The United States government announced on Wednesday a $25 million reward for information resulting in the capture of Juan Carlos González, also known as “Pelón.” The move marks a significant increase from the previous $5 million bounty, signaling a ramped-up effort to target the figurehead of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. González, who is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico and the stepson of the late cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, is reported to have assumed control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasized the severity of the threat posed by the organization during a news conference in Washington. “These sophisticated organizations use violence and fear to maintain control over the importation of deadly narcotics in the United States, including fentanyl, cocaine, meth, and other illegal drugs. Their actions spread violence and death to our communities,” Blanche stated. The CJNG is currently designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government and maintains operations across 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, with influence extending into various sectors from drug smuggling to avocado production.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to exert pressure on the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to take more aggressive action against cartels, with the administration even suggesting the possibility of military intervention. The U.S. has previously offered total rewards reaching $100 million for various CJNG leaders and has implemented visa restrictions on the families and business associates of cartel members. Just weeks ago, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 50 individuals and companies associated with the group, freezing their assets and banning financial transactions.
The cartel’s leadership structure was significantly disrupted in February when the Mexican military killed the group’s former leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in an operation that received intelligence support from the United States. Following that event, the state of Jalisco experienced a surge in violence. In addition to the reward for González, authorities unsealed new indictments against five other high-ranking leaders, including the former leader’s godson, Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, and his former son-in-law, Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez. These individuals face charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Terrance Cole, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, affirmed the government’s commitment to the operation, stating, “This is a fight against CJNG that we are just beginning, and we will not back down.”
