White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Sunday that the United States provided intelligence support to Mexican authorities in an operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the longtime leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The Mexican army confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes was killed following a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, marking one of the most significant blows against a cartel leader in recent years.

The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.… https://t.co/iKxsAMmnLN

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 23, 2026

In a statement, Leavitt said, “The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.” She described him as “a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.” Leavitt added that three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded and two were arrested in the operation, and she praised Mexican forces for their cooperation and execution of the mission.

According to Mexico’s Defense Department, troops came under fire while attempting to capture Oseguera Cervantes in Tapalpa, about two hours southwest of Guadalajara. He was wounded during the confrontation and later died while being transported to Mexico City. Mexican authorities said armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other weapons were seized at the scene. Three members of the Mexican armed forces were wounded. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico said the operation was carried out by Mexican special forces within a framework of bilateral cooperation, with U.S. authorities providing complementary intelligence.

#PressRelease from Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense on the Mexican operation resulting in the death of "El Mencho":

Through central military intelligence efforts alongside the Mexican National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General's Office (FEMDO), Special Forces… https://t.co/oRulEu9VKN

— Embassy of Mexico in the U.S. (@EmbamexEUA) February 22, 2026

The killing triggered hours of violence in Jalisco and other states, including roadblocks and vehicles set ablaze, tactics commonly used by cartels to disrupt security operations. Flights to Puerto Vallarta were temporarily suspended by at least one international airline, and local officials urged residents to remain indoors. The U.S. State Department warned American citizens in several Mexican states to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations.

Mexico: UPDATE – Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic & int’l flights… pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 22, 2026

Oseguera Cervantes, 59, had led the cartel since its formation in the late 2000s and was considered one of the most powerful traffickers of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States. The U.S. government had offered up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. Last year, President Donald Trump designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, a move Leavitt referenced in her statement, saying, “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.”