Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Sunday, February 22, 2026 23:50 / Updated Sunday, February 22, 2026 23:50
“Mexico's most wanted man”, the feared leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, Nemesio “el Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, has been killed by Mexican authorities in an operation to arrest him. The reaction of cartel members was violent: they blocked roads and set fire to cars in several cities, including Guadalajara, one of the host cities of the upcoming World Cup.
There is chaos in Mexico after the killing of “el Mencho”, ex-cop turned head of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel. Originating in the western state of Jalisco, the criminal organization has expanded its activity throughout the country, becoming one of the main players in the drug world.
“El Mencho” was seriously injured during an operation carried out by the Mexican army in the city of Tapalpa in the state of Jalisco. He died while being transported to the country's capital, Mexico City.
In the exchange of fire, 4 members of the cartel died. Five other people, including three law enforcement officers, were seriously injured, the BBC writes.
Chaos in Mexico after a feared drug lord was killed by the authorities
The criminal organization reacted violently to the news of the killing of its leader. In at least 8 Mexican states, law enforcement officials were attacked, roads were blocked, and cars and buildings were set on fire. Thick smoke also rose above the city of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and one of the cities that will host matches at this summer's World Cup.
In the face of these attacks, the authorities in Mexico decided to suspend classes on Monday in Jalisco and in two neighboring states, Nayarit and Guanajuato, as a preventive measure.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau reacted to the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, describing it as “excellent news for Mexico, the US, Latin America and the whole world”.
The US official described “el Mencho” as “one of the most bloodthirsty and ruthless drug lords”. The United States was offering $15 million for information leading to the capture of the drug lord.
The other two Mexican cities that will host matches at the World Championship are Monterrey and Mexico City. 4 group stage matches are scheduled at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
