Cartel Boss ‘El Mencho’s’ Body Returned to Family

The body of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” returned home after his death in a military operation last week. The U.S.-based Mexican National Guard faces an escalating threat from the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) following his demise.

At the height of violence, El Mencho’s death sparked intense retaliation from CJNG across Mexico’s territory, resulting in dozens of fatalities, including 25 members of the security forces. Last Saturday, Mexico’s attorney general’s office confirmed that genetic tests matched Oseguera Cervantes’ remains to his family who had requested a handover.

The Associated Press reported finding crucifixes and religious symbols at El Mencho’s hideout following the raid, indicating potential spiritual significance within the cartel. A U.S.-based romantic partner of “El Mencho” was tracked down by Mexican authorities, leading them to his location.

This operation marked an intensified collaboration between Mexico and the United States under President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration. CBS News sources indicated that a counter-cartel task force from U.S. Northern Command played a key role in the successful raid, though the credit for success ultimately rests with the Mexican military.

Mexico’s Defense ministry stated that “complementary information” provided by U.S. authorities within bilateral coordination facilitated the operation. Homeland security agencies are closely monitoring CJNG’s U.S.-based trafficking and financial networks to anticipate potential retaliation from cartel members there.

In February 2025, CJNG was one of several cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Despite no immediate threat to the U.S., law enforcement agencies remain vigilant for any uptick in violence or coercion within domestic trafficking corridors.

Contributions came from Eleanor Watson and Nicole Sganga.