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Alleged CJNG Leader 'El Mencho' Reportedly Killed in Mexico

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. eader-el-mencho-reportedly-killed-in-mexico.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 23:46 GMT by ABC 7 Chicago
      Locales: MEXICO, UNITED STATES

Mexico City, Mexico - February 23, 2026 - Reports emanating from Mexico today indicate that Rafael Caro Quintero, widely known as 'El Mencho,' the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been killed in a military operation. While Mexican authorities are claiming success, confirmation from both U.S. and Mexican agencies remains pending, fueling a climate of uncertainty and raising serious concerns about the potential for escalated violence within Mexico and its impact on tourism.

The CJNG, under El Mencho's leadership, has rapidly risen to become one of the most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations in Mexico, challenging the established cartels and expanding its reach across the country and into the United States. For years, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has identified El Mencho as a high-priority target, offering a substantial reward for information leading to his capture or death. His alleged demise, if confirmed, would represent a significant blow to the cartel's operational capabilities - but experts caution that it could also unleash a brutal internal power struggle.

"The death of a leader like El Mencho doesn't simply dismantle a cartel; it fractures it," explains Dr. Isabella Cortez, a security analyst specializing in Mexican organized crime. "It creates a vacuum, and multiple factions will immediately begin vying for control. This often results in intense infighting, increased territorial disputes, and a surge in violence as these groups attempt to assert dominance."

The immediate impact is already being felt across Mexico, with increased military and police presence in key cities and along major transportation routes. However, this heightened security hasn't entirely alleviated the anxiety among citizens and tourists alike. In the United States, particularly in cities with large Hispanic populations like Chicago, the news has elicited a mix of hope and trepidation. Speaking to local WLS television, Maria Rodriguez of Pilsen expressed a sense of relief, stating, "You know, I hope it's true, that he's gone. Because, we've been dealing with so much violence." However, Marco Ramirez of Little Village voiced concern about the potential fallout, predicting, "Things are going to get worse before they get better. There's going to be a power struggle."

The U.S. State Department has long maintained travel advisories for various regions of Mexico, warning of the risks associated with cartel violence. Following the announcement regarding El Mencho, the department issued a further reinforced advisory urging travelers to exercise extreme caution, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Veracruz - areas heavily influenced by the CJNG. The advisory specifically recommends avoiding non-essential travel to these regions and being vigilant about personal security.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and advising American citizens traveling to Mexico to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid high-risk areas, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates and assistance in case of emergency," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.

Sarah Johnson, a Chicago resident with a planned trip to Puerto Vallarta in March, embodies the growing unease among American travelers. "I was worried, because I have a trip coming up in March, so I'm just a little concerned," she shared. Travel agencies are reporting a surge in inquiries regarding cancellations and itinerary changes, with many tourists opting to postpone or abandon their Mexican vacations altogether. The tourism sector, already reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, faces further disruption.

Chicago DEA agents are actively collaborating with their Mexican counterparts to verify the report and assess the potential consequences. They anticipate a prolonged period of instability and warn that confirming El Mencho's death definitively will take time. Forensic analysis and intelligence gathering are crucial to rule out any disinformation campaigns aimed at manipulating the situation. The possibility that El Mencho may have anticipated an attempt on his life and orchestrated a complex deception cannot be dismissed.

Furthermore, experts suggest that even if confirmed, eliminating El Mencho doesn't solve the root causes of cartel violence, namely poverty, corruption, and a lack of economic opportunities. Until these underlying issues are addressed, the cycle of violence is likely to continue, regardless of who leads the CJNG. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether El Mencho's reported death marks a turning point in Mexico's fight against organized crime or simply ushers in a new era of instability and bloodshed.