Airspace south of El Paso was temporarily shut down after U.S. officials shot down what they believed were Mexican cartel drones, which reportedly turned out to be party balloons
At least 73 people died during a high-stakes Mexican military operation to capture the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the subsequent wave of retaliatory violence. Authorities confirmed the death toll on Monday as much of the country braced for further unrest following the kingpin’s death.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed by Mexican security forces during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Authorities confirmed his death on February 22, 2026.
