The White House on Tuesday warned Mexican drug cartels not to harm American citizens, as violence gripped much of Mexico following the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
During an appearance on Fox News, press secretary Caroline Leavitt stated that the cartels "know not to touch any Americans, otherwise they will face serious consequences under this president."
She stressed that so far there are no reports of American citizens injured, kidnapped or killed in the latest escalation of violence.
The White House confirmed that the operation that led to the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was carried out by Mexican authorities with the support of US intelligence. The operation took place on Sunday in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.
According to Leavitt, the operation “would not have happened without the leadership of President Donald Trump.” The Trump administration designated Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations in February 2025 and, she said, the US has taken “lethal measures” against suspected traffickers in the Caribbean and the Pacific.
The operation left four cartel members dead, including Oseguera; three others were wounded and two were arrested, according to Mexican authorities.
Following his death, violence erupted in about 20 Mexican states. Authorities reported 25 members of the National Guard killed, as well as at least 30 suspected members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Cartel members set up about 250 roadblocks on federal highways, burned vehicles and attacked gas stations, stores and banks. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced late Sunday that most of the blockades had been lifted by authorities.
