Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera is the elusive leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a criminal organization that has rapidly become one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent cartels. Known for its brutal tactics and expansive reach, the CJNG has left a trail of violence both in Mexico and internationally. This article delves into the rise of El Mencho and the CJNG, exploring their operations, influence, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating this formidable group.
Key Takeaways
- Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared cartel leaders in Mexico.
- The CJNG, founded by El Mencho, has rapidly expanded its influence both within Mexico and internationally.
- The cartel is notorious for its extreme violence and sophisticated propaganda tactics.
- Despite numerous arrests and operations against them, the CJNG remains a significant threat.
- The future of the CJNG is uncertain, with potential successors and evolving strategies on the horizon.
The Rise of Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera
Early Life and Background
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, was born in the rural community of Culotitlán in Aguililla, Michoacán, Mexico, around July 1964 or 1966. Growing up in a poor family that cultivated avocados, he had five brothers and dropped out of primary school in the fifth grade to work in the fields. At the age of 14, he began guarding marijuana plantations. Seeking a better life, he immigrated illegally to the U.S. in the 1980s, using various aliases to conceal his identity.
Initial Involvement in Drug Trafficking
In the U.S., El Mencho lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and was arrested at 19 for stolen property and carrying a loaded gun. During this period, he became involved in meth production and trade alongside his brother-in-law. After being deported to Mexico in the early 1990s, he joined the Milenio Cartel, initially working in the assassin network protecting Armando Valencia Cornelio. He later joined a Milenio Cartel bloc allied with the Sinaloa Cartel, moving drugs and managing finances.
Formation of the CJNG
By 2010, the Milenio Cartel had split into two factions: Los Torcidos and La Resistencia. Los Torcidos evolved into the present-day Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with El Mencho as their leader. Under his command, the CJNG transitioned from an upstart faction to one of Mexico’s most formidable cartels. The organization headed by Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes is now known for its extreme violence and significant influence in the drug trade.
CJNG’s Expansion and Influence
Territorial Control in Mexico
The CJNG started in 2009 as a split from the Milenio Cartel. Within just six months, CJNG expanded its operation network from coast to coast, making it one of the most powerful criminal groups by 2012. The cartel now has a strong presence in at least 27 of Mexico’s 32 states, including Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. They control key ports like Veracruz, Manzanillo, and Lázaro Cardenas, which are crucial for their drug trafficking operations.
International Operations
CJNG’s influence isn’t limited to Mexico. They have extended their operations internationally, particularly in the United States and Europe. The cartel is involved in the export of illicit drugs and the import of precursor chemicals from Asia, essential for manufacturing fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Their international reach has made them a significant player in the global drug trade.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of CJNG’s activities is staggering. They are believed to operate over 100 methamphetamine labs throughout Mexico. Based on average street value, their trade could net upwards of $8 billion for cocaine and $4.6 billion for crystal meth each year. Besides drug trafficking, the cartel is also involved in extortion, kidnapping, illegal mining, logging, and fuel siphoning, further boosting their revenue.
The CJNG’s rapid expansion and diversified criminal activities have made them one of the most dangerous and influential cartels in Mexico and beyond.
Violence and Tactics of the CJNG
Use of Extreme Violence
The CJNG has gained notoriety for its extreme and public use of violence. They often display mutilated bodies of their enemies on streets and bridges, and share videos of killings on social media. This brutal approach has helped them earn a reputation as one of the deadliest cartels in Mexico.
Public Relations and Propaganda
The cartel uses "narcomantas" (narco messages) to intimidate local populations. They have also posted videos online, including a faux press conference featuring 50 mercenaries in balaclavas and body armor. These tactics are designed to instill fear and assert their dominance.
Training and Recruitment
The CJNG recruits and trains individuals to become part of their organization. They are known for their use of high-powered weaponry and direct confrontations with Mexican security forces. This training ensures that their members are well-prepared for violent encounters.
The cartels and the drug trade fuel rampant corruption and violence in Mexico, contributing to tens of thousands of homicides in the country each year.
Below are some notable examples of CJNG’s violent tactics:
- Ambush of Police in Michoacán (2015): CJNG members ambushed a convoy of state police, killing 15 officers and wounding five others.
- Siege of Guadalajara (2015): The CJNG set up dozens of narco-blockades and shot down a Mexican military helicopter.
