U.S. provided intel support to Mexico for operation that killed powerful cartel leader

The U.S. provided intelligence support to the Mexican military for its operation Sunday that resulted in the death of powerful drug cartel leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the White House said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt cast the operation — which sparked chaos in some corners of Mexico and a shelter-in-place order for Americans in the country — as a joint success for both Mexico and the U.S. She said it was proof that the Trump administration will use the full power of the U.S. government to stop the flow of drugs into America.

“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation … in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated,” she said in a post on X.

“Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested,” she wrote. “President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.”

The specifics of U.S. involvement in the operation weren’t immediately clear. American intelligence agencies and the Pentagon have significant visibility into the operations of major drug cartels operating across the continent.

Since last September, the U.S. has repeatedly targeted alleged drug boats moving narcotics from Venezuela and other nations through the Caribbean and eastern Pacific into the U.S. American Special Forces in January also carried out a daring raid in Caracas, Venezuela, to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He is awaiting trial in New York on federal narco-terrorism-related charges.

The Trump administration has pressured other governments in the region, including that of Mexico, to take a tougher stance against drug cartels in their countries. 

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ron Johnson credited the Mexican military for doing just that. He said in a statement that under Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Mexico have “reached unprecedented levels.”

Oseguera Cervantes, one of the most wanted criminals in North America, was wounded in the operation to capture him Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, about a two-hour drive southwest of Guadalajara. He died while being flown to Mexico City, Mexican officials said. 

The state is the base of the cartel known for trafficking huge quantities of fentanyl and other drugs to the U.S.

During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four people at the location. Three more people, including Oseguera Cervantes, were wounded and later died, the Mexican government said. Two others were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded and are receiving medical treatment.

The death of Oseguera Cervantes sparked chaos in some parts of the country. Gunmen reportedly opened fire in some areas. Cars burned out by cartel members blocked roads in 20 Mexican states and left smoke billowing into the air. 

People locked themselves in their homes in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and Jalisco’s capital, and school was canceled Monday in several states as security forces were placed on alert all over the country. Even Guatemala reinforced security on its border with Mexico.

Mexican authorities, as of early Monday, said they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states.

But the U.S. State Department urged citizens in the country to shelter in place. Many flights have been canceled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, meaning some Americans in those areas are unable to leave.

“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place,” the U.S. Embassy to Mexico said in a statement. 

 • This article is based in part on wire service reports.