After El Mencho's Death, U.S. Shifts Focus to Sinaloa Cartel Leaders in Tijuana

Shortly after Mexican officials confirmed that Jalisco cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed during a Feb. 22 operation, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Mexico to continue its crackdown on organized crime.

In a social media post, Trump pressed Mexican authorities to intensify their fight against drug cartels in a blunt message. "Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!" he wrote.

According to a new report, U.S. authorities have now redirected their attention to other high-priority targets who for years have fueled violence and expanded drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Animal Político reported that those now in Washington's sights are the Arzate brothers, alleged plaza bosses for the Sinaloa cartel in the border city of Tijuana, where they have controlled significant territory since at least 2009.

"The Arzate García brothers have for many years been the representatives of the Sinaloa cartel in Tijuana," Víctor Manuel Sánchez, a researcher at the Autonomous University of Coahuila and a security specialist, told Animal Político. "They led the effort to take over Tijuana. They have always been part of the elite within the Sinaloa cartel because they control one of the most profitable crossing points into the United States for the organization," he added.

After the Sinaloa cartel split in September 2024, the Arzate brothers aligned themselves with the La Mayiza faction, which remains loyal to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and is led by his son, Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as "Mayito Flaco."

As Sánchez explained, the conflict that erupted in Culiacán between La Mayiza and Los Chapitos quickly spread to other strategic strongholds, including Tijuana.

"Among the allies of Ismael Zambada Sicairos, next in importance within that Sinaloa cartel faction are the Arzate brothers," Sánchez said.

According to the expert, the influence the Arzate brothers wield in Tijuana, combined with the city's proximity to San Diego, has elevated them as priority targets for the Trump administration, which has repeatedly said drug cartels exert control over Mexico.

On Feb. 26, the U.S. Department of State announced a reward of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrests of René Arzate García, known as "La Rana," and his brother Alfonso Arzate García, known as "Aquiles." U.S. authorities have identified them as the Sinaloa cartel's plaza bosses in Tijuana for the past 15 years.

For security analyst Gerardo López García, the U.S. announcement goes beyond a routine enforcement step and carries a broader message.

"It is definitely a surprise," he told Animal Político. "I believe it is a strong political signal from the United States, a kind of notice that they may be the next figures to become priorities on Mexico's security agenda."