Feed MRSS-S jalisco_a, english.elpais.com en-us https://english.elpais.com Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:01:14 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/mexicos-president-visits-sinaloa-following-spike-in-factional-cartel-fighting.html Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:01:14 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/mexicos-president-visits-sinaloa-following-spike-in-factional-cartel-fighting.html Zedryk Raziel,Marcos Vizcarra Claudia Sheinbaum is preparing a two-day visit to the Mexican state caught in the crossfire between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza Claudia Sheinbaum is preparing a two-day visit to the Mexican state caught in the crossfire between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza Claudia Sheinbaum México Jalisco Sinaloa Los Chapitos Joaquín Guzmán Loera "El Chapo" Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Nemesio "El Mencho" Mónica González Islas (EL PAÍS) Mexico’s president visits Sinaloa Missing persons files at the State Attorney General's Office, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on February 17. Missing persons files at the State Attorney General's Office, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on February 17. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/6WYNI243AJDGHKMG7KSPWSGFXE.jpg?auth=bb08529b2596398b8ef3afdcb63c9bdcb092a080a3cc2217b486ea71c3392348" width="5711" height="3807" alt="Missing persons files at the State Attorney General's Office, in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on February 17."></img><p>Many local wars between drug cartels are being fought in Mexico. At times, one of these battles overshadows others, which continue to rage in the background. The unexpected fall last weekend of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html">Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera</a>, the head of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG), shifted attention away from the drug war that has been raging in the neighboring state of Sinaloa.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-27/mexicos-president-visits-sinaloa-following-spike-in-factional-cartel-fighting.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-26/following-the-trail-of-el-menchos-last-battle-in-tapalpa.html Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:59:29 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-26/following-the-trail-of-el-menchos-last-battle-in-tapalpa.html Beatriz Guillén EL PAÍS gained access to the cabin complex, nestled in a luxurious mountain retreat in Jalisco, where the world’s most wanted drug trafficker and his security detail staged their last stand with the Mexican army EL PAÍS gained access to the cabin complex, nestled in a luxurious mountain retreat in Jalisco, where the world’s most wanted drug trafficker and his security detail staged their last stand with the Mexican army Nemesio "El Mencho" Jalisco Guadalajara México Michoacán Alejandro Fernández Canelo Álvarez Donald Trump Roberto Antillón. (EL PAÍS) El Mencho’s last battle in Tapalpa A room in one of the cabins in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Wednesday. A room in one of the cabins in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Wednesday. Roberto Antillón. (EL PAÍS) Interior of a room in one of the cabins. Interior of a room in one of the cabins. Roberto Antillón. Notes left inside one of the cabins. Notes left inside one of the cabins. Roberto Antillón. Stuffed animals inside one of the cabins. Stuffed animals inside one of the cabins. Roberto Antillón. Cabin where shell casings and bloodstains were found in a pickup truck. Cabin where shell casings and bloodstains were found in a pickup truck. Roberto Antillón. A fragment of clothing. A fragment of clothing. Roberto Antillón. Remains of homemade explosives and clothing. Remains of homemade explosives and clothing. Roberto Antillón. Vehicles pulled over next to the first cabin in the subdivision. Vehicles pulled over next to the first cabin in the subdivision. Roberto Antillón. Shell casings located in front of one of the cabins. Shell casings located in front of one of the cabins. Roberto Antillón. Boot marks on one of the entrance doors. Boot marks on one of the entrance doors. Roberto Antillón. Burnt-out cars next to the Pinto Historical Ranch, located next to La Loma Cabins. Burnt-out cars next to the Pinto Historical Ranch, located next to La Loma Cabins. Roberto Antillón. Pieces of glass from a window, next to a bullet. Pieces of glass from a window, next to a bullet. Roberto Antillón. Abandoned vehicles next to the first cabin in the subdivision. Abandoned vehicles next to the first cabin in the subdivision. Roberto Antillón. Holes in the facade of one of the cabins. Holes in the facade of one of the cabins. Roberto Antillón. Broken window in a room. Broken window in a room. Roberto Antillón. Broken glass next to a religious statue in one of the cabins. Broken glass next to a religious statue in one of the cabins. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WM6TMG5WOBCJREXLJYE7V3W65M.jpg?auth=1a39a8978dbf47bc50c7bc2dd1c636ff36f9e8c0c4bc42f4ada841ddf504af8a" width="8192" height="5464" alt="A room in one of the cabins in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Wednesday."></img><p>The cabin has two rooms: one decorated with taxidermied animal heads, the other a war zone. The sofa is against the door, bullets litter the floor, a window has been shattered by a gunshot, a trunk serves as a trench, and there’s also a deer missing an ear. It’s the largest house in the La Loma luxury cabin complex in Tapalpa, a favorite town of Jalisco’s wealthy and, as of last Sunday, the site where the Mexican army killed <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a>, “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). On this property — which includes a dozen houses, a basketball court, trampolines, and parking — traces of blood, shell casings, bullet holes, vehicles, and tactical gear still remain. These are the remnants of the last battle fought by El Mencho and his security team before the drug lord fled into the trees with four of his bodyguards. There, in the undergrowth, he was mortally wounded. Even now, smoke rises from the forest.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-26/following-the-trail-of-el-menchos-last-battle-in-tapalpa.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SA4BQH65IVE5HCSH6U3CVP6OGQ.jpg?auth=c9c0b929368b520be725d8548be6faa54555c9cb5e6cbb8f702a8263ec5ca171" width="4000" height="2250" alt="Cabañas La Loma, site of the confrontation between military personnel and members of the CJNG."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/MKKYYER7E5AADCQBSMP7PXMV3Q.jpg?auth=8f23af4c7c14b490f6b9d7755fe9a3a5df40886d8084c1bde4f9ebec014febd8" width="8192" height="5464" alt="View of the main square of Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 25."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WKZXJYCPEZF65NYYBTM3MVRM2A.jpg?auth=cf54f019795e5c578cd388ccdb420dbb9422f3a8ace3b1d484d1b55c18549e61" width="8192" height="5464" alt="An Oxxo store burned during riots over the federal operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/el-menchos-family-requests-the-release-of-the-cjng-leaders-body.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:29:13 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/el-menchos-family-requests-the-release-of-the-cjng-leaders-body.html Micaela Varela Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has received a written request from a legal representative and will begin the protocol required to complete all procedures related to the custody of the deceased cartel boss Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has received a written request from a legal representative and will begin the protocol required to complete all procedures related to the custody of the deceased cartel boss Nemesio "El Mencho" Jalisco México Carlo Echegoyen (EL PAÍS) MEXICO- FEMDO-SEIDO CDMX-MENCHO A vehicle from Forensic Services in Mexico City, on February 22. A vehicle from Forensic Services in Mexico City, on February 22. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/AYKR6PTIKNGJVGO6J6TGNV3YSE.jpg?auth=5c1ad0651daf3bb642c109e113641f08eb8cfcbd2c250899047bc15a174fcf6c" width="6000" height="4000" alt="A vehicle from Forensic Services in Mexico City, on February 22."></img><p>A legal representative for the family of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/the-use-of-ai-and-bots-behind-the-wave-of-digital-disinformation-about-the-fall-of-el-mencho.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/the-use-of-ai-and-bots-behind-the-wave-of-digital-disinformation-about-the-fall-of-el-mencho.html">Nemesio Oseguera</a>, alias “El Mencho,” has submitted a request to Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to begin the process of releasing the body of the leader of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/from-carlos-manzo-to-el-pirata-de-culiacan-a-decade-of-murders-by-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/from-carlos-manzo-to-el-pirata-de-culiacan-a-decade-of-murders-by-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG). The body is being held by the Mexican Forensic Service (Semefo), and the public prosecutor must complete all procedural steps required to formally hand it over, according to the FGR’s statement. