On February 23, U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Mexican government to enhance its actions against drug cartels after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as 'El Mencho,' the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His comments were made following a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where El Mencho was killed, and they underscore the ongoing challenges Mexico faces concerning drug trafficking and violence that has escalated in recent years.

Trump specifically emphasized the need for Mexico to combat the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States in light of the ongoing opioid crisis impacting American communities. The death of El Mencho is seen as a significant moment in the drug war, but both American and Mexican officials acknowledge that it will not resolve the larger issue of cartel power and influence within Mexico. Trump’s statements highlight the complexities of U.S.-Mexico security cooperation amid these persistent challenges.

Moreover, the U.S. also expressed gratitude towards the Mexican military involved in the operation leading to El Mencho's demise. This incident not only raises questions about the future of cartel leadership and the ongoing drug violence but also puts pressure on the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to respond effectively to Trump's requests and manage the apparent escalating violence within its borders effectively. The diplomatic discussions that follow may shape future strategies against drug trafficking between the two nations.