WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 23 — The White House confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government for a military operation that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
In a post on X, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States assisted Mexican authorities during the operation in the town of Tapalpa, which led to the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated,” Leavitt said.
She described El Mencho as a top target for both U.S. and Mexican authorities, alleging that he was among the leading traffickers of fentanyl into the United States. Leavitt also noted that U.S. President Donald Trump designated the cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization last year.
“El Mencho was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is,” she said.
According to Leavitt, three additional cartel members were killed in the operation, three were wounded, and two were arrested. She emphasized that the administration remains committed to combating narcotics trafficking.
“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,” she said.
The operation was carried out by Mexican military forces, who engaged in a firefight with cartel members. Oseguera, a former police officer who led the cartel as it became one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, was seriously injured during the confrontation and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City.
Three Mexican military personnel were also injured and taken to hospitals for treatment.
The military operation triggered widespread violence across Jalisco and nearby states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato. Suspected cartel members set buses on fire, blocked roads, and clashed with security forces, authorities said.
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain indoors and announced the suspension of public transportation services until the situation was brought under control. He also warned that the violence had spread to at least five states and advised the public to avoid highway travel.
Oseguera was among the most wanted fugitives by U.S. authorities, who had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest. The U.S. Department of Justice had charged him in 2022 with leading efforts to manufacture and distribute fentanyl for import into the United States.
Authorities said the cartel maintains operations in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Colima, and Veracruz, as well as in other regions.
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