Jalisco New Generation Cartel

With the capture of Óscar Orlando Nava Valencia and the death of Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, of the Sinaloa Cartel, a power vacuum emerged and the Milenio Cartel (then loyal to the Sinaloa Cartel) broke into smaller factions. The most notable were the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) headed by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes "El Mencho" (who suspected the Sinaloa cartel had betrayed its leaders ){{cite news | title = Polarization and Sustained Violence in Mexico's Cartel War | date = 26 January 2012 | url = http://interamericansecuritywatch.com/polarization-and-sustained-violence-in-mexicos-cartel-war/ | work = InterAmerican Security Watch | access-date = 9 March 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140111145503/http://interamericansecuritywatch.com/polarization-and-sustained-violence-in-mexicos-cartel-war/ | archive-date = 11 January 2014}}{{cite news|title=Cayó líder del 'Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación'|url=http://noticias.univision.com/narcotrafico/noticias/article/2011-07-15/cayo-lider-del-cartel-de#axzz1oY0fsQUO|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Univision|date=15 July 2011|language=es}}[http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/anti-zetas-distrito-federal-mx.html Cartels unite in the fight against Los Zetas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126011522/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/09/anti-zetas-distrito-federal-mx.html |date=26 January 2012 }} 20 September 2011 and La Resistencia headed by Ramiro Pozos "El Molca" who switched alliances to form a brief alliance with Los Zetas (La Resistencia was founded by Sinaloa to counter Los Zetas),{{cite news|title=La Sedena presenta al presunto líder del cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/12/la-sedena-presenta-al-presunto-lider-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion|access-date=12 March 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=12 March 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312190033/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/12/la-sedena-presenta-al-presunto-lider-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion|archive-date=12 March 2012}} and started a turf war for the control of the region.{{cite web|url=http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/diversifica-mencho-mercado-del-narco-1391193491|title=Diversifica 'Mencho' mercado del narco|access-date=2 December 2014|archive-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226113346/http://www.zocalo.com.mx/seccion/articulo/diversifica-mencho-mercado-del-narco-1391193491|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2012/689809.html|title=La Crónica de Hoy - Cae "El Molca" líder y fundador de "La Resistencia"|access-date=2 December 2014|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901180323/http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2012/689809.html|url-status=dead}}

Some members of the Milenio Cartel, then a Sinaloa Cartel branch, who splintered and formed the CJNG were Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), Érick Valencia Salazar (El 85) and Martín Arzola Ortega (El 53). With this split, a turf war against La Resistencia, headed by Ramiro Pozos (El Molca), and Los Zetas for the control of the region started.{{cite web|url=http://www.zocalo.com.mx/new_site/articulo/diversifica-mencho-mercado-del-narco-1391193491|title=Diversifica 'Mencho' mercado del narco|website=www.zocalo.com.mx|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=17 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917144858/http://www.zocalo.com.mx/new_site/articulo/diversifica-mencho-mercado-del-narco-1391193491|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2012/689809.html|title=Cae "El Molca" líder y fundador de "La Resistencia" - La Crónica de Hoy|website=www.cronica.com.mx|access-date=3 March 2019|archive-date=1 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901180323/http://www.cronica.com.mx/notas/2012/689809.html|url-status=dead}} Emilio Alejandro Pulido Saldaña, better known as "El Tiburón", was considered to be a co-founder as well.

File:Matazets-interrogationZetas.png members]]

In June 2009, inside an abandoned truck in a residential neighborhood in Cancún, Quintana Roo, the Mexican authorities discovered the corpses of three men. Along with their remains was found the following message:

{{Blockquote|We are the new group Mata Zetas (Zeta Killers) and we are against kidnapping and extortion, and we will fight them in all states for a cleaner Mexico.| Los Mata Zetas (Jalisco New Generation Cartel)}}

