Mexico’s most notorious cartel leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, was killed on February 22, 2026, during a major military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco. Mexican authorities tracked the cartel boss to a remote mountainside resort, where he and his armed associates were hiding.
According to Mexico’s Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla, intelligence agents first tracked a man linked to El Mencho’s girlfriend, who was reportedly brought to Tapalpa before the raid. While the woman eventually left the compound, El Mencho remained with several armed men. When special forces entered the resort, a gunfight broke out, leaving four cartel members dead on the scene. Three others, including El Mencho, were critically injured and later died in the hospital.
The death of El Mencho sparked violence across Mexican states. Trevilla reported that 25 National Guard members were killed in the ensuing clashes, while Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed 30 cartel members died in attacks on authorities.
Who is María Julissa? Claimed to be El Mencho’s Last Girlfriend
Almost immediately, social media rumors linked El Mencho’s alleged girlfriend to his capture and death. Posts claimed that a woman named María Julissa, described as a popular social media influencer, leaked information to authorities.
However, officials have not confirmed her identity or any involvement in the operation. Despite viral claims, Julissa publicly denied any role in the raid.
On Instagram, she wrote, “Is disseminating an information where supposedly I have published stories talking about what happened in Mexico, I want to clarify that everything is TOTALLY FALSE! I’m a person who does not like problems, I do not like to mess with anyone and live the party in peace, I ask you please if you see posts like the following please report them!”
She added in another story, “HELP ME TAKE DOWN ALL THIS PAGES ON FACEBOOK PLEASE THIS IS TOTALLY FAKE.”
Last Photo of El Mencho with Maria Julissa Circulates Online
Alongside the rumors, social media has circulated what appears to be the last photo of El Mencho with María Julissa. The image shows the two together, fueling speculation and attracting global attention. Experts caution that photos circulating online may not verify the influencer’s involvement in the intelligence operation.
🚨‼️ Sale A La Luz Publica La ultima foto de alias “mencho” 24 horas Antes De Su Deceso, donde se ve acompañado De La Creadora de contenido Para Adultos Maria Julissa, Quien Se Rumorea Fue Quien Dio Información A Las Autoridades Mexicanas De Su Paradero ‼️🚨 pic.twitter.com/gC8SJm4X5I
— 𝐋𝐮𝐢𝐬 𝐌 𝟑𝟕 🏆 (@24LMSB) February 23, 2026
Authorities Remain Silent on Alleged Tip-Off
Despite widespread discussion online, Mexican officials have not linked Julissa to the raid. The intelligence operation primarily focused on tracking the cartel leader and neutralizing his armed group. Any connections between social media influencers and law enforcement remain unsubstantiated.
The death of El Mencho has caused continued unrest. Authorities report numerous retaliatory attacks by CJNG members in Jalisco and surrounding areas. Officials stress that law enforcement operations will continue to prevent further escalation and dismantle remaining cartel networks.
Social Media Speculation vs. Facts
The case highlights how rumors can spread rapidly on platforms like X and Instagram, often blurring the line between verified information and misinformation. Julissa’s statements underscore the importance of not jumping to conclusions based on viral posts.
As authorities continue to monitor the region, the world watches both the fallout from the CJNG leader’s death and the online discussion surrounding María Julissa, the influencer wrongly implicated in one of Mexico’s most high-profile cartel takedowns.
