GUADALAJARA, Mexico- Burned-out cars still line the highways into Guadalajara, their blackened shells a stark reminder of the cartel violence that erupted after the killing of a powerful drug lord.
SUMMARY
- CJNG torched vehicles and businesses after El Mencho’s death.
- Residents remain fearful despite heavy security presence.
- Concerns are mounting over Guadalajara’s readiness to host World Cup matches.
The rampage was triggered by the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most feared criminal groups.
In retaliation, cartel members set scores of vehicles ablaze, erected roadblocks and ransacked convenience stores across Jalisco state — projecting a message of continued power even without their chief.
A City on Edge
Convoys of troops and police now patrol Guadalajara’s streets. While intended to reassure residents, their presence has deepened the sense of unease.
Streets remain quieter than usual. Many small businesses closed their doors, and schools suspended classes as families stayed home.
At Severo café, owner Anwar Montoya chose to open despite the risks.
“It was a strange and difficult day – everybody was scared,” he said. “And now some are afraid about what might still happen.”
Among his customers was left-wing parliamentary deputy Mariana Casillas, who said the violence exposed deeper structural failures.
“This is not a new scenario,” she said, referencing Mexico’s long-running drug war launched during the presidency of Felipe Calderon in 2006.
Debating the ‘Kingpin Strategy’
For decades, Mexico has pursued a “kingpin strategy” — targeting high-profile cartel leaders in the belief that dismantling leadership would weaken criminal networks.
Critics argue the opposite has occurred.
“When you take out a major leader, there’s a detonation of a struggle to take control in that vacuum,” said Deborah Bonello, managing editor of Insight Crime.
More than 60 funerals are reportedly being organised in the aftermath of the latest clashes, including for CJNG members and National Guard troops.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has sought to counter the cartel’s narrative, saying peace and tranquillity are returning and that security forces are in control.
But residents like Casillas question whether removing cartel bosses without addressing poverty, impunity and forced recruitment simply fuels further bloodshed.
World Cup Concerns
Guadalajara is scheduled to host thousands of international football fans for the upcoming World Cup, including a highly anticipated match between Spain and Uruguay.
The prospect has sparked debate locally about whether the city is ready.
Sheinbaum insists there is “no risk” to fans and that all guarantees are in place. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also expressed confidence in Mexico’s preparations.
Yet some residents remain unconvinced.
“The people here don’t want the World Cup,” Casillas said. “They want security, they want clean water and they want their disappeared relatives back.”
Tens of thousands of people have gone missing in Mexico since 2007, many amid cartel violence.
For now, Guadalajara’s charred streets tell a story not of celebration — but of a city grappling with the cost of a war that shows little sign of ending.