These murdered men were then linked to individuals who had been shown in a video on YouTube while being interviewed by masked men armed with assault rifles.{{cite news|title=Matazetas|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2009/10/matazetas.html|access-date=20 April 2012|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=17 October 2009|archive-date=5 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120405195214/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2009/10/matazetas.html|url-status=live}} A number of videos online confirmed the existence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which was dedicated at that time to kill Gulf Cartel and Zeta members alike. In the interrogation videos done by the Mata Zetas, the captured cartel members confessed their criminal activities and gave out the names of police commanders and politicians who provided them with protection. According to Terra Networks, the government agency of the SEIDO received a phone call on 1 July 2009 from an unidentified man who said that the cartel members of Los Zetas were going to be "kidnapped and eliminated" from Cancún and Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Lidera ex agente a la organización de los 'matazetas'|url=http://www.terra.com.mx/noticias/articulo/882870/Lidera+ex+agente+a+la+organizacion+de+los+matazetas.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221020409/http://www.terra.com.mx/noticias/articulo/882870/Lidera+ex+agente+a+la+organizacion+de+los+matazetas.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 February 2013|access-date=20 April 2012|newspaper=Terra Networks|date=22 November 2009|language=es}}

{{Main|2011–2012 in the Mexican Drug War}}

In spring 2011, the CJNG declared war on all other Mexican cartels and stated its intention to take control of the city of Guadalajara. However, by midsummer, the group appeared to have been reunited with its former partners in the Sinaloa Cartel. In addition to maintaining its anti-Zetas alliance with the Gulf Cartel, the Sinaloa Cartel in 2011 affiliated itself with the Knights Templar in Michoacán. To counter Los Zetas in the state of Jalisco, the Sinaloa Cartel affiliated itself with the CJNG.

On 20 September 2011, two trucks containing 35 dead bodies were found at an underpass near a shopping mall in Boca del Río, Veracruz.{{cite news|title=35 bodies found in Mexican roadway during rush hour |url=https://www.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/americas/mexico-bodies-found/index.html |work=CNN|date=20 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011045126/http://articles.cnn.com/2011-09-20/americas/world_americas_mexico-bodies-found_1_bodies-roadway-drug-related-violence?_s=PM%3AAMERICAS |archive-date=11 October 2012 }} All of the corpses were alleged to be members of Los Zetas,{{cite news|title=35 muertos de Boca del Río serían Zetas: Autoridades|url=http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/35muertosdebocadelrioserianzetasautoridades-1102898.html|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=21 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=27 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227061804/http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/35muertosdebocadelrioserianzetasautoridades-1102898.html|url-status=live}} but it was later proven that only six of them had been involved in minor crime incidents, and none of them were involved with organized crime.{{cite news|last=Martínez |first=Chivis |title=Bodies of Innocents Used as Props in Mexico's Drug War |url=http://www.insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2742-bodies-of-innocents-used-as-props-in-mexicos-drug-war |access-date=9 June 2012 |newspaper=InSight Crime |date=8 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616050357/http://www.insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2742-bodies-of-innocents-used-as-props-in-mexicos-drug-war |archive-date=16 June 2012 }} Some of the victims had their hands tied and showed signs of having been tortured.{{cite news|title=Mexico gunmen abandon two trucks with 35 bodies inside|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14998500|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=21 September 2011|archive-date=2 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302030236/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14998500|url-status=live}} According to El Universal, at around 17:00 an undetermined number of vehicles blocked a major avenue in Boca del Río.{{cite news|title=Veracruz: tiran a 35 ejecutados en zona turística|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/primera/37768.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=21 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=27 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227215009/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/primera/37768.html|url-status=dead}} Once the traffic stopped, armed men abandoned two trucks in the middle of the highway. They opened the doors of the trucks and pulled out the thirty-five corpses, leaving a written message behind. Other gunmen pointed their weapons at the frightened drivers.{{cite news|last=Castillo|first=Eduardo|title=Mexico Horror: Suspected Drug Traffickers Dump 35 Bodies on Avenue in Veracruz|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/mexico-bodies-gunmen_n_973298.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=The Huffington Post|date=21 September 2011|archive-date=2 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102060743/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/mexico-bodies-gunmen_n_973298.html|url-status=live}} The gunmen then fled the scene.{{cite news|title=Arrojan 35 cuerpos torturados en una calle de Veracruz|url=http://www.elmundo.es/america/2011/09/21/mexico/1316565284.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=El Mundo|date=21 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=14 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814152216/http://www.elmundo.es/america/2011/09/21/mexico/1316565284.html|url-status=live}} Consequently, the stunned motorists began to grab their cellphones and post messages on Twitter warning other drivers to avoid the area. The message left behind stated the following:

{{Blockquote|No more extortions, no more killings of innocent people! Zetas in the state of Veracruz and politicians helping them: This is going to happen to you, or we can shoot you as we did to you guys before too. People of Veracruz, do not allow yourselves to be extorted; do not pay for protection; if you do is because you want to. This is the only thing these people (Los Zetas) can do. This is going to happen to all the Zeta-shits who continue to operate in Veracruz. This territory has a new proprietor.|Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generation{{cite news|title=En Veracruz tiran a 40 ejecutados; narcomantas señalan que muertos son de Los Zetas|url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/en-veracruz-tiran-a-40-ejecutados-en-narcomantas-senalan-que-muertos-son-de-los-zetas/|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=Blog del Narco|date=21 September 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408044323/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/en-veracruz-tiran-a-40-ejecutados-en-narcomantas-senalan-que-muertos-son-de-los-zetas/|archive-date=8 April 2012}}}}

The Blog del Narco reported on 21 September 2011 that the message was supposedly signed by Gente Nueva, an enforcer group that works for Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the top boss of the Sinaloa cartel.{{cite news|title=35 bodies dumped in Mexican city as president begins effort to woo tourists|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mexicos-dueling-images-35-dead-in-tourist-town/2011/09/21/gIQAkHjZlK_story.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=21 September 2011|first=William|last=Booth|archive-date=7 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507092855/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/mexicos-dueling-images-35-dead-in-tourist-town/2011/09/21/gIQAkHjZlK_story.html|url-status=live}} Nonetheless, on 27 September 2011, the CJNG released a video claiming they had carried out these attacks.{{cite news|title=Comando armado se responsabiliza por cádaveres arrojados en Veracruz|url=http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/comandoarmadoseresponsabilizaporcadaveresarrojadosenveracruz-1108089.html|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=27 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=30 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230191422/http://www.vanguardia.com.mx/comandoarmadoseresponsabilizaporcadaveresarrojadosenveracruz-1108089.html|url-status=live}} They apologized for the massacres in Veracruz but reiterated their efforts to fight off Los Zetas, who, they claimed, "are not invincible."{{cite news|title=Se disculpan 'Los Matazetas' por ejecutados en Veracruz|url=http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/se-disculpan-los-matazetas-por-ejecutados-en-veracruz,645f1613cd7b3310VgnVCM10000098f154d0RCRD.html|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=Terra Networks|date=26 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306200817/http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/se-disculpan-los-matazetas-por-ejecutados-en-veracruz,645f1613cd7b3310VgnVCM10000098f154d0RCRD.html|url-status=live}} In the CJNG video, five men wearing balaclavas and completely black clothing are shown sitting behind a table. Then the man with the microphone states that the Matazetas are "warriors without a face, but proudly Mexicans," and that their objective is to eradicate Los Zetas. They claim in the video that they respect the Mexican Armed Forces and understand the government's stance against the drug cartels. The men in the video state that they understand and respect the government's decision of refusing to negotiate with the cartels.{{cite news|title=Un grupo autodenominado Los Mata Zetas reivindica la matanza de Veracruz|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/20110928/54222715093/un-grupo-autodenominado-los-mata-zetas-reivindica-la-matanza-de-veracruz.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=28 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=10 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610224924/http://www.lavanguardia.com/20110928/54222715093/un-grupo-autodenominado-los-mata-zetas-reivindica-la-matanza-de-veracruz.html|url-status=dead}} They also criticize the politicians who have protected Los Zetas. In addition, they claim that the Matazetas are "prohibited to extort, kidnap, steal, abuse, or do anything that will affect the national patrimony,"{{cite news|title=Video: Narcocomunicado de Los Mata-Zetas |url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/video-narcocomunicado-de-los-mata-zetas/ |access-date=11 March 2012 |newspaper=Blog del Narco |date=26 September 2011 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619071749/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2011/09/video-narcocomunicado-de-los-mata-zetas/ |archive-date=19 June 2012 }} and that they are the "armed wing of the Mexican people."