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/el-menchos-family-requests-the-release-of-the-cjng-leaders-body.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/the-disputed-business-interests-of-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel.html Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:33:32 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/the-disputed-business-interests-of-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel.html Carlos Carabaña Following the death of El Mencho, a succession process begins to control the lucrative criminal tentacles of Mexico’s most powerful cartel Following the death of El Mencho, a succession process begins to control the lucrative criminal tentacles of Mexico’s most powerful cartel Nemesio "El Mencho" DEA Pemex Washington D.C. México Jalisco Tamaulipas FBI Stringer (REUTERS) Jalisco New Generation Cartel Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Michoacán, October 15, 2022. Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Michoacán, October 15, 2022. <p>Three days after the death of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/mexico-a-country-without-drug-lords.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/mexico-a-country-without-drug-lords.html">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a>, “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), and with the narco-blockades and attacks against businesses and the security forces now contained, new questions arise as the week progresses. With the kingpin dead and no clear successor, the biggest unknown is who will rise to become the new head of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. It’s also unclear whether the succession process will be smooth and peaceful or if, as analysts predict, violence will erupt over the power struggle. What is beyond doubt is that the kingdom to be inherited is vast. The DEA defines the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as one of the most influential and ruthless mafias in Mexico, with a unique franchise structure and access to vast financial and corrupt political resources, with a presence in at least 40 countries.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-25/the-disputed-business-interests-of-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/el-menchos-hideout-was-a-tourist-cabin-flagged-by-the-us-treasury.html Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:08:53 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/el-menchos-hideout-was-a-tourist-cabin-flagged-by-the-us-treasury.html Micaela Varela The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed in Tapalpa, an ecotourism hotspot near a reservoir, a golf club, and surrounded by hotels The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed in Tapalpa, an ecotourism hotspot near a reservoir, a golf club, and surrounded by hotels Nemesio "El Mencho" Jalisco Guadalajara México EL PAÍS MENCHO BUENOS AIRES Satellite view of the cabins where Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," was hiding. Satellite view of the cabins where Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," was hiding. <p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes</a>, alias “El Mencho,” had spent the last few <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/all-the-times-el-mencho-nearly-fell-in-the-last-decade.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/all-the-times-el-mencho-nearly-fell-in-the-last-decade.html">decades hiding in the shadows</a>. Investigators knew that Mexico’s most powerful drug lord was hiding somewhere in the mountains of Jalisco, protected and escorted by a tight security circle of men he trusted completely, all heavily armed. The kingpin was so elusive that there weren’t even recent photos of him; the few that existed still showed him clean‑shaven and youthful. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-24/el-menchos-hideout-was-a-tourist-cabin-flagged-by-the-us-treasury.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HQWRVID6KRBDTMM745L6UJMDH4.jpg?auth=642f2e84fc6c3707338ae57be3b2252526db7e79879cfe112dfb83416b62035c" width="4695" height="3130" alt="Satellite view of the cabins where Nemesio Oseguera was hiding."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-final-hours-of-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-criminal.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:09:28 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-final-hours-of-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-criminal.html Beatriz Guillén Nemesio Oseguera was in hiding in the mountains of Jalisco with a dozen bodyguards. It was a visit from one of his “sentimental partners” that allowed authorities to locate and kill him in an operation by Mexican Army special forces Nemesio Oseguera was in hiding in the mountains of Jalisco with a dozen bodyguards. It was a visit from one of his “sentimental partners” that allowed authorities to locate and kill him in an operation by Mexican Army special forces América México Nemesio "El Mencho" Claudia Sheinbaum Omar García Harfuch Jalisco Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación Narcotráfico Cárteles mexicanos Crimen organizado Delitos Violencia Departamento de Justicia de EE UU MÉXICO - MENCHO FICHA Wanted poster for Nemesio Oseguera ‘El Mencho’. Wanted poster for Nemesio Oseguera ‘El Mencho’. <p>The story of the world’s most wanted drug trafficker ends with him huddled in a forest in the mountains of Jalisco. Mortally wounded, armed with a rocket launcher, and accompanied by four of his most trusted men, the journey of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html">Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” </a>came to an end in the early hours of Sunday morning after four decades dedicated to drug trafficking and building his own criminal empire,<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html"> the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG)</a>. El Mencho died from gunfire by a Mexican Army special forces unit, which had spent years gathering intelligence to locate him and finally found his last known position in the same way they had brought about the downfall of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán 10 years earlier, also on February 22nd: through the visit from a woman.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-final-hours-of-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-criminal.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/K7GA6WPUW5E3XN5GJPROHA56NE.JPG?auth=c7a21824745d52b2b4d1a9d30b2bd8f1b5184344425fbd1b213bcaf0bd3a13ca" width="4096" height="3072" alt="Columns of smoke in Puerto Vallarta, this Sunday."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/mexico-on-alert-after-the-fall-of-el-mencho.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:42:20 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/mexico-on-alert-after-the-fall-of-el-mencho.html Beatriz Guillén A dozen states suspended classes for Monday, and several others have convened their security cabinets to monitor the wave of violence unleashed by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel following the death of its leader A dozen states suspended classes for Monday, and several others have convened their security cabinets to monitor the wave of violence unleashed by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel following the death of its leader Nemesio "El Mencho" México Claudia Sheinbaum Jalisco Sinaloa Armando Solis (AP) APTOPIX Mexico Cartel Death A soldier deployed in the area of ​​a drug cartel roadblock in Cointzio, Michoacán, on Sunday. A soldier deployed in the area of ​​a drug cartel roadblock in Cointzio, Michoacán, on Sunday. Carlo Echegoyen MEXICO- FEMDO-SEIDO CDMX-MENCHO A Rhino armored vehicle in front of the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City, where experts will perform an autopsy on the body of the CJNG leader to officially confirm his death. A Rhino armored vehicle in front of the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City, where experts will perform an autopsy on the body of the CJNG leader to officially confirm his death. Alam N. López (EL PAÍS) MÉXICO-CAPTURA EL MENCHO-PUERTO VALLARTA Columns of smoke rise above Puerto Vallarta in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, following the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera. Columns of smoke rise above Puerto Vallarta in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, following the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO The violence spread to different states in Mexico, such as Michoacán and Colima. The violence spread to different states in Mexico, such as Michoacán and Colima. Alejandra Leyva (AP) APTOPIX Mexico Cartel Death A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Roberto Antillón MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO A charred car in downtown Guadalajara. A charred car in downtown Guadalajara. Carlo Echegoyen MEXICO- FEMDO-SEIDO CDMX-MENCHO Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes coolly and quietly expanded his criminal business beyond drugs, with tentacles throughout the country capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military personnel. In the image: National Guard vehicles in the vicinity of the FEMDO in Mexico City. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes coolly and quietly expanded his criminal business beyond drugs, with tentacles throughout the country capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military personnel. In the image: National Guard vehicles in the vicinity of the FEMDO in Mexico City. Alam N. López MÉXICO-CAPTURA EL MENCHO-PUERTO VALLARTA A burned-out vehicle blocks a road in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. A burned-out vehicle blocks a road in the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as "El Mencho," killed in military operation, triggering blockades in Mexico The empty streets of Guadalajara's historic center after blockades and clashes throughout the day across the country. The empty streets of Guadalajara's historic center after blockades and clashes throughout the day across the country. Gabriel Trujillo (REUTERS) Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as "El Mencho," killed in military operation, triggering blockades in Mexico Army checkpoint on a road in Zapopan. Army checkpoint on a road in Zapopan. Roberto Antillón MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO The first reports of roadblocks began in Tapalpa, Jalisco. In the image: a burned-out vehicle in Guadalajara. The first reports of roadblocks began in Tapalpa, Jalisco. In the image: a burned-out vehicle in Guadalajara. Alonso Cupul (EFE) México confirma muerte de capo narcotraficante en operativo con ayuda de EEUU Security forces guard the area where a vehicle was set on fire by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in the resort town of Cancún in Quintana Roo. Security forces guard the area where a vehicle was set on fire by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in the resort town of Cancún in Quintana Roo. Alam N. López (EL PAÍS) MÉXICO-CAPTURA EL MENCHO-PUERTO VALLARTA Fires in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz church following confirmation of the death of the CJNG leader this morning in Puerto Vallarta. Fires in the vicinity of the Santa Cruz church following confirmation of the death of the CJNG leader this morning in Puerto Vallarta. Fotógrafo Especial/CUARTOSCURO MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO Vehicles set on fire in Guadalajara. Vehicles set on fire in Guadalajara. Michelle Freyria (REUTERS) MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO People capture images of a burned vehicle used as barricade by organized crime members following a series of arrests by federal forces in Guadalajara, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. People capture images of a burned vehicle used as barricade by organized crime members following a series of arrests by federal forces in Guadalajara, Mexico, on February 22, 2026. Francisco Guasco (EFE) Abatido en México el líder del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), alias El Mencho Members of the Guadalajara Fire Department responded to the emergency. Members of the Guadalajara Fire Department responded to the emergency. Fotógrafo Especial/CUARTOSCURO MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," was killed during the operation. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho," was killed during the operation. Carlo Echegoyen MEXICO- FEMDO-SEIDO CDMX-MENCHO Members of the National Guard guard the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City while awaiting the transfer of Oseguera's body. Members of the National Guard guard the headquarters of the Special Attorney General's Office for Organized Crime in Mexico City while awaiting the transfer of Oseguera's body. Alejandra Leyva (AP) Mexico Cartel Death The Jalisco State Government activated a code red in the state, asking citizens to avoid going out on the streets and canceling all types of public events. The Jalisco State Government activated a code red in the state, asking citizens to avoid going out on the streets and canceling all types of public events. Roberto Antillón. (EL PAÍS) MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO Cars set on fire on Juárez Avenue in downtown Guadalajara on Sunday. Cars set on fire on Juárez Avenue in downtown Guadalajara on Sunday. Francisco Guasco (EFE) Caos y violencia en varios estados de México tras muerte de El Mencho, líder del CJNG A bullet casing in front of a shopping center after an attack by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in Guadalajara. A bullet casing in front of a shopping center after an attack by alleged members of organized crime on Sunday in Guadalajara. Roberto Antillón MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO Posters of missing persons and a burned-out vehicle on the corner of 16 de Septiembre and La Paz, in downtown Guadalajara. Posters of missing persons and a burned-out vehicle on the corner of 16 de Septiembre and La Paz, in downtown Guadalajara. Roberto Antillón MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO Tire spikes blocking vehicle traffic in Guadalajara. Tire spikes blocking vehicle traffic in Guadalajara. Roberto Antillón MEXICO-MÉXICO - BLOQUEOS GUADALAJARA - JALISCO-MENCHO Deserted streets in downtown Guadalajara after the narco-blockades. Deserted streets in downtown Guadalajara after the narco-blockades. CEDIDA MEXICO-ATAQUE TLAPALPA JASLICO NARCOBLOQUEOS The Jalisco government has asked citizens to stay at home and transportation has been suspended. The Jalisco government has asked citizens to stay at home and transportation has been suspended. Francisco Guasco (EFE) Abatido en México el líder del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), alias El Mencho Emergency forces extinguish a burned out car. Emergency forces extinguish a burned out car. <p>A man was gunned down, and an entire country went on alert. <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html">Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes</a>, the leader of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)</a> and the world’s most‑wanted criminal, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-22/mexico-kills-nemesio-oseguera-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-drug-lord.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-22/mexico-kills-nemesio-oseguera-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-drug-lord.html">died on Sunday</a> after a Mexican Army operation in the mountains of Jalisco. The consequences of his fall spread quickly throughout Mexico. A dozen states suspended school classes for Monday; several governors urgently convened their security cabinets to monitor the wave of violence unleashed by organized crime; the national trucking association urged drivers to seek shelter; and the United States warned its citizens in nearly a third of the country not to leave their homes. Meanwhile, in the state of Jalisco — the cradle of the CJNG — people are still holding their breath: what will the most powerful criminal group in the country do in response to the unexpected death of its leader?</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/mexico-on-alert-after-the-fall-of-el-mencho.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/K7GA6WPUW5E3XN5GJPROHA56NE.JPG?auth=c7a21824745d52b2b4d1a9d30b2bd8f1b5184344425fbd1b213bcaf0bd3a13ca" width="4096" height="3072" alt="Columns of smoke rise in Puerto Vallarta after vehicles and businesses were burned by members of organized crime following the fall of the CJNG leader."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:51:59 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html Zedryk Raziel The death of El Mencho raises questions about who will succeed him at the head of the powerful criminal organization, whose operations range from drug trafficking to extortion and money laundering The death of El Mencho raises questions about who will succeed him at the head of the powerful criminal organization, whose operations range from drug trafficking to extortion and money laundering Nemesio "El Mencho" Jalisco México Sinaloa Omar García Harfuch Donald Trump CUARTOSCURO MÉXICO-MICHOACÁN-CJNG Members of the Lagarto Operational Group, the armed wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in the mountains of the state of Michoacán, in 2023. Members of the Lagarto Operational Group, the armed wing of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in the mountains of the state of Michoacán, in 2023. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-menchos-downfall-gives-a-boost-to-mexicos-security-strategy.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-menchos-downfall-gives-a-boost-to-mexicos-security-strategy.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG) made its grand entrance onto the criminal scene with a macabre image: the public display of 35 corpses — bearing signs of torture — in the city of Boca del Río, Veracruz, in 2011. The criminal group of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-menchos-downfall-gives-a-boost-to-mexicos-security-strategy.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-menchos-downfall-gives-a-boost-to-mexicos-security-strategy.html">Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguerra</a> was then known as Los Matazetas (The Zetas Killers), as that was supposedly its purpose: to exterminate the Los Zetas cartel. Since Los Zetas had a reputation for being bloodthirsty, the CJNG — which in its early days was in alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel — mirrored their violence and pushed it into outright barbarism. El Mencho’s hitmen even strapped dynamite to their rivals’ bodies to make them explode while still alive.