(Ulises RUIZ / AFP via Getty Images)
A burned car is seen on a highway near Acatlan de Juarez, Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. The car was allegedly set on fire by organized crime groups in response to the killing of Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho," the top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Mexican operation that killed a major cartel leader will improve U.S.-Mexico relations in the short to medium term, but the likely surge in cartel violence will increase pressure for U.S. military action in Mexico, while obstacles for businesses will likely hurt the Mexican economy. On Feb. 22, a Mexican military operation, backed by U.S. intelligence, killed Nemesio Oseguera "El Mencho," the top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was critically injured during a shootout with security forces and died in authorities' custody. Mexican special forces conducted the operation in the Jalisco town of Tapalpa, approximately 75 miles south of the state capital Guadalajara.
