Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno Urges Mexico to 'Seek Us Military Back Up' After El Mencho's Death: 'Cartels Are a Clear and Present Danger'

Republican Senator Bernie Moreno publicly called on the Mexican government to request U.S. military assistance after the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho."

The appeal came as authorities reported retaliatory violence across multiple Mexican states following the operation that killed him. Local fficials say the raid was conducted by Mexican forces with U.S. intelligence support, not U.S. troops.

Moreno said in a social media post that Mexico "has to make the right decision for its people and seek US military back up to end the threat of narco terrorists before it's too late." He added that "the drug cartels are a clear and present danger to the US and must be exterminated." His message was accompanied by video showing panic at Guadalajara's airport after news spread of the cartel leader's death.

Oseguera, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died Sunday after being captured and wounded during a military operation in Jalisco state, according to Mexican authorities. The defense ministry said at least six of his bodyguards were killed and three soldiers injured in the confrontation, as BBC reports.

In the hours that followed, cartel members carried out attacks in cities where the group operates. Authorities reported burning vehicles, blocked highways, and fires set at businesses, as well as more than 250 road blockades were recorded across affected states, according to local reporting, though officials later said most had been cleared.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the public to stay "calm and informed," saying most of the country remained unaffected. U.S. officials described Oseguera as a major fentanyl trafficker and confirmed that American agencies had provided intelligence assistance for the operation.

Mexican authorities have drawn a firm line against the presence of foreign troops on their soil, despite pressure from some U.S. political figures.

President Trump, however, suggested in an interview with Fox News in early January that direct U.S. military action against cartels operating in Mexico was on the table. "We are going to start now hitting land with regard to the cartels," he said at the time, adding that "the cartels are running Mexico."

The remarks drew concern among U.S. lawmakers and Mexican officials, leading representative Joaquin Castro to introduce legislation seeking to block any unauthorized military action in Mexico, warning such a move could destabilize the region and harm diplomatic relations.