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/the-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-a-criminal-enterprise-with-a-turbulent-rise.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:51:35 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html David Marcial Pérez The cool-headed founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expanded the criminal enterprise, pushing it far beyond drug trafficking. It had tentacles across the entire country and was capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military officers The cool-headed founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel expanded the criminal enterprise, pushing it far beyond drug trafficking. It had tentacles across the entire country and was capable of assassinating judges, politicians, and military officers Nemesio "El Mencho" Sinaloa Jalisco DEA México departamento de policía de San Francisco MÉXICO-NEMESIO OSEGUERA-PERFIL Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho', in a photo of his arrest in San Francisco, in 1989. Nemesio Oseguera, 'El Mencho', in a photo of his arrest in San Francisco, in 1989. <p>There were only three photos of him. All of them were the typical mugshots from U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) files, taken in the early 1990s. First, they caught him with a bit of marijuana. Later, selling heroin to undercover officers in a San Francisco bar. He was just over 20 and made a living crossing illegally into the United States, getting arrested, and being deported. He always found a way to cross back. But after serving a few years in prison, he decided to stay in Mexico. From that point on, there are no more photos of the criminal career that would turn <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html">Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes</a> into the boss of the most powerful mafia in the country, the<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html"> Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG).</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-23/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-who-revolutionized-mexicos-criminal-landscape.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-22/mexico-kills-nemesio-oseguera-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-drug-lord.html Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:48:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-22/mexico-kills-nemesio-oseguera-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-drug-lord.html Pablo Ferri The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel had spent decades evading justice. He was brought down in an operation in the mountains of Jalisco that has sparked a violent reaction in various states across the country The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel had spent decades evading justice. He was brought down in an operation in the mountains of Jalisco that has sparked a violent reaction in various states across the country México Nemesio "El Mencho" Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Joaquín Guzmán López Michoacán Jalisco Rafael Caro Quintero Omar García Harfuch Rastreo de redes (EFE) Abatido en México el líder del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), alias El Mencho Nemesio Oseguera 'El Mencho'. Nemesio Oseguera 'El Mencho'. <p>The Mexican military killed <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html">Rubén Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho,”</a> the most wanted and dangerous drug trafficker in the world, this weekend in the state of Jalisco, in central Mexico, according to official sources who confirmed the information to EL PAÍS. The leader of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG), the country’s most significant criminal group, Oseguera headed a criminal enterprise with countless tentacles — more powerful than any other, violent and aggressive in its business practices, and primarily linked to drug trafficking. Although authorities have not yet provided many details, El Mencho was brought down in an operation in the mountains of Jalisco, where he had operated freely for decades, protected by his criminal ranks.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-22/mexico-kills-nemesio-oseguera-el-mencho-the-worlds-most-wanted-drug-lord.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-02-20/the-jensen-case-reveals-how-proceeds-from-stolen-crude-moved-from-the-us-to-a-mexican-cartel.html Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:18:18 GMT https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-02-20/the-jensen-case-reveals-how-proceeds-from-stolen-crude-moved-from-the-us-to-a-mexican-cartel.html Zedryk Raziel From Texas, Luxemborg Trading LLC ordered thousands of shipments with the help of shell companies in Mexico, in a vast operation that has delivered $8 million dollars to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel From Texas, Luxemborg Trading LLC ordered thousands of shipments with the help of shell companies in Mexico, in a vast operation that has delivered $8 million dollars to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel DEA México Jalisco Texas Huachicol Pemex Cedida The Jensen case James Laen Jensen and his wife, Kelly Anne Jensen, in an undated photograph. James Laen Jensen and his wife, Kelly Anne Jensen, in an undated photograph. <p>The trial in the<a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-15/the-jensens-the-us-family-that-smuggled-2900-shipments-of-crude-oil-from-mexico-to-texas.html?event_log=oklogin" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-15/the-jensens-the-us-family-that-smuggled-2900-shipments-of-crude-oil-from-mexico-to-texas.html?event_log=oklogin"> United States against the Jensen family</a> is beginning to reveal the criminal structure that allegedly helped them illegally smuggle thousands of shipments of crude oil stolen from Pemex, the Mexican state-owned oil company, into the U.S. EL PAÍS has followed the trail of the intermediary who connects the family of oil magnate James Jensen to the leadership of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG), which is in charge of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-17/mexico-fuel-trafficking-network-operated-since-at-least-2023with-69-shipments-and-more-than-150-million-in-profits.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-17/mexico-fuel-trafficking-network-operated-since-at-least-2023with-69-shipments-and-more-than-150-million-in-profits.html"><i>huachicol</i></a><i>: </i>the fuel theft business. </p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2026-02-20/the-jensen-case-reveals-how-proceeds-from-stolen-crude-moved-from-the-us-to-a-mexican-cartel.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/on-the-trail-of-el-botox-in-mexicos-citrus-growing-wall-street.html Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:04:20 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/on-the-trail-of-el-botox-in-mexicos-citrus-growing-wall-street.html Pablo Ferri The vast lemon industry of the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán, where the alleged extortionist had his fiefdom, puts any preconceived notions about violence and power to shame The vast lemon industry of the Tierra Caliente region of Michoacán, where the alleged extortionist had his fiefdom, puts any preconceived notions about violence and power to shame Michoacán Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación La Familia Michoacana Jalisco Juan José Estrada Serafín 'El Bótox' in 2013, in the Pareo community, municipality of Tancítaro. 'El Bótox' in 2013, in the Pareo community, municipality of Tancítaro. Juan José Estrada Serafín (EL PAÍS) Tour of lemon orchards in a production field in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán, Michoacán, on January 28, 2026. Tour of lemon orchards in a production field in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán, Michoacán, on January 28, 2026. Juan José Estrada Serafín (EL PAÍS) Production field in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán, Michoacán. Production field in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán, Michoacán. Juan José Estrada Serafín (EL PAÍS) Lemon production in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán. Lemon production in the community of Cenobio Moreno in Buenavista Tomatlán. Juan José Estrada Serafín (EL PAÍS) Workers check the lemon harvest in the community of Cenobio Moreno. Workers check the lemon harvest in the community of Cenobio Moreno. Juan José Estrada Serafín (Cuartoscuro) Security personnel monitor the lemon market. Security personnel monitor the lemon market. <p>The women gather on a bench in Cenobio Moreno. There are more than 10 of them, laughing, murmuring, fiddling with the sleeves of their shirts, the loose strands of their hair in buns. It’s hot, and it’s been dark for a while now; a January heat, 36 degrees Celsius, with acceptable humidity. “Shall we do it now?” one of them says. “Let’s do it now.” And then they all begin, taking turns, to tell their stories. Deep down, that story is almost always the same: agents from one agency, or several, broke into their homes after they had already left — almost all of them, to pick lemons. They took money, dishes, Tupperware, baptismal pendants, even three piggy banks, one in the form of a pig, another a dog, and one more a lamb.