As the country enters its final preparations to host the world’s biggest sporting event, some fear surviving cartel leaders may “assume a posture of total war against the Mexican state.”

The detention and killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, sparked a wave of violence in over 20 states with 252 violent events. But one of the first sparks,

What We Know On Sunday, February 22, Mexican Army forces located Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes – known universally as "El Mencho" – at a secluded cabin in Tapalpa, a mountain town in the western state of Jalisco,

The influencer Maria Julissa posted a statement on her Instagram page after unverified photos, claim surfaced.

Times reporters visiting Tapalpa found a serene town in shock after Sunday’s raid on its outskirts left dozens dead and people fleeing. And, surprisingly, no police or military presence where the battle took place.

As reported by Mexican media, the escape occurred Feb. 22, the same day as the operation to capture El Mencho when armed groups stormed the prison and rammed the main gate with a vehicle.

Mexico's most-wanted fentanyl kingpin "El Mencho" reportedly killed after military forces tracked his romantic partner to secret meeting location.