Mexico City/Washington. Feb 23 (.) With the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel faces a looming succession battle, CNN quoted Mexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo as saying.
The cartel’s line of succession has been broken, Saucedo told CNN. El Mencho’s son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez (“El Menchito”), is jailed in the US, leaving only one brother and a stepson, who, Saucedo says, “still lacks influence among other cartel commanders.”
This leadership vacuum could spark an internal war, like the conflict that erupted within the Sinaloa Cartel when facing a power vacuum after the 2024 capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The Sinaloa conflict was fueled by the lack of a clear family successor, as cartel leadership often follows a dynastic pattern – passing from fathers to sons, siblings, or cousins.
Without an Oseguera family member as a clear successor, now “it’s likely that one of four or five top commanders will emerge as the next leader,” Saucedo said.
Saucedo noted that while a violent succession struggle is possible, the cartel commanders could also negotiate a smooth transition of power.
Among the contenders, Saucedo counted Ricardo Ruiz Velasco (“El Doble R”), Audias Flores (“El Jardinero” or “The Gardener”), another known as “El Sapo,” and a fourth figure – El Mencho’s former head of security – about whom little is known.
US citizens in parts of Mexico have been urged to “shelter in place” after the killing of the country’s most-wanted cartel leader triggered a wave of violence, road blockades and arson attacks across multiple states.
Jalisco New Generation Cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” died following a Mexican military operation in the western state of Jalisco. The White House said the United States provided intelligence support for the raid.
Authorities said Oseguera was seriously injured during the operation and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City. Four alleged cartel members were killed in the raid, and two others died alongside Oseguera during the transfer, officials said.
His death sparked immediate retaliation. Gang members torched buses, set fire to pharmacies and convenience stores, and blocked highways while clashing with security forces.
Mexico’s Security Cabinet reported more than 250 blockades across at least 20 states, though officials later said most major roads had been cleared.
Videos have been circulating on social media from the Pacific resort city of Puerto Vallarta showing plumes of smoke rising near tourist areas popular with US visitors. Unrest was also reported in Guadalajara and other cities in Jalisco, as well as in Baja California, Quintana Roo, Nayarit and Sinaloa.
The US Embassy in Mexico said American citizens should “seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements” due to ongoing security operations, road blockages and criminal activity. US government personnel were instructed to work remotely, and private citizens were advised to avoid areas near law enforcement activity and monitor local media for updates.
Several airlines suspended flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, stranding travelers. Footage from regional airports showed smoke visible in the distance and anxious passengers waiting for updates.
The violence also disrupted sporting events. Mexico’s football authorities postponed multiple matches, including top-flight fixtures, amid security concerns. Guadalajara is scheduled to host matches during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, though world football’s governing body has not commented on the unrest.
There are fears that Oseguera’s death could trigger a power struggle within the cartel. With his son incarcerated in the United States, experts say several senior commanders may now compete for control, raising the risk of further instability in the short term.
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