Erick Valencia Salazar, known as 'El 85', is the former founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who has faced betrayal by his former associate Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly referred to as 'El Mencho'. Valencia is set to plead guilty on April 7, 2026, in federal court in Washington, indicating a significant shift in his legal strategy. By opting for this plea, he will forgo a trial and is seen as looking to negotiate a deal with U.S. authorities that could potentially reduce his sentence in exchange for information or cooperation.

Last year, there were suggestions of a possible negotiation between 'El 85' and U.S. authorities. This came to fruition when judicial records confirmed his intention to accept responsibility for his criminal activities, effectively renouncing his right to a trial by jury. This development follows a series of legal issues and his expulsion to the United States by Mexico in 2025, after his recapture by the Mexican Army in 2022. Such actions reflect the ongoing efforts by both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking organizations.

The implications of Valencia's plea are significant, not just for him but for the future of the CJNG and its rival factions. His willingness to cooperate could provide U.S. prosecutors with valuable intelligence regarding the inner workings of the cartel and its leaders, including details on operations that could impact drug trafficking on both sides of the border. The evolving landscape of organized crime in Mexico continues to draw the attention of U.S. and Mexican authorities alike, as they seek to impose greater control over the drug trade and associated violence.