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-02-02/on-the-trail-of-el-botox-in-mexicos-citrus-growing-wall-street.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/PHWG7WWOTRGZNNDAPWCTYQB2LE.jpg?auth=671960289125a95b220e141ae0f31b703920437f391b5e4c9065a5279de93947" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Members of the National Guard, Mexican Army, and Civil Guard guard the lemon market in Apatzingán, as well as the lemon packing plants that receive the fruit for distribution in Apatzingán, Michoacán, on January 28, 2026."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SV3M3ZYSXFASDI55FEINQ7H4DA.JPG?auth=28b2c0e74aa305365176e16652fa5ebe81cf35f14dca0cbf065e5d41b20da666" width="6000" height="4000" alt="A worker in a lemon production field in the community of Cenobio Moreno."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/AJJEEY33UZAT5ARJ7FSNNTU32A.jpg?auth=a6b28e3211657349536b415e4e7e864ab9cd3f8ddf451944042dea7013aef5ea" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Security operation at the lemon market in Apatzingán."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-23/from-chickens-to-lemons-the-criminal-life-of-el-botox-michoacans-biggest-extortionist.html Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:41:50 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-23/from-chickens-to-lemons-the-criminal-life-of-el-botox-michoacans-biggest-extortionist.html Pablo Ferri A top government target whose currency was violence, César Sepúlveda had become a key supplier and intermediary for much of the productive activity in Tierra Caliente A top government target whose currency was violence, César Sepúlveda had become a key supplier and intermediary for much of the productive activity in Tierra Caliente Michoacán Claudia Sheinbaum Jalisco SSPC Transfer of 'El Botox' to Mexico City. Transfer of 'El Botox' to Mexico City. <p>The helicopters over the Michoacán town of Cenobio Moreno, in the Apatzingán Valley, on Wednesday foreshadowed significant arrests by the Mexican government. Authorities were searching for César Sepúlveda, alias “El Bótox,” one of the most notorious figures in organized crime in the state, accused of more than a dozen extortions and murders, including that of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-31/death-threats-and-terror-the-price-of-denouncing-extortion-for-michoacan-farmers.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-31/death-threats-and-terror-the-price-of-denouncing-extortion-for-michoacan-farmers.html">Bernardo Bravo</a>, leader of the local citrus growers’ association, at the end of last year. He was finally captured that night in the neighboring town of Santa Ana Amatlán. Two young men, nicknamed “Pánico” and “Greñas,” were with him. Cornered, El Bótox tried to escape through a window. Sepúlveda is now in prison, and the Claudia Sheinbaum administration has another victory to its name.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-01-23/from-chickens-to-lemons-the-criminal-life-of-el-botox-michoacans-biggest-extortionist.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-29/sinaloa-cartel-war-is-taking-its-toll-on-los-chapitos.html Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:40:03 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-29/sinaloa-cartel-war-is-taking-its-toll-on-los-chapitos.html Marcos Vizcarra State action and the fight against the faction loyal to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada have resulted in high-profile arrests and murders that have dealt a blow to the sons of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán State action and the fight against the faction loyal to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada have resulted in high-profile arrests and murders that have dealt a blow to the sons of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Joaquín Guzmán Loera "El Chapo" Sinaloa Los Chapitos Jalisco Washington D.C. Claudia Sheinbaum SSPC Barnabé Barraza and other arrested members of Los Chapitos. Barnabé Barraza and other arrested members of Los Chapitos. <p>There is no publicly available data to quantify this, nor is there an official statement drawing definitive conclusions about whether the internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel is tilting the playing field in favor of either of the two factions, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-13/a-year-of-terror-in-sinaloa-inside-the-war-between-los-chapitos-and-los-mayos-in-mexicos-drug-heartland.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-13/a-year-of-terror-in-sinaloa-inside-the-war-between-los-chapitos-and-los-mayos-in-mexicos-drug-heartland.html">Los Chapitos or La Mayiza</a>, which have been fighting for over a year following the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-04/us-role-in-kidnapping-of-el-mayo-zambada-by-los-chapitos-placed-under-scrutiny.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-04/us-role-in-kidnapping-of-el-mayo-zambada-by-los-chapitos-placed-under-scrutiny.html">arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada</a> in the United States. However, these past few months have dealt clear blows to the cartel’s structures, which, according to data from the U.S. government and the few leads from Mexican authorities, have diminished the power of the group led by Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons. The latest victim — assassinated in the heart of Mexico City — was “El Panu,” a hitman boss and one of the few remaining strongmen still active.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-29/sinaloa-cartel-war-is-taking-its-toll-on-los-chapitos.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-18/us-sanctions-against-jailed-cartel-leader-el-marro-highlight-mexicos-lack-of-control-over-its-prisons.html Thu, 18 Dec 2025 16:51:50 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-18/us-sanctions-against-jailed-cartel-leader-el-marro-highlight-mexicos-lack-of-control-over-its-prisons.html Pablo Ferri The Treasury Department notes that the boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel manages the group’s operations from prison and even forged an alliance with the Gulf Cartel while behind bars The Treasury Department notes that the boss of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel manages the group’s operations from prison and even forged an alliance with the Gulf Cartel while behind bars México Andrés Manuel López Obrador Michoacán Jalisco Guanajuato Claudia Sheinbaum Omar García Harfuch Los Zetas @FGEGUANAJUATO José Antonio Yépez, 'El Marro,' in 2020. José Antonio Yépez, 'El Marro,' in 2020. <p>The U.S. Treasury Department took a swipe at the Mexican prison system on Wednesday, disguised as a sanctions announcement against a criminal leader — one of many it reports each year. The Treasury explained that it has decided to sanction José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, alias “El Marro,” head of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-05/the-miracle-of-homicide-reduction-in-guanajuato-did-not-protect-jaqueline.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-05/the-miracle-of-homicide-reduction-in-guanajuato-did-not-protect-jaqueline.html">Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel</a> (CSRL), for his “industrial-scale” <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-21/washington-links-the-jensen-family-to-the-cjng-leadership-in-charge-of-fuel-theft.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-21/washington-links-the-jensen-family-to-the-cjng-leadership-in-charge-of-fuel-theft.html">fuel theft operation</a> in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico. Arrested in August 2020 and imprisoned since then, the U.S. government alleges that El Marro continues to run the criminal group from behind bars.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-12-18/us-sanctions-against-jailed-cartel-leader-el-marro-highlight-mexicos-lack-of-control-over-its-prisons.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-21/washington-links-the-jensen-family-to-the-cjng-leadership-in-charge-of-fuel-theft.html Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:06:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-21/washington-links-the-jensen-family-to-the-cjng-leadership-in-charge-of-fuel-theft.html Zedryk Raziel A cooperating witness details the links with ‘El Tanque’ and ‘Primito,’ two cartel bosses sanctioned by the Treasury Department, and their business dealings with the tycoon accused of smuggling oil stolen from Pemex into the US A cooperating witness details the links with ‘El Tanque’ and ‘Primito,’ two cartel bosses sanctioned by the Treasury Department, and their business dealings with the tycoon accused of smuggling oil stolen from Pemex into the US México Washington D.C. Pemex Nemesio "El Mencho" DEA Jalisco Tamaulipas Texas OMAR MARTÍNEZ (Cuartoscuro) Jensen family Hydrocarbon tankers seized on the Tijuana-Tecate highway, September 23. Hydrocarbon tankers seized on the Tijuana-Tecate highway, September 23. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-15/the-jensens-the-us-family-that-smuggled-2900-shipments-of-crude-oil-from-mexico-to-texas.