A controversial allegation has emerged on social media suggesting that the United States was directly involved in the killing of one of Mexico’s most powerful drug lords, although officials have not confirmed this.Conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted on X about the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, popularly known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Loomer wrote that the cartel boss “was taken down by the Trump administration this morning” and urged supporters to celebrate. She claimed that the United States was behind the operation and said that the President of Mexico might face danger if she was the only one directly involved in the mission.“I think it’s pretty clear that the US is involved. Everyone knows the cartel runs Mexico. If the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, ordered it, the cartel would likely kill her,” she wrote. The MAGA commenter added: “This was clearly a US-backed operation. She’s probably at a safe house as I write this.”
There is no official confirmation that the United States ordered or was directly involved in the operation that killed El Mencho.
Government sources indicate that the operation was carried out by the Mexican army in the state of Jalisco, western Mexico. Reuters reported that El Mencho was killed during a military operation, as federal forces moved against one of the country’s most wanted gang leaders.El Mencho led the CJNG, a criminal organization blamed for trafficking large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs, and was a prime target of both Mexican and U.S. authorities.
The United States offered a reward of $15 million to anyone who provides information that would lead to his arrest or conviction.The leader’s death sparked violent reactions in several states. Videos shared online showed burning vehicles, roadblocks and clashes between cartel members and security forces. The governor of Jalisco urged residents to stay home as unrest spreads.In response to heightened security concerns, the US Embassy in Mexico City issued a travel advisory urging US citizens in Jalisco and other states to shelter in place and follow the instructions of local authorities amid ongoing military and security operations.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her government later confirmed that the operation was carried out by Mexican forces, and did not acknowledge any direct US military intervention on the ground.
