According to the NYT, the situation in Mexico has escalated due to Trump's demand for President Sheinbaum to more actively confront the drug cartels. The killing of El Mencho indicates that such actions can be effective, but they come with consequences. Sheinbaum, who led one of the most aggressive operations against drug cartels in a decade, utilized intelligence from the U.S. to eliminate this notorious criminal.
Mexican political analyst Carlos Bravo Regidor believes that such an operation jeopardizes the stability of Sheinbaum's administration and raises questions about how effectively the Mexican state will be able to handle the aftermath. "I don't know if she intended to go as far as she did," he added.
The killing of El Mencho has led to a surge in violence, including shootouts and arson, across the country. This once again places Mexico in the face of a cycle of violence as various criminal groups vie for influence and attempt to confront the government.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) organized a series of attacks, including blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire in Puerto Vallarta, which resulted in the escape of 23 inmates from a prison. During the chaos, armed individuals broke down the prison gates, allowing criminals to flee.
As a result of the operation to capture El Mencho and subsequent clashes, more than 70 people were killed, including 25 members of the National Guard.
El Mencho, who was the most wanted man in Mexico, led the CJNG to become a powerful transnational criminal organization that has spread beyond its home region in the state of Jalisco. This group is known for extreme acts of violence and numerous attacks on law enforcement and government officials.
The Trump administration declared El Mencho a "top target" for both countries due to his role in fentanyl trafficking and offered a reward of $15 million for any information leading to his capture.
The drug lord was arrested by Mexican security forces in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where he was located thanks to the traces left by one of his mistresses. He died shortly after his arrest from injuries sustained during a clash between his security team and Mexican special forces.
