Mexican authorities killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on February 22, 2026, in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Two of his escorts were arrested during the operation and now face charges for possession of exclusive army weapons. The event has triggered violence in Jalisco, impacting flights and tourism.
The operation to capture El Mencho took place in a cabin at the private residential complex Tapalpa Country Club, in a wooded high-value area. Mexican special forces acted with information from the United States, which tracked a visit from one of the CJNG leader's sentimental partners.
During the action on February 22, Andrés “N” and Gerardo “N” were detained, presumed members of Oseguera Cervantes's security circle. The Attorney General's Office (FGR) obtained the indictment on March 1, charging them with possession of exclusive army firearms. A federal judge imposed official preventive detention in the Altiplano prison, while the investigation continues under the Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO).
El Mencho's death sparked violent incidents in Jalisco, with attacks on over 200 businesses, including Oxxo and Kiosko, as a CJNG response. More than 300 flights were canceled at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta airports, affecting nearly 50,000 passengers, according to Raúl Revuelta, director of the Pacific Airport Group (GAP). “We forecast that the possible impact affected about 50,000 passengers at both airports,” Revuelta said, anticipating no major long-term effects despite upcoming 2026 World Cup matches.
The Jalisco government, led by Pablo Lemus, is allocating one billion pesos for tourism promotion to mitigate “incalculable” damages, according to Mauro Garza Marín, economic cabinet coordinator. Events were postponed, but security is being reinforced for imminent activities. Airlines have resumed operations, and upticks are expected with new routes from Canada, such as Air Canada's 10 daily flights for summer 2026, an 18% capacity increase.
