Mission to Capture Cartel Boss Sparks Violence Across Mexico

Mexican authorities reported that dozens of cartel members and Mexican security forces were killed following the attempted capture of a cartel kingpin.

A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle after it was set on fire, in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, following the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera, known as "El Mencho." Armando Solis/AP Photo

An operation by Mexican security forces to capture a top cartel figure triggered a wave of violence that spread across Mexico on Feb. 22.

Mexican military and police forces carried out an interagency raid to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” whom authorities considered the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG).