El Mencho: Mexico officials say 25 soldiers killed after cartel raid

 Major news in Mexico as of late February 2026 is dominated by a massive security operation and subsequent retaliatory violence following the killing of one of the country's most notorious drug lords. 

Security & Organized Crime

• Death of 'El Mencho': Mexican security forces killed 
  Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
  , known as "
  El Mencho
  ," the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military raid on February 22, 2026.
• Retaliatory Violence: Following the operation, widespread violence erupted across Mexico, particularly near Guadalajara. Armed groups set fire to vehicles and buildings, and 25 soldiers were reportedly killed in clashes.
• Impact on Sports: Due to the insecurity near one of the 2026 World Cup host cities, four professional soccer games in Mexico were postponed.
• Extradition of Kingpins: Prior to this event, Mexico handed over 29 cartel members to the U.S. in an unprecedented bilateral operation.

International Relations & Trade

• U.S. Relations & Tariffs: Relations with the United States remain tense. Following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, President Trump threatened new tariffs on Mexico. Specifically, Trump has threatened tariffs on any country selling oil to 
  Cuba
  , a move aimed at pressuring the Mexican government.
• Google Maps Dispute: President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she would send a formal letter to Google after the company changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" on its maps in the U.S..
• Migration: Mexico continues to face high levels of deportations from the U.S., with recent surges reported in Ciudad Juárez. 

Economy & Industry

• Growth & Recovery: Mexico's economic activity expanded in December 2025, showing growth across all three major sectors after a previous contraction.
• Automotive Sector: Chinese automakers BYD and Geely are currently bidding to acquire a Nissan plant in Mexico, highlighting the country's growing importance in the global EV supply chain. Conversely, the GM plant in 
  Ramos Arizpe
   faced a technical stoppage in early 2026.
• Energy & Environment: The government recently enacted several laws, including the Biofuels Law and the PEMEX Law, to centralize regulatory oversight of the hydrocarbons sector. 

Social & Internal Affairs

• Women's Rights: President Sheinbaum continues to push for a national "care system" to support women, who are the primary caregivers in Mexico, and has established a Ministry of Women to combat high rates of gender-based violence.
• Labor Laws: A proposed workweek law that would mandate triple overtime is currently under debate, though workers have reported fears of retaliation for demanding these rights. 

For more in-depth coverage, you can follow major outlets like El Universal or Reforma (Spanish), or Mexico News Daily for English-language summaries.