El Mencho, Notorious Cartel Leader, Killed in Military Operation

Major Operation Leads to the Death of El Mencho

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as "El Mencho," the feared leader of Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on February 22, 2026, during a significant military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. According to Ricardo Trevilla, Mexico’s Defense Secretary, intelligence agents successfully tracked a close associate of El Mencho's girlfriend, which led to the raid on Sunday. The woman was taken to a secluded resort compound in Tapalpa where Oseguera and his associates were hiding. While she managed to leave the premises, El Mencho and his heavily armed men remained inside. Mexican special forces were subsequently deployed to the location. Upon entry, they were met with gunfire from the cartel members, resulting in a fierce gunfight and a chase through the nearby woods. Four cartel members were killed on-site, and three others, including Oseguera, sustained critical injuries and later succumbed while being transported to a hospital in Mexico City.

In the aftermath of his death, violence surged across multiple states in Mexico. Trevilla reported that as of Monday, 25 members of the National Guard had been killed. Additionally, Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar García Harfuch, noted that there were 27 attacks against law enforcement in Jalisco, with 30 cartel members killed during the subsequent confrontations.

Rumors Surrounding María Julissa

Where Did The María Julissa Rumor Come From?

Following the news of the raid, speculation spread rapidly on social media. Viral posts on X and mentions of a Telemundo report suggested that El Mencho’s alleged girlfriend, identified as María Julissa, a well-known social media influencer, had leaked his location to the authorities, leading to his demise. However, officials did not confirm the identity of the girlfriend involved in the intelligence operation, nor did they disclose the identity of the individual who allegedly assisted law enforcement in locating the compound.

María Julissa has publicly refuted these allegations. In an Instagram statement, she asserted, "The information being circulated about me is COMPLETELY FALSE! I am someone who avoids conflict and prefers to enjoy life peacefully. I urge you to report any posts that claim otherwise!" In another Instagram Story, she added, "HELP ME TAKE DOWN ALL THESE FAKE PAGES ON FACEBOOK, THIS IS TOTALLY FAKE," (Translated from Spanish).

Currently, there is no official evidence linking María Julissa to the military operation or indicating that she played any part in helping authorities find Oseguera.