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/usa/2025-09-15/the-jensens-the-us-family-that-smuggled-2900-shipments-of-crude-oil-from-mexico-to-texas.html">trial of the Jensen family</a> in the United States has shed more light on the criminal scheme that allowed thousands of shipments of crude oil stolen from Pemex, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, to be smuggled into the country. U.S. security agencies are collaborating with a protected witness who acted as an intermediary between the Jensens and leaders of the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG), whom the Treasury Department identifies as the masterminds behind the theft and smuggling of hydrocarbons in Mexico, known as <i>huachicol</i>. The Trump administration accuses the Jensens not only of smuggling crude oil into the U.S. disguised as other substances to evade taxes, but also of money laundering and financing a terrorist criminal organization, a category Trump used to classify a dozen cartels, one of them being the CJNG, led by Nemesio “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-31/el-mencho-the-discreet-drug-lord-in-charge-of-mexicos-most-powerful-cartel.html">El Mencho</a>” Oseguera. The Jensens’ defense claims there is no evidence that they knew they were dealing with the transnational criminal organization, as their only proven contact was with the broker.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-21/washington-links-the-jensen-family-to-the-cjng-leadership-in-charge-of-fuel-theft.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-06/gold-guns-and-cartels-the-battle-for-a-billion-dollar-mine.html Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:28:21 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-06/gold-guns-and-cartels-the-battle-for-a-billion-dollar-mine.html Steve Fisher A gold mine in Mexico’s Sonoran desert was taken over by the sons of drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. Mexican officials and generals said they would help an American businessman reclaim the mine — but demanded hefty bribes. For one man, reclaiming the mine was more than a business proposition. It was a reckoning with his past and a chance to pay back the orphanage that raised him A gold mine in Mexico’s Sonoran desert was taken over by the sons of drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. Mexican officials and generals said they would help an American businessman reclaim the mine — but demanded hefty bribes. For one man, reclaiming the mine was more than a business proposition. It was a reckoning with his past and a chance to pay back the orphanage that raised him México Los Chapitos Joaquín Guzmán Loera "El Chapo" Baja California Rafael Caro Quintero Jalisco Sinaloa <p>Barreling down the highway at 100 mph, a convoy of state police vehicles blew through speed bumps as it entered a small town in the Sonoran desert. Blasting over them was hell, but Alejandro Sánchez knew that slowing down was too risky: Here, locals call them “death bumps,” because reducing your speed gives cartel snipers a better chance of taking you out.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-11-06/gold-guns-and-cartels-the-battle-for-a-billion-dollar-mine.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/TMHTU2G6KJEC3GV34DGFPSX4UE.jpg?auth=b0de4ddf83f804b6f29ecb17254662bfd6db0847dc5d5ce0615952c70d0ae8a2" width="8000" height="5333" alt="A convoy of state police vehicles pauses at the entrance of Pitiquito, one of the desert villages between La Ciénega and Hermosillo."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/DI3VWP6GSNBHJJILJCLTAOR6BI.jpg?auth=be12a3086a882a0d12af62f0124a077eed1a5c51a13016d6f1312cee1dbabe8a" width="8000" height="5333" alt="Workers pause at the end of the day at La Ciénega. Thirty workers were preparing the mine to resume production."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-30/in-mexico-the-torment-of-searching-for-missing-persons-also-affects-the-families-of-police-officers.html Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:07:13 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-30/in-mexico-the-torment-of-searching-for-missing-persons-also-affects-the-families-of-police-officers.html Marco Antonio López Jalisco is the state with the highest number of missing officers, with 84 cases over six years. Forty-two have been found murdered Jalisco is the state with the highest number of missing officers, with 84 cases over six years. Forty-two have been found murdered México Jalisco Guadalajara Marco Antonio López Romero MÉXICO- BUSCADORAS JALISCO A member of the Jalisco Warrior Searchers collective searches for human remains, in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, on October 14. A member of the Jalisco Warrior Searchers collective searches for human remains, in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, on October 14. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/7XFJRKOHFZGEVAM36NWSUT7G7U.jpg?auth=90315d9735d8335efc908f4a24ecbc6c68a3064fc74136250eea39fd59b23e6d" width="4032" height="3024" alt="A member of the Jalisco Warrior Searchers collective searches for human remains, in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, on October 14."></img><p>Ana searches for her sister with a strange feeling inside. “It’s a bit like not really searching; for some time now, I’ve known I’m not going to find her,” she says before entering, alongside her colleagues from the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-29/mexicos-searching-mothers-alone-against-the-drug-cartels-and-the-authorities-we-live-with-more-fear-than-ever.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-29/mexicos-searching-mothers-alone-against-the-drug-cartels-and-the-authorities-we-live-with-more-fear-than-ever.html">Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco</a> (Jalisco Warrior Searchers) collective, a tiny abandoned house in the Valle de Los Olivos neighborhood, south of the Mexican city of Guadalajara. Ana speaks just minutes before the group begins breaking through the cement floor with a jackhammer, digging and digging and digging.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-30/in-mexico-the-torment-of-searching-for-missing-persons-also-affects-the-families-of-police-officers.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/3RCRDB7AONE77OXV3NNJU56Z3M.jpg?auth=a47e5770eeec7496e1a275aae09242340eac9ea90bf0552ceeab290567884ded" width="4032" height="2310" alt="Ana walks into an abandoned house in the Valle de Los Olivos subdivision, in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos on October 14, 2025"></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/NPVKQKSQ3ZF5LPROKC23IZKQOA.jpg?auth=b28a1153537367954cfacc22d9a208f6fd5dd8ecabb04b113780d372a76e012e" width="3716" height="2093" alt="The Madres Buscadoras de Jalisco (Searching Mothers of Jalisco) collective during a search inside abandoned houses in Ixtlahuacán de los Mebrillos, Jalisco."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-22/mexico-recaptures-chinese-fentanyl-kingpin-zhi-dong-zhang.html Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:44:13 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-22/mexico-recaptures-chinese-fentanyl-kingpin-zhi-dong-zhang.html Micaela Varela Accused of trafficking for cartels and laundering millions of dollars, Brother Wang fled Mexico City for Havana Accused of trafficking for cartels and laundering millions of dollars, Brother Wang fled Mexico City for Havana Cuba México Sinaloa Jalisco DEA Claudia Sheinbaum FGR Zhi Dong Zhang, identified as one of the main operators of the Sinaloa Cartel. Zhi Dong Zhang, identified as one of the main operators of the Sinaloa Cartel. <p>Zhi Dong Zhang’s latest bid to evade justice has come to an end. Cuban authorities have notified their Mexican counterparts that they have arrested the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-21/the-fight-to-jail-brother-wang-the-chinese-fentanyl-kingpin.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-21/the-fight-to-jail-brother-wang-the-chinese-fentanyl-kingpin.html">Chinese drug lord</a>, who fled Mexico City in the summer, and that he will now be transferred back. Zhang is accused of money laundering and drug trafficking through a criminal organization with links to the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-24/inside-the-sinaloa-cartel-the-united-states-knows-everything-about-los-chapitos-because-they-have-100-infiltration.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-03-24/inside-the-sinaloa-cartel-the-united-states-knows-everything-about-los-chapitos-because-they-have-100-infiltration.html">Sinaloa Cartel</a> and the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG). He is a priority target for the United States, which is awaiting his extradition once he is returned to Mexico. Estimates of the amount of drugs Zhang was transporting from Mexico to the U.S. amount to more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine and nearly 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-22/mexico-recaptures-chinese-fentanyl-kingpin-zhi-dong-zhang.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-11/mexicos-missing-person-crisis.html Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-11/mexicos-missing-person-crisis.html Beatriz Guillén With her three children murdered and her partner disappeared, Eva Vàzquez is just one of many living through a dire situation that has seen almost 15,000 people vanish without trace in the first year of Sheinbaum’s government  With her three children murdered and her partner disappeared, Eva Vàzquez is just one of many living through a dire situation that has seen almost 15,000 people vanish without trace in the first year of Sheinbaum’s government  México Guanajuato Jalisco Sinaloa Claudia Sheinbaum Andrés Manuel López Obrador Rodrigo Oropeza (EL PAÍS) MÉXICO- GUANAJUATO- EVA VAZQUEZ-HOMICIDIOS-DESAPARECIDOS Eva Vázquez at her home in Irapuato, Guanajuato, on September 25. Eva Vázquez at her home in Irapuato, Guanajuato, on September 25. