Brookings Institution

Mexico faces wave of narcobloqueos as CJNG reacts to death of alleged boss El Mencho

Nyraiym Sesilions / February 25, 2026 / Beltran Leyva Organization, Brookings Institution, CJNG, Drug Cartels, El Mencho, Gulf Cartel, InSight Crime, Jaime Lopez-Aranda, Los Zetas, Mexico, Narcobloqueos, National Guard, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, Organized Crime, Vanda Felbab-Brown

The reported killing of CJNG leader “El Mencho” on February 22 triggered a nationwide wave of cartel violence, though similar past reactions by criminal groups have often proved temporary and preceded internal fragmentation.

Beltran Leyva Organization, Brookings Institution, CJNG, Drug Cartels, El Mencho, Gulf Cartel, InSight Crime, Jaime Lopez-Aranda, Los Zetas, Mexico, Narcobloqueos, National Guard, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, Organized Crime, Vanda Felbab-Brown

Brookings Institution

Mexico faces wave of narcobloqueos as CJNG reacts to death of alleged boss El Mencho

Brookings Institution expert Vanda Felbab-Brown warns of real cartel drone threat after El Paso incident