Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' during a military operation in Jalisco state on Sunday. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader died from wounds sustained during the raid in Tapalpa while being transported to Mexico City. His death triggered violent clashes and roadblocks across western Mexico.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera Cervantes 'one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,' while former DEA Chief Mike Vigil described the operation as 'one of the most significant actions undertaken in the history of drug trafficking.' The U.S. military provided support through the Joint Interagency Task Force-Counter Cartel, though officials emphasized this was primarily a Mexican military operation. The cartel, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration in 2025, has been linked to extensive fentanyl trafficking and violent attacks on Mexican authorities.

Violence erupted across multiple states including Jalisco, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas, with burning vehicles blocking roads and airports. Air Canada and major U.S. carriers Southwest, Alaska, and Delta canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. The U.S. State Department issued security alerts advising Americans to shelter in place in affected areas. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the unrest but stated that 'activities are proceeding with complete normality' in most of the country.