Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known by his alias "El Mencho", was the feared leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) until his death at the hands of the Mexican army on February 22. His leadership was marked by extreme violence and bold challenges to Mexican state authority, including ambushes on police and attacks on high-ranking officials. The United States had placed a $15 million bounty on his head, illustrating his status as one of the most wanted criminals in the world.

Born on July 17, 1966, in Aguililla, Michoacán, Oseguera's early life consisted of labor in avocado and marijuana fields before he made his way to the United States. His early criminal career included an arrest for heroin trafficking, which ultimately led him back to Mexico where he began to rise through the drug-trafficking ranks, eventually assuming control of the CJNG. His cartel rapidly gained notoriety for its unprecedented levels of violence and its strategic infiltration of legitimate financial systems, enabling them to move money undetected across borders.

The death of El Mencho not only represents a significant blow to the CJNG but also sheds light on the ongoing struggles within Mexico regarding drug cartels and their influence on society and governance. As law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with cartel violence, El Mencho's legacy will likely serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region. Many will now be watching the implications of his death on the CJNG's operations and whether a power vacuum will lead to further escalations in violence.