Mexico Violence: CJNG Retaliation After ‘El Mencho’ Operation

A wave of violence has swept across Mexico following an operation targeting Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). The initial response included over 250 road blockades, vehicle fires, and attacks on businesses in at least 20 states, alongside widespread fear among the population.

Escalation of Violence

As of 8 PM on February 22nd, 23 road blockades remained active, in addition to four partial closures. The majority of these disruptions – 65 of the 252 total – were concentrated in Jalisco, impacting federal, state, and local roads.

Disruptions extended beyond Jalisco, with reports of blocked roads and vehicle fires in 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.

Impact on Daily Life

The escalating violence prompted the suspension of all educational levels in at least eight states: Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacán, Colima, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Oaxaca (specifically the Isthmus of Tehuantepec). Partial suspensions were also declared in some municipalities within the Estado de México and Hidalgo.

Educational institutions in Mexico City announced they would not penalize students for absences due to travel risks. Several universities, including the Universidad de Guanajuato, Universidad Veracruzana, Universidad de Guadalajara, Universidad de las Américas de Puebla, and Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla, have suspended classes indefinitely. The UNAM’s ENES campuses in Juriquilla, Querétaro; León, Guanajuato; and Morelia, Michoacán, have shifted to online learning.

Did You Know? At least 62 people lost their lives and 70 were detained in the immediate aftermath of the operation against “El Mencho” in Tapalpa, Jalisco.

According to Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch, the violence spread beyond Jalisco following the operation. Despite the widespread unrest, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that “Mexico is in peace, is in calm.”

Expert Insight: The swift and widespread nature of the response suggests a high degree of organizational capacity within the CJNG, even with its leader targeted. This highlights the challenges of dismantling deeply entrenched criminal organizations and the potential for retaliatory violence even after key figures are removed.

What Could Happen Next

The situation remains fluid. Further clashes between security forces and cartel members could occur. A prolonged period of instability is also likely, as the CJNG may attempt to consolidate power or engage in further displays of force. The extent to which the federal government can maintain control and restore order remains to be seen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the recent violence?

The violence followed an operation targeting Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).

How many states were affected by the unrest?

At least 20 states experienced road blockades, vehicle fires, and attacks on businesses.

Were schools impacted by the violence?

Classes were suspended in at least eight states, and several universities across the country have either suspended classes or moved to online learning.

How might these events reshape the security landscape in Mexico?