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/D2MPYHVND5BVFFV6KHODCQ5FPA.jpg?auth=e9725eabb2c01d2d5865fe9fe2e7310cad0990a353cd588ff4bf080ad0754bcf" width="8192" height="5464" alt="Eva Vázquez at her home in Irapuato, Guanajuato, on September 25. "></img><p>“My son dropped dead there,” says Eva María Vázquez. Jaime González was murdered inside a house still under construction, in a humble neighborhood of Irapuato, in the state of <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-05/the-miracle-of-homicide-reduction-in-guanajuato-did-not-protect-jaqueline.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-05/the-miracle-of-homicide-reduction-in-guanajuato-did-not-protect-jaqueline.html">Guanajuato</a>, in central Mexico. He was the third son taken from her. Jaime was killed while his mother and her partner, Francisco Arias, were held downstairs at gunpoint, their faces pressed against the ground, their hands tied behind their backs. Before leaving the house, the armed group also took Arias, whom everyone calls Panchito. They did it just in case. They were not sure that they had killed the right person. “What do we do with this old man?” one asked. “Take him, take him,” another said.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-10-11/mexicos-missing-person-crisis.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/UR63UPOGI5HJDDA7TTSMIP5NK4.jpg?auth=e8653277012192f4a463c2fe4d0ad6512240a321e5131e5f5105b0efc18c7987" width="8192" height="5464" alt="Eva Vázquez, member of a group of searchers from Guanajuato. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/47QORDB74RCBPKORYA2Y6CQU3U.jpg?auth=18fbaadc61548db7c527ffd51a9c0f4bb8f3a518aae90034c4ef07193468bd5c" width="7649" height="5102" alt="Eva shows a photo of her murdered son. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/WDC47O4E5BEXROUGEHDN4WGMO4.jpg?auth=0fca5be08fce0c47badd6aa37cc42f26e6bd1650ca1e66402a91463eefb64d3c" width="8192" height="5464" alt="Search form for José Francisco Arias Mendoza."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/RHX7ANLOAJEPDHD3HIHBZTLZIA.jpg?auth=e2bc081b09cda1d74f9de898eeeef6417c38ef1ef8727edf12ca486ef043b757" width="8192" height="5464" alt="Tiles with portraits of missing persons on the walls of the Attorney General's Office in the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato. "></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:14:56 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html Pablo Ferri The testimonies of 38 people forcibly recruited in January by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel depict the deceptions and threats employed by the criminal organization The testimonies of 38 people forcibly recruited in January by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel depict the deceptions and threats employed by the criminal organization Jalisco México Facebook TikTok Michoacán Guadalajara México Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación Nemesio "El Mencho" STR The La Vega Ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, on September 20, 2025. The La Vega Ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, on September 20, 2025. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/DCV3NMXF35AYXKHAREYZYBF2MY.jpg?auth=ed47823c240166aad2b896c8f4a60bdf5b7af5e16a56f349ee8ddbdbb772e47a" width="3551" height="2268" alt="The La Vega Ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, on September 20, 2025."></img><p>A 20-year-old man is browsing Facebook. Among the posts scrolling across his screen, he sees one that catches his eye: a job offer, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-18/emojis-slang-and-hashtags-the-jalisco-new-generation-and-sinaloa-cartels-attract-young-people-on-tiktok.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-18/emojis-slang-and-hashtags-the-jalisco-new-generation-and-sinaloa-cartels-attract-young-people-on-tiktok.html">for a security guard at a company</a>. He currently works washing cars, so it seems like a good opportunity. He resonds to the ad, and they reply. Everything is straightforward. They pay for a bus ticket from his village to the city terminal. From there, they order him a cab. Everything is going well, until, suddenly, the driver threatens him and takes his belongings. A while later, he arrives at a warehouse in the countryside, in the middle of nowhere. He sees armed people, and others like him. And then, it is explained to him that he has been brought there to become a “hitman” and that if he tries to escape, he will be “cut to pieces.”</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-09-22/cartel-recruitment-in-jalisco-there-were-two-options-undergo-three-months-of-training-or-be-shot-in-the-head.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/AIFXMRULTBEYVLJJW673HKUZ2E.jpg?auth=615dbfafa9500313bc8b81bd7985a584d0323adc2bf86060941beb28c80e66d2" width="2983" height="1976" alt="The La Vega ranch was used by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel for forced recruitment."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-04/mercury-trafficking-for-gold-mines-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartels-new-multimillion-dollar-business.html Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:24:11 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-04/mercury-trafficking-for-gold-mines-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartels-new-multimillion-dollar-business.html Andrés Rodríguez The Environmental Investigation Agency report that the criminal organization has earned more than $8 billion since 2019 through smuggling in Mexico bound for South America The Environmental Investigation Agency report that the criminal organization has earned more than $8 billion since 2019 through smuggling in Mexico bound for South America Jalisco Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación México Querétaro ALEJANDRO SALDIVAR PERÚ-MÉXICO - MINAS DE MERCURIO Los Santos Mine in Querétaro. Los Santos Mine in Querétaro. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/Q5KCBTWW4RANPEDET4N6OKOV3I.jpg?auth=c29da34ae5775333cdb58597a4efebee69250aa452398505c60bfe205cd33a30" width="4366" height="2456" alt="Los Santos Mine in Querétaro."></img><p>The range of businesses operated by the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-21/were-part-of-the-jalisco-cartel-mexico-concerned-by-influx-of-colombian-mercenaries.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-21/were-part-of-the-jalisco-cartel-mexico-concerned-by-influx-of-colombian-mercenaries.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG) is extensive: fentanyl, weapons, fuel, extortion, migration. And now, the trafficking of Mexican mercury for <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-16/to-live-and-die-for-gold-metals-mining-returns-to-el-salvador.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-02-16/to-live-and-die-for-gold-metals-mining-returns-to-el-salvador.html">illegal gold mining</a> in South America. This has been revealed by the U.S. Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) in its most recent report, <a href="https://eia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EIA_US_Mercury_Smuggling_report_0725_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="" title="https://eia.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/EIA_US_Mercury_Smuggling_report_0725_FINAL.pdf"><i>Traffickers Leave No Stone Unturned</i>. </a></p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-08-04/mercury-trafficking-for-gold-mines-the-jalisco-new-generation-cartels-new-multimillion-dollar-business.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/BUJBSX2QAZBIJB5EA5UV6TGUEY.jpg?auth=a95f14c0b103032513e3b53f387e4aa639d4ccf397428382861cb266010f80c3" width="5364" height="3576" alt="A man in a mercury mine in Camargo, Querétaro."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/IDPZJBDAKBEWTB6OFEEFMCUXRA.jpg?auth=96047349a6543e463a7cf571b5181d0a41e5c5079cfadd2145b107dafcdf4fab" width="5616" height="3744" alt="Furnace area of a mine in Querétaro."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/OZQYW3YKORD4VDH3AXKTUOWZKA.jpg?auth=87e0f2dbef7c7de4e88c71dc9f303956db75267b1b58ba4f4789ba1d3a88eda8" width="5464" height="3070" alt="Gold mining in the Amarakaeri communal reserve in Madre de Dios, Peru."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/HIUYXR2MVFFE3D4NDK635XHS4E.jpg?auth=6134fc26980ba45686e5356492cf760f52154e6d347d04059ab73818ef91f25f" width="5464" height="3070" alt="Aerial view of the mercury mine in Camargo."