The Global Story Mexico’s most wanted cartel boss is dead. Is it enough for Trump?
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Feb 27, 2026 
Will Grant, BBC correspondent who reports on cartels and regional security, gives on-the-ground analysis of El Mencho’s killing. He breaks down the Tapalpa operation and U.S. intelligence role. He describes the CJNG’s rise, coordinated retaliation across states, and how cartels exert parallel power in Mexico. He also examines Mexico’s shifting security strategy and U.S. pressure after the raid.
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How El Mencho Was Located And Taken
- Mexican security forces captured El Mencho after tracing his partner to a safe house and mounting a helicopter operation that led to a firefight.
- Will Grant says US intelligence aided locating the safe house but no US troops or hardware were involved in the raid.
Cartel Retaliation Spread Across 20 States
- The CJNG responded to El Mencho's death with coordinated arson, attacks on businesses and streets across roughly 20 states to spread fear.
- Will Grant says the attacks signalled the cartel's ability to project violence nationally and intimidate civilians and tourists.
Cartels As Alternative Power Structures
- Cartels act as parallel power centers in Mexico, co-opting police, mayors and judges and embedding into local institutions.
- Grant warns this creates pockets of de facto narco-influence though not implying the president herself is controlled by cartels.