Mexican authorities scramble to contain chaos as the wife of slain cartel leader El Mencho disappears and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel faces a fight over leadership

The wife of the recently killed Mexican cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes has seemingly vanished, raising alarm amid the ongoing power struggle within one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal organizations.

Rosalinda González Valencia, often called “La Jefa” or “The Boss,” remains unaccounted for following her husband’s death in a high-profile military operation.

Her disappearance has intensified speculation about who will inherit the sprawling empire of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and how Mexico will cope with the resulting chaos.

El Mencho’s Death Sparks Nationwide Turmoil

On Sunday, Mexican military forces targeted Oseguera Cervantes in his home state of Jalisco, culminating in a violent shootout that left the 59-year-old cartel kingpin dead.

The operation, conducted in Tapalpa in the Sierra Madre mountains, involved Mexican Air Force units, special forces, and US-backed intelligence.

Videos emerging from the scene show flames, gunfire, and chaos spreading across Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, with roads blocked by burning vehicles and terrified residents sheltering in place.

Authorities reported that the cartel fought back fiercely, deploying heat-seeking grenade launchers and other heavy weaponry.

Four cartel members were killed, and three wounded during the confrontation.

Federal forces also seized rocket launchers and armored vehicles, highlighting the unprecedented firepower these criminal groups possess.

Rosalinda González Valencia: The Invisible Power

González Valencia is believed to have been the financial and administrative brain behind the CJNG.

Mexican authorities say she managed the cartel’s legal and financial operations, including over 70 businesses used to launder money and channel funds for the cartel’s activities.

Born in 1963 in Michoacán to a family of avocado farmers, she became involved in organized crime early on through the infamous Milenio Cartel, later marrying Oseguera after previously being connected to her uncle, Armando Valencia Cornelio.

Despite multiple arrests in 2018 and 2021, González was released from prison in February 2025 for good conduct.

Since then, her whereabouts have remained unknown, sparking online rumors that she could be hiding from cartel retaliation, or potentially battling a secret illness.

Analysts warn that her absence leaves a vacuum at a critical juncture, as the CJNG scrambles to determine its next leader.

Who Could Lead the Cartel Now?

Speculation is rife over who might succeed Oseguera Cervantes.

His son, Ruben “El Menchito” Oseguera González, remains imprisoned in the US for life, while daughters Jessica Johanna (“La Negra”) and Laisha Oseguera are unlikely to assume leadership roles.

Experts suggest stepson Juan Carlos Valencia González may be the most probable candidate.

Other potential contenders include Audias Flores Silva, overseeing operations in Michoacán, Zacatecas, and Nayarit; Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, managing port logistics; and Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, leader of the cartel’s Elite Group.

Analysts warn that the power struggle could escalate violence further, particularly if multiple factions vie for control.

David Saucedo, a security analyst, warned that the worst-case scenario would be a campaign of “narcoterrorism” mirroring the 1990s Colombian model, involving car bombs, assassinations, and attacks on public infrastructure.

Violence Escalates Ahead of the World Cup

The timing of El Mencho’s death could not be more critical, as Mexico prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in just four months.

Clashes erupted across 20 states, with fires, explosions, and armed confrontations reported from tourist hotspots to major airports.

Guadalajara, a host city for four group-stage matches, saw residents barricading themselves in their homes, while authorities issued warnings to shelter in place.

The UK Foreign Office and the US Embassy advised nationals in affected regions to stay indoors and follow local security instructions, highlighting the extent of the unrest.

Local authorities suspended public transportation and temporarily closed businesses, leaving tourists stranded and residents anxious about further attacks.

CJNG’s Reach and Global Implications

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is not only Mexico’s fastest-growing criminal organization but also a global network trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and even migrants to the United States.

Oseguera Cervantes had pioneered sophisticated methods of drug transport, including drones, speedboats, submersibles, and helicopters, making him one of the most formidable cartel leaders in the world.

His death could temporarily slow the cartel’s expansion and offer law enforcement an opportunity to strike strategically.

However, the CJNG remains active in at least 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and has a footprint in almost every US state, meaning that its influence and potential for violent retaliation extend well beyond Mexican borders.

What’s Next?

With Rosalinda González Valencia missing and the cartel scrambling for leadership, Mexico faces a precarious period.

Authorities are racing to prevent further violent outbreaks, secure major cities ahead of the World Cup, and monitor potential successors within the CJNG.

International law enforcement will likely maintain pressure, as the cartel’s global operations remain under scrutiny.

Analysts predict that whoever emerges as the next leader could determine whether the CJNG pursues revenge-fueled violence or attempts a quieter, strategic transition.

Summary

Rosalinda González Valencia, widow of slain cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, has vanished as Mexico reels from the CJNG’s leader being killed in a military operation.

Known for overseeing the cartel’s finances and legal operations, González’s disappearance has left the organization vulnerable amid escalating violence across multiple states.

Her family’s involvement, combined with Oseguera’s imprisoned son and unlikely succession by his daughters, fuels speculation over potential leaders.

The death of El Mencho has provoked chaos, with fires, explosions, and armed confrontations spreading across cities just months before Mexico hosts the World Cup.

Analysts warn of continued violence as rival factions vie for control, and authorities are scrambling to contain the unrest while monitoring the cartel’s next moves.