Mexican security forces killed the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent organizations, on Sunday. The cartel leader, known as Oseguera, was a founder of the group and had helped transform it into a major power. His killing set off a wave of violence in areas controlled by the cartel, with reports of burning cars blocking roads.
The U.S. Embassy warned U.S. citizens to shelter in place due to security operations and related road blockages. The operation was carried out by the Mexican military with participation from a joint U.S.-Mexico task force. Oseguera’s killing is seen as a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world.
The cartel has surpassed the Sinaloa Cartel as the most powerful group in Mexico due to serious leadership losses. Its wealth allowed it to buy political influence and build an army of over 7,000 people. The cartel’s global reach enabled it to sell drugs on every continent but Antarctica.
While Oseguera’s killing will not destroy the cartel, it is expected to have some immediate impact on the supply chain in the US. Law enforcement officials say that his leadership was crucial in the international drug trade, and his death may temporarily cripple the group’s abilities.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum congratulated the security forces but urged Mexicans to remain calm and informed about the situation. The Trump administration had designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel a terrorist organization, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Oseguera’s capture.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/22/mexico-cartel-leader-killed-oseguera