The notorious drug lord known as “El Mencho” was killed in a standoff with Mexican special forces on Sunday, February 22, setting off violent unrest across the country. We now know the 59-year-old criminal leader, accused of trafficking drugs across the United States-Mexico border, was found with the help of U.S. intelligence.
So how did El Mencho, real name Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, rise to such prominence in both countries—drawing comparisons to infamous Sinaloa cartel head Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera and prompting a multi-million-dollar reward for his capture?
Here is everything to know about El Mencho and his ties to the United States.
Who Was El Mencho, and Why Was He Wanted in the U.S.?
El Mencho was the nickname of Oseguera Cervantes, born July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Mexico. He was also known as the “Lord of the Roosters,” based on his apparent interest in cockfighting.
Oseguera Cervantes was born into a family of avocado farmers and dropped out of school in sixth grade, according to the Courier-Journal. Court and prison records show he illegally traveled into the U.S. at least three times and attempted to build a drug-trafficking business when he was around 19 years old and lived near San Francisco. He later served more than four years in prison after attempting to sell heroin to undercover officers and was deported.
El Mencho returned to Mexico and became a founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a drug syndicate founded in 2009 and “assessed to have the highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico,” according to the U.S. Department of State. The group was responsible for homicides against Mexican law enforcement and, allegedly under Oseguera Cervantes’s direction, assassination attempts of Mexican government officials, as well as trafficking fentanyl into the U.S.
In his most recent indictment, Oseguera Cervantes was charged with conspiracy and distribution of a controlled substance for purposes of unlawful importation into the U.S. and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes. A reward of up to $15 million was offered for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
How Was El Mencho Killed, and Did the U.S. Play a Role?
Mexico’s defense ministry confirmed Oseguera Cervantes died in a special operation on Sunday, February 22.
Authorities followed a romantic partner of Oseguera Cervantes to his hideout in Tapalpa, Mexico. He fled with two bodyguards in an ensuing shootout involving Mexican army special forces, but was seriously wounded and died after being taken into custody, according to the Associated Press.
Later in the day, U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement posted to social media site X, the U.S. “provided intelligence support” for the operation, which resulted in the deaths of three additional Jalisco New Generation Cartel members and two arrests.
“President Trump has been very clear—the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved,” Leavitt wrote.
What Happened After El Mencho’s Death?
Members of the CJNG responded to the killing of Oseguera Cervantes by setting fire to cars and blocking roadways. More than two dozen members of the Mexican National Guard died in six separate attacks, according to the AP.
As a result of the violence, U.S. and Canadian airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, popular Mexican tourist destinations, leaving many travelers stranded. The U.S. State Department also issued a shelter-in-place order.
More than 1,000 people were stuck at the Guadalajara zoo and forced to sleep in buses.
It’s not clear what Oseguera Cervantes’s death means for the CJNG or its leadership. However, the swift reaction is indicative of the operation’s scale and his influence within it.
Tyler Piccotti joined the Biography.com staff as an Associate News Editor and is now the News and Culture Editor. He previously worked as a reporter and copy editor for a daily newspaper recognized by the Associated Press Sports Editors. In his current role, he shares the true stories behind your favorite movies and TV shows and profiles rising musicians, actors, and athletes. When he's not working, you can find him at the nearest amusement park or movie theater and cheering on his favorite teams.
