The Jalisco New Generation Cartel: A Deep Dive into Mexico's Most Feared Criminal Empire
Violence has erupted across Mexico following the targeted killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho,' the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This high-profile assassination, carried out with intelligence assistance from the United States, has plunged the nation into chaos and spotlighted one of the world's most aggressive criminal organizations.
The Formation and Rapid Ascent of CJNG
Founded in 2009 from the fractured remnants of the Milenio Cartel, specifically the 'Torcidos' or 'Twisted Ones' faction, the CJNG quickly established itself under El Mencho's leadership. A former police officer, El Mencho transformed the group into a militarized force known for its ruthless expansion and innovative warfare tactics.
The cartel's rise was marked by a dramatic surge in violence across its home state of Jalisco. Forced disappearances, public executions, and the discovery of mass graves became commonplace as the CJNG fought to control territory and protect its lucrative drug supply lines. The organization's brutality extended to targeting high-profile politicians, such as Luis Carlos Najera and Omar Garcia Harfuch, and silencing journalists who dared to report on its activities.
A Cartel Defined by Militarization and Innovation
What sets the CJNG apart is its willingness to directly confront state forces. The cartel has executed audacious attacks on military helicopters and personnel, earning a reputation for unprecedented aggression. Furthermore, CJNG pioneered the use of weaponized drones to launch explosives and deployed landmines in urban conflicts, showcasing a tactical sophistication rarely seen in criminal enterprises.
With an estimated 20,000 members, according to U.S. authorities, the CJNG operates throughout Mexico, with a presence in every region except the Sinaloa Cartel's strongholds. Its influence, however, extends far beyond Mexico's borders. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the CJNG as powerful as the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, with operations infiltrating all 50 U.S. states. The group is a primary supplier of cocaine to the American market and generates billions from the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamines.
The Fierce Rivalry with the Sinaloa Cartel
The CJNG's primary enemy is the Sinaloa Cartel, the long-dominant 'queen bee' of Mexican organized crime. This rivalry is a brutal struggle for control over vital smuggling routes, ports, and drug supplies. In a bold 2016 power move, the CJNG kidnapped the two sons of Sinaloa's legendary leader, El Chapo. Despite being vastly outnumbered—Sinaloa boasts around 185,000 members—the CJNG has leveraged its militarized approach and rapid growth to challenge the established order, creating a volatile and deadly conflict.
International Designation and the Fall of El Mencho
In February, the U.S. Trump administration formally designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, underscoring its perceived threat to national security. This move preceded the operation that killed El Mencho, which was supported by U.S. intelligence. The DEA had previously estimated El Mencho's personal fortune, built on drug trafficking, could exceed $1 billion, with a $15 million bounty offered for information leading to his capture.
An Uncertain Future and Ongoing Turmoil
El Mencho's death creates a significant power vacuum. His son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez ('El Menchito'), is incarcerated in the United States, while his other potential heirs are considered inexperienced. Security analysts, like Mexico City-based consultant David Saucedo, suggest leadership will likely be contested among four or five top commanders within the cartel.
As this internal struggle unfolds, Mexican cities remain under lockdown, gripped by persistent violence. The government's challenge is to restore calm while navigating the complex aftermath of decapitating one of the hemisphere's most formidable criminal empires. The CJNG's story is far from over, but the assassination of El Mencho marks a pivotal, and violently chaotic, new chapter.
