23.02.2026 14:13
The killing of El Mencho plunges Mexico into chaos, while President Sheinbaum's recent statements about the illegality of returning to war against drug cartels and the increase in violence have come back to the forefront. Sheinbaum's opposition to harsh security policies, which could open the door to extrajudicial killings, has reignited political debates about the strategy to be pursued against cartels in Mexico.
After the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who is wanted by the U.S. with a reward of 10 million dollars, security policies in Mexico have once again become a topic of discussion.
As conflicts have increased following the operation and cartels continue their retaliatory actions, President Claudia Sheinbaum's recent anti-"war on drugs" statements have come back to the forefront.
"WE SHOULD NOT FIGHT THE CARTELS"
In her speech, Sheinbaum emphasized that "returning to war" against drug cartels is not an option and stated that this approach is outside the legal framework. She expressed, "The right-wing factions that constantly say 'rule of law' defend the war on drugs. However, the war on drugs is outside the law. This is to grant permission to kill without any trial," and noted that there is broad support in Mexican society against this method.
The president also argued that the harsh security policies implemented in the past did not reduce murder rates and violence, but rather increased them. Describing such calls as "authoritarian," Sheinbaum stated that the security strategy should be conducted based on the rule of law.
UNDER FIRE AFTER EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY
The hot conflicts and security discussions that followed El Mencho's killing have brought Sheinbaum's words back into the public eye. While the opposition is calling for tougher measures, the government side asserts that the current strategy will continue within the framework of the rule of law.