On 6 October 2011 in Boca del Río, Veracruz, 36 bodies were found by the Mexican authorities in three different houses.{{cite news|title=Marina reporta el hallazgo de 32 cuerpos en Veracruz; la Procuraduría, 4|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/06/la-marina-localiza-32-cuerpos-en-casas-de-seguridad-en-veracruz|newspaper=CNN Mexico|date=6 October 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211541/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/06/la-marina-localiza-32-cuerpos-en-casas-de-seguridad-en-veracruz|archive-date=13 May 2012}} The Navy first discovered 20 bodies inside a house in a residential neighborhood. While searching at another house they found 11 more bodies.{{cite news|title=Mexico: 32 Bodies Are Found in Veracruz Houses|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/world/americas/mexico-32-bodies-are-found-in-veracruz-houses.html|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=7 October 2011|archive-date=13 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013133450/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/07/world/americas/mexico-32-bodies-are-found-in-veracruz-houses.html|url-status=live}} The third and final house contained one body. Four other bodies were confirmed separately by the state government of Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Son 36 los cadáveres hallados en Veracruz|url=http://noticierostelevisa.esmas.com/nacional/344731/son-36-cadaveres-hallados-veracruz/|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Televisa|date=7 October 2011|language=es|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402091825/http://noticierostelevisa.esmas.com/nacional/344731/son-36-cadaveres-hallados-veracruz/|url-status=live}} A day later, Reynaldo Escobar Pérez, the State Justice Attorney General, stepped down and resigned due to the drug-violence.{{cite news|title=El procurador de Veracruz renuncia a su cargo tras una ola de violencia|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/07/el-procurador-de-veracruz-presenta-su-renuncia-tras-una-ola-de-violencia|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=7 October 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040056/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/07/el-procurador-de-veracruz-presenta-su-renuncia-tras-una-ola-de-violencia|archive-date=4 March 2016}} And a day after his resignation, 10 more bodies were found throughout the city of Veracruz.{{cite news|last=Soberanes|first=Rodrigo|title=Otros 10 cadáveres son encontrados en el estado de Veracruz|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/08/otros-10-cadaveres-son-encontrados-en-el-estado-de-veracruz|access-date=21 March 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=8 October 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318000531/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/08/otros-10-cadaveres-son-encontrados-en-el-estado-de-veracruz|archive-date=18 March 2012}} The CJNG was also responsible for 67 killings in Veracruz on 7 October 2011.{{cite news|title=Caen 'Matazetas' ligados a cadáveres en Veracruz|url=http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/caen-matazetas-ligados-a-cadaveres-en-veracruz,808440faee7b3310VgnVCM4000009bf154d0RCRD.html?icid=Publicadores_Links_Relacionados|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=Terra Networks|date=7 October 2011|language=es|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402183951/http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/caen-matazetas-ligados-a-cadaveres-en-veracruz,808440faee7b3310VgnVCM4000009bf154d0RCRD.html?icid=Publicadores_Links_Relacionados|url-status=live}}

By 9 October 2011, in only eighteen days, the state of Veracruz reported 100 killings.{{cite news|title=Suma 100 muertos Veracruz en tan sólo 18 días|url=http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/suma-100-muertos-veracruz-en-tan-solo-18-dias,dff4ecbede7b3310VgnVCM3000009af154d0RCRD.html|access-date=21 March 2012|newspaper=Terra Networks|date=9 October 2011|language=es|archive-date=6 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306200839/http://noticias.terra.com.mx/mexico/seguridad/suma-100-muertos-veracruz-en-tan-solo-18-dias,dff4ecbede7b3310VgnVCM3000009af154d0RCRD.html|url-status=live}}

In response to the multiple executions between the drug cartels, the federal government launched a military-led operation in the state of Veracruz, known in Spanish as Operativo Veracruz Seguro.{{cite news|title=Fortalecer a policías locales, la clave en el nuevo operativo en Veracruz|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/04/fortalecer-a-policias-locales-la-clave-en-el-nuevo-operativo-en-veracruz|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=CNN México|date=4 October 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403013455/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/10/04/fortalecer-a-policias-locales-la-clave-en-el-nuevo-operativo-en-veracruz|archive-date=3 April 2012}} In October 2011, the state of Veracruz was a disputed territory between Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel and Sinaloa Cartel.{{cite news|title=Veracruz, paraíso amenazado por el 'narco'|url=http://www.sipse.com/noticias/127343-veracruz-paraiso-amenazado-narco.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910075132/http://www.sipse.com/noticias/127343-veracruz-paraiso-amenazado-narco.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2012|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=Grupo SIPSE|date=20 October 2011|language=es}} Francisco Blake Mora, Secretary of the Interior at the time, said that the operation was implemented to serve the following goals:

1. Deploy the Armed Forces and the Federal Police throughout the Veracruz to "recuperate the areas controlled by the cartels."{{cite news|title=Las 5 claves del operativo Veracruz Seguro|url=http://www.eluniversalveracruz.com.mx/13053.html|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=5 October 2011|language=es|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042444/http://www.eluniversalveracruz.com.mx/13053.html|url-status=dead}}
2. Establish intelligence agencies to not only capture the cartel members, but to also dismantle their financial and operative networks;
3. Evaluate and inspect the police forces in Veracruz for any possible correlation with the cartels, "in order to count with loyal" police officers;
4. Increase the federal and state funding to improve security measures;
5. Ensure that the government is the only entity that carries out law and order.

File:Matazetas-Veracruz.png]]

Despite the strong military presence, the authorities discovered seven bodies inside a Ford Lobo on 8 October 2011 in Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Hallan otros siete cuerpos en Veracruz|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/799554.html|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=8 October 2012|language=es|archive-date=11 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211092758/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/799554.html|url-status=live}} On 22 December 2011, three public buses were attacked by drug cartel members on Federal Highway 105 in Veracruz, leaving 16 dead.{{cite news|title=Deja 16 muertos ataque a autobuses en Veracruz|url=http://www.informador.com.mx/mexico/2011/346388/6/deja-16-muertos-ataque-a-autobuses-en-veracruz.htm|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=El Informador|date=22 December 2011|language=es|archive-date=11 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211221836/http://www.informador.com.mx/mexico/2011/346388/6/deja-16-muertos-ataque-a-autobuses-en-veracruz.htm|url-status=dead}} Three U.S. citizens were among those dead.{{cite news|title=3 Texans among those killed in Veracruz attacks|url=http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/12/3-u-s-citizens-among-those-killed-in-veracruz-attacks/|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=The Houston Chronicle|date=24 December 2011|archive-date=1 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201152108/http://blog.chron.com/newswatch/2011/12/3-u-s-citizens-among-those-killed-in-veracruz-attacks/|url-status=dead}} Soon after the shootouts, which happened in the early morning, the authorities carried out an operation to find those responsible, killing five gunmen.{{cite news|title=PGJE indaga ataque a autobuses en Veracruz|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/817984.html|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=22 December 2012|language=es|archive-date=23 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223001326/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/817984.html|url-status=live}} The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros asked Americans to avoid traveling on highways between cities in the late hours of the night.{{cite news|last=Chapa|first=Sergio|title=Consulate issues emergency warning after deadly bus attack|url=http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700273#.T4DMyL-3CFc|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=KGBT-TV|date=22 December 2012|archive-date=13 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713225619/http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700273#.T4DMyL-3CFc|url-status=dead}}

