By: Emma Manhire
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – On February 21, 2026, according to CNN Newsource, Mexico’s most wanted cartel boss, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, was killed.
Cervantes was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. According to CNN Newsource, this was a U.S. intelligence-aided military operation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said the CJNG was the most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations inside Mexico.
According to the DEA, “since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been indicted several times in the United States for drug trafficking.” His most recent charge was back in April of 2022 where Oseguera Cervantes was charged “with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.”
Leading up to his capture attempt and then killing, Oseguera had a $15 million reward set “for information leading to the arrest and/or prosecution under the U.S. Department of State Narcotics Rewards Program”.
According to the Associated Press, “Oseguera Cervantes was wounded in an operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara and he died while being flown to Mexico City, the Defense Department said in a statement.” The state of Jalisco is said to be the base of the cartel and was known for “trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the United States.”
Aftermath of Oseguera’s death
Air Canada announced that all flights were going to be suspended due to an “ongoing security investigation”, said the Associated Press.
All over social media platforms, tourists in the Puerto Vallarta area of Jalisco, posted videos showing massive clouds of smoke looming over the city as well as people sprinting through the airport in fear, according to the Associated Press.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said “peace, security, and normalcy are being maintained across Mexico after suspected gang members torched buses and businesses while clashing with security forces in the wake of the killing,” according to CNN Newsource. “Dozens were killed in the clashes.”
It is still unclear what role the United States played in the killing of Osegeura, although a U.S. defense official confirmed that an interagency U.S. task force played a role in the operation.
Press Release from the U.S. Department of the Treasury
“Whether through trafficking fentanyl into our borders or orchestrating timeshare fraud schemes, terrorist drug cartels like CJNG consistently victimize Americans for profit,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue our efforts to completely eradicate the cartels’ ability to generate revenue and terrorize Americans.”
How is this affecting American citizens right now?
Press Release on February 22, 2026 – The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico said, “due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice.”
Locations include:
- Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerro State, and Nuevo Leon State
Actions to take:
- Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements.
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Follow directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-bring via phone, text, and social media.
Important contact information:
- Contact Form
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
- From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561
- From the United States: +1-844-528-6611
- Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Links: