23 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The White House has confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government during a high-profile security operation that resulted in the killing of notorious cartel leader El Mencho, marking a significant moment in the long-running fight against transnational organised crime and drug trafficking in North America.
According to officials, the intelligence assistance was part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries and was aimed at helping Mexican forces locate and neutralise one of the most powerful and elusive criminal figures in the region. The US administration emphasised that while intelligence was shared, the operation itself was planned, led, and executed entirely by Mexican authorities.
El Mencho, whose real name is Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Over the years, the CJNG grew into one of Mexico’s most violent and influential criminal groups, controlling major drug trafficking routes and engaging in fierce battles with rival cartels and security forces.
US Confirms Intelligence Sharing Role
Speaking during a briefing, officials from the White House said the United States provided “intelligence support” that helped Mexican authorities track El Mencho’s movements and identify the location where the final operation took place. The administration clarified that no US troops were involved on the ground and that the role of American agencies was limited to information sharing under established bilateral security agreements.
US officials described El Mencho as a “priority target” due to the CJNG’s involvement in fentanyl trafficking, arms smuggling, kidnappings, and attacks on law enforcement personnel. The cartel has been blamed for contributing significantly to the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, fuelling a deadly opioid crisis that continues to claim thousands of lives each year.
Details of the Operation
The operation reportedly took place in western Mexico, a region considered a long-time stronghold of the CJNG. Acting on precise intelligence, Mexican security forces launched a coordinated raid that escalated into a violent confrontation. El Mencho was killed during the operation, along with several of his close associates, while others were injured or taken into custody.
Following the operation, Mexican authorities increased security across several states amid fears of retaliation. The CJNG is known for responding aggressively to major losses, often targeting public infrastructure, vehicles, and security personnel to demonstrate strength and instil fear.
Aftermath and Security Concerns
In the hours after El Mencho’s death, reports emerged of road blockades, burning vehicles, and armed clashes in certain areas. While authorities moved quickly to restore order, analysts warned that the cartel’s response could evolve over days or weeks as internal power struggles unfold.
Security experts caution that removing a cartel leader does not necessarily dismantle the organisation. In many cases, such actions lead to fragmentation, with rival factions competing violently for control. However, they also agree that eliminating a central figure like El Mencho delivers a major psychological and operational blow to the group.
Implications for US–Mexico Relations
The White House’s confirmation of intelligence support highlights the depth of security cooperation between the United States and Mexico. Intelligence sharing has become a cornerstone of bilateral efforts to combat organised crime, particularly as criminal networks grow increasingly sophisticated and transnational.
At the same time, the announcement is likely to spark debate within Mexico, where foreign involvement in security matters has long been a sensitive issue tied to national sovereignty. Mexican officials have consistently stressed that all operations on their soil are led by national forces, even when supported by international intelligence.
In the US, the confirmation may also prompt political discussion over the extent of American involvement in foreign security operations and whether intelligence-led strategies are effective in curbing the flow of drugs across borders.
What El Mencho’s Death Means for the CJNG
El Mencho was more than just a cartel leader; he was a symbol of the CJNG’s rise and brutality. His leadership style, marked by extreme violence and strict internal discipline, helped transform the group into a dominant force. Analysts believe his death could weaken central control within the cartel, potentially leading to internal fractures.
However, the CJNG’s decentralised structure means it may continue operating in the short term. Authorities are expected to intensify operations against remaining leaders to prevent the cartel from regrouping or splintering into even more violent factions.
Looking Ahead
The White House reiterated its commitment to working with Mexico to combat drug trafficking and organised crime, stressing that intelligence cooperation remains essential in addressing threats that cross national borders. Officials acknowledged that while El Mencho’s death is a significant development, it does not mark the end of cartel violence or the drug trade.
For both countries, the operation underscores the complexity of the challenge ahead. Dismantling powerful criminal organisations will require sustained cooperation, strong institutions, and long-term strategies that go beyond targeting individual leaders.
Summary
The White House confirmed the US shared intelligence with Mexico in an operation that killed CJNG leader El Mencho, highlighting deep security cooperation amid concerns of cartel retaliation and ongoing drug violence.