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-21/colombian-mercenaries-training-mexican-drug-traffickers-theyre-bloodthirsty-we-dont-want-to-end-up-floating-in-a-canal.html Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:52:47 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-21/colombian-mercenaries-training-mexican-drug-traffickers-theyre-bloodthirsty-we-dont-want-to-end-up-floating-in-a-canal.html Javier Lafuente ,David Marcial Pérez EL PAÍS reconstructs, on the ground and using exclusive documents, the presence of former military personnel hired by the cartels, a lethal alliance of organized crime EL PAÍS reconstructs, on the ground and using exclusive documents, the presence of former military personnel hired by the cartels, a lethal alliance of organized crime México Cartel Colombia Michoacán Jalisco Sinaloa La Familia Michoacana Jovenel Moïse AMLO - Andrés Manuel López Obrador Claudia Sheinbaum Omar García Harfuch Gustavo Petro COLLAGE: El País MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS Juan José Estrada Serafín MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS Elementos de la Guardia Nacional recorren la comunidad indígena de Capacuaro, cerca de un centro de adiestramiento para mercenarios, el 7 de julio. Elementos de la Guardia Nacional recorren la comunidad indígena de Capacuaro, cerca de un centro de adiestramiento para mercenarios, el 7 de julio. Juan José Estrada Serafín MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS Carlos Manso revisa ropa abandonada por los mercenarios en el centro de adiestramiento encontrado en una huerta de aguacates. Carlos Manso revisa ropa abandonada por los mercenarios en el centro de adiestramiento encontrado en una huerta de aguacates. Juan José Estrada Serafín MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS El predio de agricultores fue convertido en un campamento del crimen organizado El predio de agricultores fue convertido en un campamento del crimen organizado Juan José Estrada Serafín MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS El campamento se encontraba ubicado en Uruapan, la capital del aguacate michoacano. El campamento se encontraba ubicado en Uruapan, la capital del aguacate michoacano. Juan José Estrada Serafín MÉXICO-APATZINGAN-MERCENARIOS Policías resguardan el terreno donde se encontraba el campamento. Policías resguardan el terreno donde se encontraba el campamento. <img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/FP5IZQY5PJCFTM5XMM73PZI5MY.png?auth=8684ab1641dc38f73bb14b2f83bf485ba9b9e31e9da9c95a6d0ebaf9740a37a7" width="3543" height="1996" alt="."></img><p>“Los Viagras have several Colombians,” says Lupe Mora, 72, sitting in a dilapidated office in the town hall of La Ruana, a small, hot, lemon-growing town in the state of Michoacán. Three bodyguards armed with Mexican army rifles are stationed outside the office. Two years ago, Lupe’s brother, <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-06-30/gunmen-kill-hipolito-mora-founder-of-notorious-mexican-self-defense-militia.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-06-30/gunmen-kill-hipolito-mora-founder-of-notorious-mexican-self-defense-militia.html">Hipólito Mora</a>, was murdered at the age of 68 a couple of blocks from here as he was leaving his house one morning. More than 1,000 bullets were fired by 25 Los Viagras hitmen, the same ones who have been sowing terror in this area, known as Tierra Caliente, for years and who now, like the rest of the groups in the region, also have reinforcements in the shape of former <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-23/colombia-the-worlds-largest-exporter-of-mercenaries-were-like-soccer-players-headhunters-look-at-your-work-and-make-you-an-offer.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-12-23/colombia-the-worlds-largest-exporter-of-mercenaries-were-like-soccer-players-headhunters-look-at-your-work-and-make-you-an-offer.html">Colombian soldiers hired as mercenaries</a>. EL PAÍS has reconstructed how these criminals operate through nearly a dozen sources in Mexico and Colombia and with exclusive information from investigations that prove the operation of this lethal alliance and the limited cooperation from Bogotá to try to stop it.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-21/colombian-mercenaries-training-mexican-drug-traffickers-theyre-bloodthirsty-we-dont-want-to-end-up-floating-in-a-canal.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/BFT7CODUVBAAPPLAACW2TSUWBI.jpg?auth=7ed296f6d7f50c51437780c8b5938762992ace754bada96d8e76b3462aa310e9" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Guadalupe 'Lupe' Mora, head of the La Ruana district, on July 8."></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/SI3HKPKIC5H7BH5IV4LPR5JNXA.jpg?auth=da578181a5d35be57041f0876c4fe2a2f9e1eedd59b513e8aa76af0fa790c7cd" width="4128" height="2752" alt="Colombian mercenaries, fighting for Ukraine, during a military exercise on August 15, 2023 in Donetsk, Ukraine. "></img><img src="https://images.english.elpais.com/resizer/v2/2N2LTIXTWRGYDNW4PQRYVG3HCI.jpg?auth=fcfeb76f9d9c577c50f4842f4eaa075e5c790d46fa575d09c489db3d08dd1689" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Father José Luis Segura Barragán in Apatzingán, this July."></img> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-15/mexicos-futile-fight-against-arms-trafficking-trump-is-reducing-the-ability-to-stop-illicit-weapons-reaching-the-cartels.html Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:37:16 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-15/mexicos-futile-fight-against-arms-trafficking-trump-is-reducing-the-ability-to-stop-illicit-weapons-reaching-the-cartels.html Elia Castillo Jiménez,Patricia San Juan Seventy-four percent of illegal weapons enter through the northern border. Mexican authorities are mapping the main routes while Washington is downsizing the ATF Seventy-four percent of illegal weapons enter through the northern border. Mexican authorities are mapping the main routes while Washington is downsizing the ATF México Washington D.C. Arizona Texas California Donald Trump Sedena México Sinaloa Cartel Baja California Jalisco Fotógrafo Especial Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. <p>The <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-16/security-ties-between-mexico-and-us-strained-by-veiled-threats.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-05-16/security-ties-between-mexico-and-us-strained-by-veiled-threats.html">security tensions between Mexico and the United States</a> marking the second Trump era appear to stem from Mexico’s failings, according to the logic of the rarely self-reflective northern neighbor. Fentanyl and migration are a problem, but arms trafficking is not. The U.S. sends around 200,000 weapons to Mexico each year, according to analysts’ estimates, a figure that demonstrates the lack of interest in combating illegal arms sales, much of which are destined for the drug cartels that have been <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-21/trump-after-declaring-cartels-terrorist-organizations-mexico-is-not-going-to-like-it.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-21/trump-after-declaring-cartels-terrorist-organizations-mexico-is-not-going-to-like-it.html">classified as terrorist organizations</a> by the Republican president himself.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-07-15/mexicos-futile-fight-against-arms-trafficking-trump-is-reducing-the-ability-to-stop-illicit-weapons-reaching-the-cartels.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p> https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-21/were-part-of-the-jalisco-cartel-mexico-concerned-by-influx-of-colombian-mercenaries.html Sat, 21 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-21/were-part-of-the-jalisco-cartel-mexico-concerned-by-influx-of-colombian-mercenaries.html Diego Stacey,Pablo Ferri The arrest of nine former military personnel in Michoacán sheds light on a growing phenomenon in the region, which is experiencing high rates of violence The arrest of nine former military personnel in Michoacán sheds light on a growing phenomenon in the region, which is experiencing high rates of violence Cartel México Colombia Michoacán Claudia Sheinbaum Jalisco Jovenel Moïse Gustavo Petro Los Zetas NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Colombian soldiers in Bogotá, in 2023. Colombian soldiers in Bogotá, in 2023. <p>Somewhere in a remote corner of Mexico, a man recounts his life in the service of the “<a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-13/recruited-by-mexican-crime-the-four-letters-of-guadalajara-invite-you-to-work.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-13/recruited-by-mexican-crime-the-four-letters-of-guadalajara-invite-you-to-work.html">four letters</a>,” a nickname he uses to refer to the <a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-18/emojis-slang-and-hashtags-the-jalisco-new-generation-and-sinaloa-cartels-attract-young-people-on-tiktok.html" target="_self" rel="" title="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-04-18/emojis-slang-and-hashtags-the-jalisco-new-generation-and-sinaloa-cartels-attract-young-people-on-tiktok.html">Jalisco New Generation Cartel</a> (CJNG), one of the largest criminal organizations in Latin America. The former Colombian soldier, whose identity has been withheld, claims that other compatriots have been recruited into the gang, “pure commandos and special forces,” although he is also a colleague of “ex-guerrillas.” The man speaks for a few minutes about the details of his work: his pay and vacation time, as if it were an ordinary job and not a direct ticket to jail or the grave.</p><p><a href="https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-06-21/were-part-of-the-jalisco-cartel-mexico-concerned-by-influx-of-colombian-mercenaries.html" target="_blank">Seguir leyendo</a></p>