Sheinbaum Says She Spoke With Trump Following Death of Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’

Mexican president confirms U.S. intelligence support after operation that triggered nationwide cartel retaliation.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday that she spoke this week with President Donald Trump following a major military operation that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”

The phone call came after Mexican security forces carried out a raid Sunday that killed Oseguera, the longtime head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His death prompted retaliatory violence in multiple regions of Mexico, including roadblocks, vehicle burnings and armed clashes involving cartel members.

During her regular morning press conference, Sheinbaum confirmed the conversation with Trump, saying he had called to discuss developments in Mexico.

“I told him about how the operation had gone, that we had had help in intelligence from the United States government,” Sheinbaum said.

Oseguera had been one of Mexico’s most wanted fugitives and was also sought by U.S. authorities for his role in large-scale drug trafficking operations, including the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine into the United States.

The military operation that led to his death marked one of the most significant blows to organized crime groups in Mexico in recent years. In the hours that followed, cartel members launched coordinated acts of violence in several states, disrupting transportation and raising security concerns.

Sheinbaum did not provide additional details about the scope of U.S. intelligence assistance but acknowledged coordination between the two governments.

The conversation between the two leaders underscores ongoing bilateral cooperation on security matters, particularly in addressing cartel activity that affects both countries. U.S. officials have long identified the CJNG as a major transnational criminal organization with extensive trafficking networks.

Mexican authorities have since worked to restore order in affected areas as security forces remain deployed to deter further retaliation.