Why Killing Mexico's Top Drug Lord May Not Be Good News for Mexicans
Three factors determine whether taking down a cartel boss reduces violence or causes it to explode.
A few hours ago, authorities confirmed that Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera, also known as El Mencho, the long-time leader of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful criminal organizations operating in Mexico.
The news was quickly framed as a decisive blow against organized crime and as proof that sustained pressure from Trump on Mexico works. For months, the U.S. president has been urging Mexican authorities to confront drug cartels more aggressively.
In Mexico, however, the reaction to El Mencho’s death is more complex.
