The U.S. Department of State has initiated its most significant public offensive against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), unveiling rewards totaling up to $102 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of eight leaders and associates of the group. Additionally, visa restrictions have been imposed on 65 individuals linked to the cartel.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio summarized the initiative with assertive words: "The United States is hunting, dismantling, and destroying the Jalisco New Generation Cartel," he stated on his official account, also confirming the revocation of 26 visas belonging to relatives and associates of cartel members.
The highest reward—up to $25 million, which is five times the previous amount of five million—targets Juan Carlos Valencia González, known as "Pelón." He is recognized as the new leader of the CJNG following the death of his stepfather and founder, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," who was killed during a Mexican Army operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, in February 2026.
Other rewards are divided among seven targets: up to $15 million for Audias Flores Silva ("Jardinero"), whose bounty also tripled; $15 million each for Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán ("Sapo") and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez ("Chorro"), El Mencho's son-in-law; $10 million each for Ricardo Ruiz Velasco ("Tripa"), Julio César Montero Pinzón ("El Tarjetas"), and Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela ("La Firma"); and up to two million for Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón.
Legal and Diplomatic Measures Intensify
Simultaneously, the Department of Justice announced federal charges against five of these individuals—Mendoza Gaytán, Castillo Rodríguez, Ruiz Velasco, Montero Pinzón, and Rivera Varela—in a coordinated action with the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The State Department's official statement described the CJNG as "one of the most violent and dangerous narcoterrorist organizations in the hemisphere," which is "poisoning American communities with illicit fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine."
Background of the Escalating Conflict
This crackdown is part of a sustained escalation by the Trump administration against Mexican cartels. In February 2025, Washington designated the CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, expanding the legal and financial tools available.
Subsequent to this designation, the Pentagon launched Operation Southern Spear, a military campaign by the Southern Command against narcoterrorist networks in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, resulting in numerous lethal strikes against vessels.
In January 2026, Trump declared that the cartels "control Mexico" and hinted at possible ground attacks, creating diplomatic friction with President Claudia Sheinbaum. Rubio later clarified that the U.S. would not act unilaterally on Mexican soil without an explicit request from the Mexican government.
Since the visa restrictions policy was announced in June 2025, a total of 93 visas have been revoked from family members and associates of sanctioned drug traffickers linked to cartels designated as terrorist organizations.
The Narcotics Rewards Program, established in 1986 and celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has successfully brought over 90 drug traffickers to justice and paid more than $200 million in cumulative rewards throughout its history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the U.S. Offensive Against CJNG
What is the main objective of the U.S. offensive against the CJNG?
The primary goal is to dismantle the Jalisco New Generation Cartel by capturing its leaders and reducing its influence, thereby protecting U.S. communities from drug-related harm.
How has the U.S. government increased its efforts against the CJNG?
The U.S. has intensified its efforts by offering substantial financial rewards for information, imposing visa restrictions, and coordinating legal actions against cartel leaders.