Mexico: CJNG Blockades Hit 20 States After 'El Mencho' Operation

A wave of unrest swept across Mexico on Sunday, triggered by a security operation targeting Rubén Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in the mountainous region of Tapalpa, Jalisco. The response included 252 roadblocks on roadways in 20 states, alongside reported fires of vehicles and attacks on businesses, according to a statement from the Mexican Security Cabinet.

Widespread Disruption

As of 8:00 PM Sunday, 23 roadblocks erected by criminal organizations remained active, along with four partial closures. However, the Security Cabinet reported that 90 percent of the obstructions had been cleared thanks to the deployment of the Secretariat of National Defense (Defense), the National Guard and state and municipal authorities.

Jalisco at the Center

Jalisco bore the brunt of the disruptions, accounting for 65 of the total roadblocks, reportedly in protest of actions taken against the leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).

Did You Know? The security operation that initiated this unrest was focused on capturing Rubén Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho.

Other states affected included Aguascalientes, Baja California, Chiapas, Colima, Estado de México, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Michoacán, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas. Authorities stated that isolated blockades in these areas were addressed “without any reported incidents.”

The Security Cabinet stated, “Thanks to the permanent and coordinated deployment of security forces, most of the blockades nationwide have been removed, main roads have been cleared, and remaining points are under operational control, with uninterrupted work to fully clear them.”

Expert Insight: The rapid response by national defense and security forces suggests a pre-planned strategy to counter potential disruptions stemming from operations targeting high-value cartel leaders. This coordinated effort highlights the government’s focus on maintaining order and control in the face of organized crime.

Federal authorities have urged citizens to remain calm and rely on official sources for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the roadblocks?

The roadblocks occurred following a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Rubén Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho.

How many states were affected?

Roadblocks were reported in 20 states across Mexico.

What is the current status of the roadblocks?

As of 8:00 PM Sunday, 90 percent of the 252 roadblocks had been cleared, with 23 remaining active and four partially closed.

How might the Mexican government’s strategy evolve in response to continued challenges from organized crime groups?

Mexico: CJNG Blockades Hit 20 States After ‘El Mencho’ Operation