In Tampico Alto, Veracruz, on 23 December 2011 the Mexican authorities found 10 dead bodies after an anonymous call from a citizen.{{cite news|title=Autoridades de Veracruz encuentran 10 cuerpos en el norte del estado|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/12/23/autoridades-de-veracruz-encuentran-10-cuerpos-en-el-norte-del-estado|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=23 December 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402134439/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/12/23/autoridades-de-veracruz-encuentran-10-cuerpos-en-el-norte-del-estado|archive-date=2 April 2012}} The corpses were dumped on a dirt road, and all of them were handcuffed and presented signs of torture.{{cite news|title=Hallan en camino vecinal de Veracruz los cuerpos de otras 10 personas asesinadas|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2011/12/24/politica/011n1pol|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=La Jornada|date=24 December 2011|language=es|archive-date=14 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314043055/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2011/12/24/politica/011n1pol|url-status=live}} Nine out of the ten bodies were decapitated.{{cite news|title=Hallan 10 cuerpos decapitados en Veracruz|url=http://noticias.univision.com/narcotrafico/noticias/article/2011-12-23/cuerpos-diez-decapitados-veracruz#axzz1rOg1CKeS|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=Univision|date=23 December 2012|language=es|archive-date=19 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119035524/http://noticias.univision.com/narcotrafico/noticias/article/2011-12-23/cuerpos-diez-decapitados-veracruz#axzz1rOg1CKeS|url-status=live}} Earlier in February 2011, Saturnino Valdés Llanos, the mayor of the municipality of Tampico Alto, was kidnapped in February 2011; his body was left in a garbage dump with 10 more bodies a week later.{{cite news|title=Archivo/Debate Hallan cuerpo de edil Tampico Alto, al norte de Ver. Con Loret de Mola|url=http://www.radioformula.com.mx/notas.asp?Idn=159460|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908211830/http://www.radioformula.com.mx/notas.asp?Idn=159460|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 September 2012|access-date=5 May 2012|newspaper=XEKAM-AM|date=3 March 2011|language=es}} On 25 December 2011 near Tampico, Tamaulipas, a city on the border with Veracruz, 13 bodies were found inside an 18-wheeler truck.{{cite news|last=Chapa|first=Sergio|title=13 bodies found inside 18-wheeler near Tampico|url=http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700855#.T4DEYL-3CFc|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=KGBT-TV|date=25 December 2011|archive-date=19 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419210447/http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=700855#.T4DEYL-3CFc|url-status=dead}} According to officials, the truck had license plates from Veracruz. Authorities indicated that this massacre was related to the other mass murders that had occurred in Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Provino de Veracruz una nueva matanza|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/primera/38453.html|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=26 December 2011|language=es|archive-date=26 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226215940/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/primera/38453.html|url-status=live}} On 9 February 2012, the Mexican authorities exhumed 15 bodies from clandestine mass graves in Acayucan, Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Marina: van 15 cadáveres en "narcofosas" de Acayucan|url=http://impreso.milenio.com/node/9109831|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=Milenio|date=4 February 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313140659/http://impreso.milenio.com/node/9109831|archive-date=13 March 2012}} According to government sources, by March 2012, the homicide rate in Veracruz and its surrounding territories had decreased.{{cite news|title=Operativo Veracruz Seguro empieza a superar inseguridad: FCH|url=http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&id_nota=819463&orgn=smoreno&extra=pngXPS&titulo=%3Ci%3EOperativo-Veracruz-Seguro-empieza-a-superar-el-desaf%C3%ADo-de-inseguridad-en-la-entidad%3C%2Fi%3E%3A-FCH|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=Excélsior|date=18 March 2012|language=es|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183741/https://www.excelsior.com.mx/|url-status=live}} President Felipe Calderón attributed the low homicide rates to the Operation Veracruz, the military-led operation implemented in October 2011.{{cite news|title=Asegura Calderón que declinan homicidios dolosos en Veracruz|url=http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2012/03/19/politica/011n1pol|access-date=7 April 2012|newspaper=La Jornada|date=19 March 2012|language=es|archive-date=22 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322123605/http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2012/03/19/politica/011n1pol|url-status=live}}

