Inside the Trump admin’s shadow war of ‘total elimination’ against ‘El Mencho’
The Fall of "El Mencho": Unraveling the Trump Administration’s Role in the Crackdown on CJNG
In a significant victory against organized crime, the death of Ruben "Nemesio" Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," marks a pivotal moment in the Trump administration’s aggressive campaign against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). While Mexican military forces executed the operation in Tapalpa, Mexico, over the weekend, newly revealed government documents highlight the foundational role played by the United States in this cross-border crackdown.
Trump’s Strategy Against Cartels
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order categorizing key international criminal organizations, including CJNG, as "foreign terrorist organizations" (FTOs). This designation allowed for military-grade surveillance and prosecution strategies to be employed against these groups. Subsequently, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a directive calling for the "total elimination" of cartel operations, marking a shift from mitigation to outright disruption of cartel activities.
The Impact on CJNG Operations
The administration’s aggressive stance against CJNG yielded tangible results. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment, CJNG stands out as a major supplier of fentanyl to the U.S. and operates extensive distribution networks across almost all 50 states.
In a concerted effort, the Trump administration’s actions led to the extradition and conviction of high-ranking CJNG leaders, including Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho’s" brother, and his son, Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez, known as "El Menchito." These moves significantly disrupted the cartel’s operations, as detailed by DEA Administrator Terrance Cole, who underscored the administration’s "whole-of-government approach" to tackling CJNG’s influence.
Controversies and Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims
While the Trump administration touted its success in combating cartels, critics have pointed out several inaccuracies and overstatements in President Trump’s claims. For instance, while Trump declared the designation of fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, this move sparked debates over its effectiveness and legality. According to a statement from the Department of Defense, the classification was more symbolic than practical, lacking the concrete strategies typically associated with such designations.
Furthermore, fact-checking organizations have raised questions about the extent of the administration’s role in the fall of "El Mencho." Mexican authorities have been quick to assert the primary role of their military forces in the operation that led to his death. The claim that U.S. intelligence provided critical support, while plausible, has not been fully substantiated by independent sources.
Conclusion
The fall of "El Mencho" and the Trump administration’s crackdown on the CJNG highlight a complex interplay of policies and international cooperation against organized crime. While the administration achieved notable successes, the broader implications of these policies remain subject to scrutiny and debate. As authorities continue to dismantle cartel operations, the effectiveness and ethical considerations of such strategies will likely remain a focal point of discussion.
This operation has brought to light the enduring challenge posed by transnational criminal organizations and underscores the need for continued collaboration between nations to ensure the safety and security of their citizens.