Inside Mexico's Decision to Take Down a Drug Lord - The Journal Recap

Podcast: The Journal

Published: 2026-02-25

Duration: 19 minutes

Guests: José De Córdoba

Summary

The episode discusses the implications of Mexican authorities killing El Mencho, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and the subsequent violent retaliation by the cartel.

What Happened

Mexican authorities executed a high-stakes operation to kill El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in Tapalpa, Jalisco. His death prompted widespread violence across Mexico, with the cartel setting cars on fire and creating roadblocks, resulting in over 50 deaths. José De Córdoba from WSJ describes the surprise at El Mencho's downfall, given his perceived invulnerability and the fear of violent retaliation. El Mencho's rise to power began as a former Mexican cop who was deported from the U.S., eventually leading him to become the head of his cartel and a rival to the Sinaloa cartel. His cartel's operations extended across two-thirds of Mexican states and into 30 foreign countries, becoming a major cocaine trafficker. The U.S. had pressured Mexico to act against cartels, with President Trump designating them as terrorist organizations and offering military assistance, which Mexico declined to maintain sovereignty. The operation was a collaborative effort with U.S. intelligence but executed solely by Mexican forces. The aftermath has seen the Jalisco cartel retaliate violently, signaling potential internal power struggles among El Mencho's lieutenants, which could lead to further violence. Mexican authorities are attempting to restore order, but the long-term implications for the drug trade remain uncertain, as demand in the U.S. continues to drive the narcotics market.

Key Insights

• El Mencho's perceived invulnerability stemmed from his dual identity as a former Mexican cop and a powerful cartel leader, making his downfall in Tapalpa, Jalisco, a shock that triggered violent cartel retaliation across Mexico, resulting in over 50 deaths.
• The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, under El Mencho, extended its cocaine trafficking operations across two-thirds of Mexican states and 30 foreign countries, rivaling the Sinaloa cartel and highlighting the global reach of Mexican drug cartels.
• Despite U.S. pressure, including President Trump's offer of military assistance, Mexico declined to label cartels as terrorist organizations to preserve its sovereignty, opting instead for a solo operation using U.S. intelligence to take down El Mencho.
• The violent aftermath of El Mencho's death hints at internal power struggles within the Jalisco cartel, as his lieutenants vie for control, potentially escalating violence even further and complicating Mexican authorities' efforts to restore order.

Key Questions Answered

What impact did El Mencho's death have on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel?

El Mencho's death led to violent retaliation by the cartel, with widespread chaos across Mexico, including carjackings and roadblocks, as his lieutenants vie for power, potentially leading to more violence.

How did U.S. pressure influence Mexico's decision to target El Mencho?

The Trump administration's designation of cartels as terrorist organizations and threats of tariffs pressured Mexico to act, though the operation was carried out by Mexican forces to maintain autonomy.

What is the kingpin strategy in the context of Mexican drug cartels?

The kingpin strategy involves targeting the top leaders of drug cartels, like El Mencho, to destabilize their organizations, but it often results in violent power struggles among successors.