US offers $100M rewards for new CJNG leaders after El Mencho's death

The United States has intensified its offensive against the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) following the death of its longtime leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” in February 2026. Washington now offers more than $100 million in combined rewards for information leading to the capture of eight alleged leaders of the organization, which was designated a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025 Source: CNN, El País. The new leader, Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias “El Pelón” or “El 03,” is the primary target, with a reward of $25 million—an increase from $5 million Source: El País, Diario Libre. US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson issued a direct warning: “Ya no hay dónde esconderse. Te encontraremos y rendirás cuentas” Source: Excélsior.

The new leadership

El Pelón, a stepson of El Mencho, assumed control of the CJNG after his stepfather's death. He is accused of numerous violent crimes and drug trafficking Source: CNN. Other targeted leaders include Audias Flores Silva, “El Jardinero” (already detained in Mexico), Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, “El Sapo,” and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, “El Chorro,” each with $15 million rewards Source: El Día. The list also includes Julio César Montero Pinzón, “El Tarjetas,” linked to the 2020 attack on Omar García Harfuch, and his half-sister Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón, accused of timeshare fraud Source: Infobae, El País.

US actions and Mexican response

The US has imposed sanctions on over 50 individuals and entities linked to the CJNG, revoked visas of 65 associates, and filed new criminal charges Source: Excélsior, La Jornada. DEA Administrator Terry Cole accused Mexican government members of protecting the cartel, a claim that contrasts with Mexican officials' cooperation statements Source: La Jornada, Excélsior. Meanwhile, local reports from Jalisco indicate that despite the leadership change, the cartel's structure remains intact, and forced disappearances continue Source: El Mundo.

What's next

US officials vow to pursue the accused “no matter where they hide,” while Mexico's president rejects any unilateral US military action in its territory Source: Diario Libre. The effectiveness of these measures in dismantling the CJNG remains uncertain.