Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), in an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Tracking his romantic partner led to his location in a facility linked to money laundering. His death has sparked speculation about the cartel's successor and denials of social media rumors.
On February 23, 2026, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Secretary of National Defense, reported that authorities located 'El Mencho' after tracking a trusted associate of his romantic partner, who led them to a facility in Tapalpa. The day after the partner left the site, confirming the CJNG leader's presence, the operation commenced, resulting in his death. The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) noted that the United States had flagged Cabañas La Loma Tapalpa as a money laundering operation.
Influencer María Julissa, with 3.5 million social media followers, denied any ties to 'El Mencho' amid rumors portraying her as his partner. In a video, she stated: “Yo jamás me metería con ese tema”. She clarified that circulated photos, including one with a CJNG bulletproof vest, were generated by artificial intelligence and urged reporting false posts, emphasizing the information lacks foundation.
Jessica Johanna Oseguera González, known as 'La Negra' and daughter of 'El Mencho', has been linked to CJNG activities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, she managed businesses such as Kenzo Sushi restaurant in Guadalajara, offering Japanese dishes priced from 45 to 285 pesos, and the Onze Black tequila brand, described as having a smooth and deep flavor. She was arrested in 2020 for money laundering, pleaded guilty in 2021, and was released in 2022 after serving 30 months in prison.
Her sister Laisha Oseguera González, born in 2001, is the partner of Christian Ochoa 'El Guacho' and was implicated in 2021 for allegedly kidnapping two marines to secure her mother Rosalinda Valencia's release. She owns properties in Tijuana and a cafeteria. The U.S. Treasury Department identifies Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, 'El Chorro', 'El Mencho's son-in-law and Jessica's husband, as a possible successor, with influence over the Manzanillo port for fentanyl precursors. Other leaders include Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán 'El Sapo' and Audias Flores Silva 'El Jardinero', with a $5 million reward for the latter.
