2/23/26 by Hollie Silverman, Newsweek

Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno warned that “narco-terrorists” in Mexico were “hunting down American citizens” following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho",..

Drug trafficking organizations in Mexico have been responsible for significant violence in Mexico after the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was killed by Mexican federal forces on Sunday.

Moreno, a Republican, said in a post on X that there were "troubling reports coming out of Puerta Vallarta and other parts of Mexico that narco-terrorists are hunting down American citizens."

"The drug cartels should be aware that if any American citizen is harmed in Mexico there will be a violent and terminal retribution from the US," he continued...

Multiple advisories have warned American travelers and residents to shelter in place in western Mexico following the death of "El Mencho."

CJNG members launched more than 250 roadblocks across 20 states, torching vehicles and paralyzing major cities, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. At least 14 people have been killed in the chaos, including National Guard troops, a jail guard, and a state prosecutor’s office agent.

One woman from the metro area, speaking anonymously from her resort, said guests were told not to leave the property... “It’s hectic,” she said. “..we’re being told not to move around because they’re threatening to take hostages.”...

“El Mencho,” who has long been pursued by U.S. and Mexican authorities for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, was shot during an operation in the mountain town of Tapalpa on Sunday.
After Mexican troops moved in to capture the cartel boss, he was transported to a hospital in Mexico City. He died enroute, according to the Defense Department...

The U.S. provided "intelligence support" to Mexican authorities in an operation that killed one of the world's most wanted drug lords, the White House has said...

On Sunday, White House press secretary...said Cervantes had been a "top target" for both the Mexican and U.S. governments and that he was responsible for trafficking fentanyl into the U.S...

Bernie Moreno, Republican Senator from Ohio, said in a post on X Monday: "There are troubling reports coming out of Puerta Vallarta and other parts of Mexico that narco-terrorists are hunting down American citizens. The drug cartels should be aware that if any American citizen is harmed in Mexico there will be a violent and terminal retribution from the US. Any USMCA negotiations should cease until this situation is resolved. For any Ohioan stuck in Mexico, reach out to my office at 614-469-2083."

...White House Spokesperson, said in a post on X Sunday: "The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated. ‘El Mencho’ was a was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland. Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization — because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested. President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narco-terrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved. The Trump Administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation."

The U.S. State Department said in a post on X: "...Due to ongoing security operations & related road blockages & criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place, as U.S. government staff in several locations are doing and will continue to do on Feb 23. While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations- most domestic & int’l flights are cancelled in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Seek shelter, minimize unnecessary movements, & check @capufe for road closures as toll roads in several areas are temporarily suspended. Americans should keep family and friends advised of your location & well-being."..(excerpts)
Source:
https://www.newsweek.com/el-mencho-cartels-mexico-narco-terrorists-bernie-moreno-11568958