Cartel Violence Grips Guadalajara Following Death of CJNG Leader ‘El Mencho’
Guadalajara, Mexico – Panic erupted in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, over the weekend as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) unleashed a wave of violence following the death of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” The chaos has prompted urgent travel warnings from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and raised concerns about security ahead of FIFA World Cup matches scheduled to be held in the city later this year.
El Mencho, critically wounded during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Mexico City on Sunday. In response, cartel members effectively declared war on the Mexican government, initiating widespread unrest across at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states.
Footage circulating online shows scenes of terror at Guadalajara airport, where armed cartel members stormed the terminal, firing shots and sending passengers scrambling for cover. Across the city, vehicles were set ablaze, filling the streets with smoke and transforming the urban landscape into a warzone. Residents and visitors have been urged to remain indoors as gun battles continue.
“The most important thing right now is to guarantee peace and security for the entire population of all of Mexico,” President Claudia Sheinbaum stated, appealing for calm. She assured the public that authorities are working to regain control, with increased military and police presence throughout the country.
Authorities in Guadalajara declared a “code red,” suspending public transportation and cancelling mass events. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro is coordinating efforts to restore order.
The violence extends beyond Guadalajara, surging up Mexico’s west coast towards the U.S. border. At least 30 deaths have been confirmed, with officials anticipating the number to rise. The resort town of Puerto Vallarta, south of the border, has also seen increased cartel activity, prompting warnings for American citizens to shelter in place.
The timing of this escalation is particularly sensitive, as Guadalajara is slated to host several matches for the FIFA World Cup, a tournament shared by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Mexico is scheduled to host 13 games across Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara, including a match between Mexico and Korea on June 18 at the Estadio Guadalajara.
The Mexican government has acknowledged assistance from the United States in the operation that led to El Mencho’s death. According to the White House, the Trump Administration provided key intelligence support. Mexican Secretary of National Defence General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo confirmed this collaboration, stating that “US institutions and intelligence agencies” aided in dismantling the cartel’s information networks.
Despite assurances from President Sheinbaum and General Trejo, large portions of the country remain on edge as security forces attempt to contain the ongoing violence and prevent further bloodshed.
