intensify prayers for “the peace that our nation so greatly needs,” according to Vatican News. They also urged individuals to “strengthen personal and community security measures, to remain in your homes when necessary, and to avoid unnecessary travel.”

Entrusting all of Mexico to the intercession of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of Peace, the bishops asked that she “cover us with her mantle, protect our families, and help us build paths of justice, peace, and hope,” Vatican News reported.

Multiple posts circulating on X showed priests in Jalisco climbing to the rooftops of their churches to expose the Blessed Sacrament in monstrances and pray for an end to the unrest.