The 59-year-old head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel fell on February 22, 2026, during a U.S.-backed military operation that also killed seven cartel members and injured three soldiers. Chaos erupted immediately, with supporters blocking roads, burning vehicles and stores in states like Jalisco and Michoacán, while flights halted in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. A resurfaced 2016 audio captured El Mencho's raw threats to a police commander—demanding officers retreat, vowing to kill their families and even dogs, before oddly apologizing for his language—highlighting his once-iron grip on enforcers. Though a major victory, experts note the cartel's structure may lead to infighting or rival gains.
