The Day Diego Rivera, Mayor of Tequila, Threw a Party for 'El Mencho'
Diego Rivera, the mayor of Tequila, organized a controversial event that allegedly celebrated the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, raising serious questions about corruption and organized crime.
On May 4, 2025, a lively party took place at the Lienzo Charro in Tequila, Mexico, featuring music that citizens alleged was a tribute disguised as a concert for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and its notorious leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho.' The event highlighted a troubling intersection between local governance and organized crime, with the mayor, Diego Rivera Navarro, at the center of the controversy. Reports suggest that Rivera openly acknowledged his ties to the cartel, referring to Oseguera as 'the boss' as detailed in judicial files.
The shocking nature of these allegations escalated when Rivera was arrested by federal forces on charges of organized crime, kidnapping, and extortion. The investigations revealed that the mayor allegedly not only tolerated criminal activities in his municipality but may have actively participated in them. This raised significant concerns about safety and governance in Tequila, revealing the extent to which local officials might be compromised by criminal organizations.
As this case unfolds, it underscores the broader issues of corruption in Mexican politics, where ties to drug cartels can influence local governance and undermine citizen safety. The implications of Rivera's arrest and the allegations against him extend beyond Tequila, potentially prompting a reevaluation of the relationships between political figures and organized crime across the country, as authorities seek to restore public trust in governance and address the pervasive threat of violence associated with drug trafficking.