On 3 May 2012 in Boca del Río, Veracruz, three photojournalists who covered the crime events in Veracruz were slain and dumped in several plastic bags in a canal.{{cite news|title=Policías navales encuentran los cuerpos de tres fotógrafos en Veracruz|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/05/03/policias-navales-encuentran-los-cuerpos-de-dos-fotografos-en-veracruz|access-date=4 May 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=3 May 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503235145/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/05/03/policias-navales-encuentran-los-cuerpos-de-dos-fotografos-en-veracruz|archive-date=3 May 2012}} Press freedom groups indicated that the three journalists had "temporarily fled Veracruz after receiving threats [in 2011]."{{cite news|title=3 journalists slain in Mexico's Veracruz state|url=http://www.krgv.com/news/3-journalists-slain-in-mexico-s-veracruz-state-120853|access-date=4 May 2012|newspaper=KRGV-TV|date=3 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127050838/http://www.krgv.com/news/3-journalists-slain-in-mexico-s-veracruz-state-120853|archive-date=27 January 2013}} Over the past eighteen months, seven journalist have been killed in Veracruz alone.{{cite news|title=3 Mexico journalists slain, dumped in bags in drug gang-plagued Veracruz|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/3-mexico-journalists-slain-dumped-in-bags-in-drug-gang-plagued-veracruz/|access-date=4 May 2012|newspaper=CBS News|date=3 May 2012|archive-date=1 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501052519/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57427733/3-mexico-journalists-slain-dumped-in-bags-in-drug-gang-plagued-veracruz/|url-status=live}} There are only a few journalists reporting on crime-related stories in the state. Upon the arrest of several members of the cartel, the authorities confirmed in August 2012 that the CJNG was responsible for killing five journalists in Veracruz.{{cite news |last=Zumdio |first=Ismael |title=Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación asesinó a periodistas: PGJ-Veracruz |url=http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/cb4ce9458fd7599d3b866f6611b8e89d |access-date=15 August 2012 |newspaper=Milenio |date=15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128171703/http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/cb4ce9458fd7599d3b866f6611b8e89d |archive-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=dead |language=es }}

On 23 November 2011, a total of 26 bodies—16 of them burned to death—were located in several abandoned vehicles in Sinaloa.{{cite news|title=Las autoridades de Sinaloa localizan 23 cadáveres en tres municipios|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/23/las-autoridades-de-sinaloa-localizan-20-cadaveres-en-dos-municipios|access-date=24 November 2011|newspaper=CNN Mexico|date=23 November 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123204241/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/23/las-autoridades-de-sinaloa-localizan-20-cadaveres-en-dos-municipios|archive-date=23 November 2011}} The incident began at early hours of the morning in Culiacán, Sinaloa with the discovery of a vehicle on fire.{{cite news|title=26 muertos en Sinaloa; 16 fueron calcinados|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/811193.html|access-date=5 May 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=24 November 2011|language=es|archive-date=28 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228061831/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/811193.html|url-status=dead}} When the police forces managed to put down the flames, they found inside the vehicle a dozen of bodies burned to death, and with wood remains on top of them. All of the victims were handcuffed. Later on at 07:00 hours, anonymous calls from civilians notified the police that another vehicle in the northern city limits of Culiacán was on fire. The vehicle on fire was a Ford Ranger, and inside were four bodies with bulletproof vests and handcuffed. During the night, 10 more bodies were found throughout several different municipalities.

The killings were allegedly carried out by Los Zetas as a response to the massacres done by the Matazetas (CJNG) in Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Stratfor avizora más violencia|url=http://eleconomista.com.mx/sociedad/2011/12/04/stratfor-avizora-mas-violencia|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=El Economista|date=4 December 2011|language=es|archive-date=4 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204022419/http://eleconomista.com.mx/sociedad/2011/12/04/stratfor-avizora-mas-violencia|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Zetas Invade Sinaloa and Jalisco|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/11/zetas-invade-sinaloa-and-jalisco.html|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=28 November 2011|archive-date=12 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312041650/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2011/11/zetas-invade-sinaloa-and-jalisco.html|url-status=live}} Stratfor believes that this major move by Los Zetas into the territory of the Sinaloa Cartel demonstrates the Zeta's ability to attack the "heart of those cartels' territories."{{cite web|title=Mexico Security Memo: Los Zetas Strike in Sinaloa Territory|url=http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/mexico-security-memo-los-zetas-strike-sinaloa-territory|publisher=Stratfor|access-date=11 March 2012|archive-date=22 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222201151/http://www.stratfor.com/analysis/mexico-security-memo-los-zetas-strike-sinaloa-territory|url-status=live}}

