politics
February 22, 2026
Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, the boss who challenged the Mexican State like few others
Nemesio Oseguera, boss of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), killed on Sunday by the army, challenged the Mexican State like few others to consolidate his power, with ambushes on police, an attack on the security czar in the capital, and even the downing of a military helicopter. AFP Nicknamed "El Mencho", 59 years old, [...]
TL;DR
- Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," was the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG).
- He consolidated his power through violent challenges to the Mexican state, including ambushes on police and an attack on the capital's security czar.
- Born in Michoacán, Oseguera had a history of involvement in drug trafficking, including a period in the United States.
- The CJNG was founded in 2009 and became Mexico's most powerful cartel, operating transnationally.
- The cartel is involved in drug trafficking (including fentanyl), extortion, human trafficking, oil theft, and arms trafficking.
- "El Mencho" maintained a low profile but was known for his violent nature and willingness to confront authorities.
- Notable violent acts attributed to the CJNG include an attack on Omar García Harfuch and the downing of a military helicopter in 2015.
- The cartel expanded its markets to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, where drugs commanded higher prices.
- Several family members of "El Mencho," including his ex-wife and son, have been arrested.