- Guadalajara Assassination Attempt (2018): The CJNG was blamed for an assassination attempt against a former state prosecutor, leading to a shootout in a busy area.
- Uruapan Massacre (2019): The CJNG killed 19 members of Los Viagras in a fight over extortion of avocado and lime farmers.
- Attack on Mexico City Police Chief (2020): Gunmen ambushed the city’s police chief, resulting in multiple deaths.
Key Figures and Alliances
Important Leaders within the CJNG
Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera is the most well-known leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He is the driving force behind the cartel’s rise to power. Other key figures include Erick Valencia Salazar, also known as "El 85," and Abigael González Valencia, who is part of the influential Los Cuinis family.
Alliances with Other Criminal Groups
The CJNG has formed strategic alliances with various criminal groups to expand its influence. These alliances include partnerships with smaller gangs and even some international criminal organizations. This network helps the CJNG maintain its power and control over territories.
Rivalries and Conflicts
The CJNG is not without its enemies. It has fierce rivalries with other major cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas. These conflicts often result in violent clashes, contributing to the overall instability in the region.
The CJNG and its rivals aren’t going anywhere for the time being. Awareness is one of the best tools we have to understand and combat these criminal organizations.
Law Enforcement and Government Response
Major Arrests and Operations
The Mexican government has made several high-profile arrests in its fight against the CJNG. These operations often involve coordination between local, state, and federal forces. Despite these efforts, capturing key figures like Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera has proven difficult. The CJNG’s structure allows it to continue operations even when leaders are arrested.
Challenges in Combating the CJNG
One of the main challenges in combating the CJNG is their use of extreme violence and sophisticated tactics. Law enforcement agencies often find themselves outgunned and outmaneuvered. Additionally, corruption within the police and government makes it hard to sustain long-term efforts against the cartel.
Impact on Local Communities
The presence of the CJNG has a profound impact on local communities. Residents often live in fear due to the cartel’s violent tactics. Economic activities are disrupted, and many people are forced to flee their homes. The government’s response, while necessary, sometimes exacerbates the situation, leading to further instability.
The CJNG’s influence extends beyond Mexico, affecting international operations and economic stability in various regions.
The Future of the CJNG
Potential Successors to El Mencho
With the arrest of many top leaders, the CJNG faces uncertainty about who will take over if El Mencho is captured or killed. His children, including his son Rubén Oseguera Gonzáez, alias “El Menchito,” and his daughter Jessica Johanna Oseguera, have been targeted by authorities. However, the cartel has shown resilience in maintaining its operations despite these setbacks.
Evolving Strategies and Tactics
The CJNG is known for its extreme violence and public displays of power. Moving forward, the cartel may adapt its strategies to counter increased law enforcement pressure. This could include more sophisticated money laundering techniques and diversifying its criminal activities to include cybercrime and scams against American tourists.
Long-term Impact on Mexico and Beyond
The CJNG’s influence extends beyond Mexico’s borders, affecting international drug trafficking routes and local communities. The cartel’s ability to traffic fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States remains a significant concern. The long-term impact of the CJNG will likely depend on how effectively governments can combat its operations and address the root causes of its rise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel marks a new era of violence in Mexico. The CJNG’s rapid expansion and brutal tactics have made it one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in the country. Despite numerous efforts by law enforcement to dismantle the cartel, it continues to grow and adapt. The story of El Mencho and the CJNG is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in the fight against organized crime. As long as there is demand for illegal drugs, groups like the CJNG will find ways to thrive, leaving a trail of violence and suffering in their wake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera?
Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera is the leader and founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico.
What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)?
The CJNG is a major drug cartel in Mexico known for its extreme violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. It was founded by El Mencho.
How did El Mencho start his criminal career?
El Mencho began his criminal career in the 1990s, initially working for the Milenio Cartel before founding the CJNG.
What areas does the CJNG control?
The CJNG controls territories in several Mexican states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, and Veracruz, and has expanded its operations internationally.
How does the CJNG fund its operations?
The CJNG funds its operations primarily through drug trafficking, but also engages in other criminal activities like extortion, kidnapping, and money laundering.
What is the government doing to combat the CJNG?
The government has made several major arrests and conducted operations against the CJNG, but the cartel remains a significant challenge due to its power and influence.