A joint operation conducted by Mexican armed forces and American intelligence services recently targeted Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This operation led to the cartel leader's death, but the aftermath has resulted in a staggering death toll of 73, alongside a multi-faceted response from the cartel, which includes hundreds of attacks across 15 states and 60 municipalities in Mexico. These violent escalations have rekindled fears regarding the extensive control and influence of criminal organizations over the nation.

The aftermath of El Mencho's death has particularly highlighted the alarming rate of criminal violence, including the arson of federal banks and the blockade of major roadways. Academic estimates suggest that there are approximately 175,000 active members in various large and small cartels in Mexico, a figure that does not account for the many occasional collaborators or corrupt officials who further bolster these criminal networks. This brings to light the scale of institutional corruption and the difficulties facing law enforcement in combating such well-entrenched organizations.

As Mexico continues to grapple with these challenges, the implications stretch beyond immediate public safety concerns; they pose significant risks to the stability of the country as a whole. The pervasive nature of cartel violence and the intertwining of these groups within local and federal systems raise fundamental questions about governance and the rule of law in Mexico. The situation requires urgent attention and a rethinking of strategies to combat organized crime effectively, signaling the need for systemic reforms in both domestic and international cooperation.