world · 3 outlets · 3 linked reports
Mexico Kills a Top Cartel Boss as Trump Pressures Sheinbaum
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Summary
- President Claudia Sheinbaum has shifted from her predecessor's 'hugs, not bullets' approach: on February 22, 2026 Mexican special forces killed 'El Mencho,' leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in an operation in Jalisco.
- The crackdown comes under intense pressure from President Trump, who has demanded Mexico do more and even floated US military strikes on cartels inside Mexico.
- Tensions flared as the US indicted 10 Mexican officials — alleging the sitting governor of Sinaloa has cartel ties — while Sheinbaum denies US forces are operating on Mexican soil.
The question
Sheinbaum's harder line on cartels is the right response to the security crisis.
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