Mexico's Uphill Battle to Appease Kingpin Trump After Cartel Boss's Killing
In the aftermath of the Mexican army's successful operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho,' the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC), Mexico is grappling with a complex web of domestic turmoil and international pressure. The operation, which took place on February 23, 2026, has left the country reeling from widespread cartel backlash, including school closures, flight cancellations, and violent street incidents.
Domestic Fallout and Military Sacrifice
Defense Minister Omar García Harfuch was visibly emotional as he offered condolences to the families of the 25 national guard members who lost their lives during the mission. He emphasized that Mexican military personnel had fulfilled their mission in taking down the country's most wanted drug lord. However, the immediate consequences have been severe, with charred buses and ongoing violence underscoring the cartel's retaliatory power.
Trump's Persistent Demands
Despite this significant blow to the JNGC, former U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to exert pressure on the Mexican government. In a social media post, Trump urged Mexico to step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two nations. This demand comes even as U.S. officials, including Republican Congressman Dan Crenshaw, praised Mexico's efforts, calling it a solid partner in the fight against organized crime.
U.S. Involvement and Intelligence Sharing
The operation's success was heavily reliant on U.S. intelligence support. A newly created U.S.-military-led taskforce, specializing in intelligence collection on drug cartels, played a crucial role in the raid. Experts like Eduardo Guerrero, a former Mexican security official, noted that the tracking and timing of the operation were almost certainly the work of U.S. intelligence, underscoring the deep collaboration between the two countries.
Trade Relations and Political Dynamics
The killing of El Mencho cannot be separated from the broader U.S.-Mexico trade relationship. With the renegotiation of the USMCA trade agreement looming, Trump has used both carrots and sticks to influence Mexican cooperation. Tony Payan, a U.S.-Mexico studies expert, explained that the threat of U.S. military intervention served as a stick, while potential trade rewards acted as a carrot. This dynamic adds layers to President Claudia Sheinbaum's challenge in appeasing Trump while maintaining national sovereignty.
Future Implications and Ongoing Pressure
While the operation may offer short-term reprieve, experts warn that the pressure from Trump is unlikely to subside. Arturo Sarukhán, a former Mexican ambassador to Washington, suggested that this wasn't the end by any means, indicating that further demands and collaborations are on the horizon. The upcoming World Cup in Guadalajara, a JNGC stronghold, adds urgency to Mexico's need to demonstrate security capabilities.
In summary, the killing of El Mencho marks a pivotal moment in Mexico's fight against drug cartels, but it also intensifies the diplomatic and economic pressures from the United States, setting the stage for continued challenges in bilateral relations.
