politics
February 23, 2026
Mexico faces uphill battle to appease kingpin Trump after cartel boss’s killing
Trump tells Mexico to ‘step up’ effort to combat cartels even after military operation kills drug lord known as ‘El Mencho’
TL;DR
- The killing of cartel kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” has caused significant disruption in Mexico, including school closures and cancelled flights.
- US President Donald Trump has pressured Mexico to increase its efforts against cartels, even after the operation that led to El Mencho's death.
- US intelligence played a crucial role in the operation, with a newly created US-military-led taskforce involved.
- The killing may offer Mexico short-term relief from US pressure and could influence the renegotiation of the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement.
- Experts suggest that despite this success, US pressure on Mexico regarding cartels and drugs will likely continue.
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