CJNG's Chilling Ultimatum: 'If Demands Are Not Met,' Cartel Vows to Storm Homes and Hotels in Revenge Rampage

Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel has issued a CJNG ultimatum, threatening to storm homes and hotels in a revenge rampage if its demands are not met, following the death of leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. The 59-year-old drug lord died after a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Sunday, sparking clashes that left four cartel members dead.

Violence has erupted across multiple states, with blockades and arson attacks disrupting daily life. As of 23 February 2026, security forces have cleared most roads, but tensions remain high.

The Raid That Felled a Kingpin

Mexican special forces, backed by air support and the National Guard, launched the operation in Jalisco state, where El Mencho had long evaded capture. He was wounded in the firefight and succumbed en route to Mexico City, according to the defence ministry. Three soldiers were injured, and authorities seized rocket launchers, armoured vehicles, and other weapons.

US intelligence aided the raid, marking a rare win in the fight against organised crime. El Mencho, a former police officer turned cartel boss, built CJNG into a powerhouse since 2010, rivalling the Sinaloa group in scope and brutality. The cartel dominates fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking to the US, generating billions annually. Its tactics include drone bombings and attacks on officials, such as downing a military helicopter.

Former US ambassador Christopher Landau called him 'one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,' hailing his demise as a boon for the region. The US had offered a reward of £11.1 million ($15 million) for his capture.

CJNG Ultimatum Sparks Chaos

In retaliation, CJNG members torched buses and businesses, erecting over 250 blockades in 20 states. Guadalajara turned into a ghost town, with public transport halted and schools closed. In Puerto Vallarta, gunmen roamed streets amid plumes of smoke from burning vehicles.

The cartel issued threats via social media, warning residents in Jalisco to stay indoors from 2:00pm or face attacks, regardless of innocence. One verified X post highlighted a message vowing to target anyone outdoors, adding that El Mencho's legacy endures with 'all four letters' – a nod to CJNG.

Similar alerts circulated on Instagram, including a reel from @npmnews detailing the narcobloqueios, burned vehicles, and road closures gripping multiple states in the hours after the raid.

On X reports also surfaced of plans to forcibly enter homes and hotels by 5pm if unspecified demands, likely the surrender of those involved in the raid, go unmet.

Clashes extended to Colima, Michoacan, and Guanajuato, with security patrols intensified. Mike Vigil, ex-DEA international operations chief, described the takedown as 'one of the most significant actions in the history of drug trafficking.' Yet, analysts warn of a power vacuum fueling further bloodshed.

Global Ripples from the Violence

Thousands of tourists, including Americans and Canadians, found themselves stranded in resorts like Puerto Vallarta as airlines such as United, American, and Air Canada cancelled flights. A Delta plane was diverted mid-journey.

The US State Department urged citizens to shelter in place across affected areas, while India's embassy issued similar advisories. President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, noting normalcy in most regions. The events could bolster US-Mexico ties under Donald Trump, who has pushed for aggressive anti-cartel measures, including designating CJNG a terrorist group.

Without a clear successor, CJNG faces internal rifts that might escalate Mexico's cartel violence. As of 23 February 2026, officials monitor for more unrest amid the CJNG ultimatum, with experts urging strikes on the group's infrastructure to prevent a broader revenge rampage.