A controversial claim has surfaced on social media suggesting that the United States was directly involved in the killing of one of Mexico’s most powerful drug lords, though officials have not confirmed this.
Conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted on X about the reported death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, popularly known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Loomer wrote that the cartel boss “was eliminated by the Trump administration this morning” and urged supporters to celebrate. She claimed the US was behind the operation and said that Mexico’s president could face danger if she was the only one directly involved in the mission.
“I think it’s pretty obvious the US was involved. Everyone knows the Cartel runs Mexico. If the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, ordered this, the cartel will likely have her killed,” she wrote.
The MAGA commentator added, “This was clearly a US-supported operation. She’s probably in a safe house as I type this.”
There is no official confirmation that the United States ordered or directly took part in the operation that killed El Mencho.
Government sources indicate the operation was carried out by the Mexican Army in the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico. Reuters reported that El Mencho was killed during a military operation, as federal forces moved against one of the country’s most wanted cartel leaders.
El Mencho had led the CJNG, a criminal organisation blamed for trafficking large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs, and was a top target for both Mexican and US authorities.
US had offered a $15 million reward for information that would lead to his arrest or conviction.
The death of the leader triggered violent backlash in several states. Videos shared online showed burning vehicles, road blockades and clashes between cartel members and security forces. The governor of Jalisco urged residents to stay indoors as unrest spread.
In response to the growing security concerns, the US Embassy in Mexico City issued a travel alert urging American citizens in Jalisco and other states to shelter in place and follow local authorities’ instructions amid continuing military and security operations.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and her government later confirmed the operation was conducted by Mexican forces, and they have not acknowledged any direct US military involvement on the ground.
