Nemesio Osseguera Cervantes, referred to as “Elmencho,” heads a powerful Mexican drug cartel that has been characterized as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration. He is facing serious charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit murder, according to authorities.

Elmencho is the founder and leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which focuses on drug trafficking and money laundering. The Department of Justice (DOJ) notes that the cartel quickly extended its operations into the United States, penetrating smaller cities and towns to distribute narcotics.

His involvement in the drug trade reportedly dates back to the 1990s. Before fully committing to drug smuggling, he briefly worked as a police officer. According to Insight Crime, he was associated with the Millenio Cartel, which eventually split into two factions—Elmencho leading the one that became the current cartel.

A federal jury has indicted Elmencho on various charges connected to drug trafficking, murder conspiracy, and the use of firearms. Experts estimate his wealth ranged from $500 million in 2019 to above $1 billion.

In February, the Trump administration officially labeled the cartel as a foreign terrorist group and imposed leadership sanctions in June, with a reward of $15 million for information about Elmencho. He is also listed among the most wanted individuals by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

A Treasury spokesperson remarked, “The CJNG’s reign of terror in Mexico and its fentanyl trafficking to the U.S. have cost countless innocent lives.”

Former officials have noted that the cartel allegedly employs children for illegal operations within the U.S. One official lamented, “It’s tragic to see this cartel using children from the San Diego area to smuggle dangerous drugs into our country.”

The cartel takes advantage of policies that allow children to be smuggled and often forces authorities to release many families back into the U.S. This practice reportedly became more prevalent after President Trump’s inauguration, with approximately 40% of such immigrants claiming they disappeared under the Biden administration.

Interestingly, the cartel has reportedly sent operatives to spy on U.S. officials during the trial of Elmencho’s son, known as “Elmenquito.” DEA agent Matthew W. Allen stated in a congressional hearing that following the arrest of Menchito, the CJNG resorted to violent reprisals against informants and even military personnel in Mexico.

This past March, a federal court sentenced Elmencho’s son, Reuben Osseguera Gonzalez, to an additional 30 years in relation to his father’s cartel activities. He had previously orchestrated multiple killings and even an attack on a Mexican military helicopter in 2015 to facilitate escape for himself and his father.

Additionally, Allen testified about CJNG’s presence in Los Angeles, emphasizing that the city is not merely a distribution point, but rather a core operational hub for both CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel. They exploit Southern California’s infrastructure for drug production, distribution, and other illegal activities.

During a raid on a CJNG warehouse in Los Angeles, agents discovered an enormous mural of Elmencho, signaling the cartel’s boldness and presence in the area.