The arrest of 'El Mencho', a key figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), occurred as the culmination of a long-term investigation that had been widely known. The violent backlash from CJNG members, both in intensity and scope, was alarming, causing a de facto state of siege in two-thirds of Mexico. Authorities remained on maximum alert, underscoring the cartel's deep infiltration into Mexican governance, which presents a significant threat to national sovereignty.

The implications of 'El Mencho's' arrest are profound, raising immediate concerns about potential escalations in violence among competing factions within the cartel. Similar to past experiences in cartel dynamics, the nation faces uncertainty about whether this event will lead to further bloodshed, as factions vie for power and control. Additionally, there is a looming possibility that fragmentation within the CJNG could pave the way for the emergence of new, even more violent criminal organizations, amplifying the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime.

Since former President Felipe Calderón's tenure began in 2007, Mexico has grappled with escalating violence attributed to drug cartels. The arrest of prominent cartel members has historically led to shifts in power dynamics, resulting in violent conflicts and the rise of new factions. As the government responds to this latest surge of violence, it faces the critical task of restoring order and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to the cartel's unchecked power in the country.