File:CJNG-militaryvideo.png.]]

On 24 November 2011, three trucks containing 26 bodies were found in an avenue at Guadalajara, Jalisco.{{cite news|title=26 cadáveres son abandonados en camionetas, en una avenida de Guadalajara|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/24/cadaveres-en-tres-camionetas-son-abandonados-en-un-avenida-de-guadalajara|access-date=24 November 2011|newspaper=CNN Mexico|date=24 November 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124202929/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/24/cadaveres-en-tres-camionetas-son-abandonados-en-un-avenida-de-guadalajara|archive-date=24 November 2011}} All of them were male corpses.{{cite news|title=26 bodies dumped in mass slaying in Guadalajara|url=http://www.chron.com/news/article/26-bodies-dumped-in-mass-slaying-in-Guadalajara-2286984.php|access-date=24 November 2011|newspaper=Houston Chronicle}} At around 7:00 pm, the Guadalajara police received numerous anonymous calls from civilians reporting that "several vehicles with more than 10 bodies had been abandoned" in a major avenue.{{cite news|title=Hallan al menos 20 cadáveres en Guadalajara|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/811211.html|access-date=5 May 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=24 November 2011|language=es|archive-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412182256/http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/811211.html|url-status=dead}} Upon the arrival of the police forces, they found a green Dodge Caravan in the middle lane of the highway, along with a Nissan Caravan just {{convert|66|ft|m|abbr=off|sp=us}} away; on the farthest right lane was a white van. Reports state that Los Zetas and the Milenio Cartel are responsible for the massacre of these twenty-six alleged Sinaloa Cartel members.{{cite news|title=El Cártel del Milenio y Los Zetas se atribuyen masacre en Guadalajara|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw7gOAxgFnI&feature=feedu|access-date=25 November 2011|newspaper=Univision|language=es|archive-date=25 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125223254/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw7gOAxgFnI&feature=feedu|url-status=live}} In addition, in November 2011, three men from the Milenio Cartel were arrested and linked to the massacre of the twenty-six people.{{cite news|title=Las autoridades de Jalisco detienen a tres por la muerte de 26 personas|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/12/07/las-autoridades-de-jalisco-detienen-a-tres-por-la-muerte-de-26-personas|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=7 December 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510003538/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/12/07/las-autoridades-de-jalisco-detienen-a-tres-por-la-muerte-de-26-personas|archive-date=10 May 2012}} The authorities concluded that only six of the twenty-six that were killed had criminal records, and another ten of those dead were reported as disappeared by their family members.{{cite news|title=Seis de las 26 víctimas en Guadalajara tenían antecedentes penales|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/25/seis-de-los-26-cadaveres-en-guadalajara-tenian-antecedentes-penales|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=25 November 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510013609/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/25/seis-de-los-26-cadaveres-en-guadalajara-tenian-antecedentes-penales|archive-date=10 May 2012}} Among those killed were small-business entrepreneurs; a cook; a mechanic; a dentist; a truck driver; and a house painter, among others.

According to the testimonies of several family members, a group of heavily armed men abducted several people by force. One of the witnesses said that some teenagers were "drinking soda in front of a store when armed men" in two trucks abducted them.{{cite news|title=Los familiares identifican a las víctimas en Guadalajara|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/25/los-familiares-identifican-a-las-victimas-en-guadalajara|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=25 November 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510014133/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/11/25/los-familiares-identifican-a-las-victimas-en-guadalajara|archive-date=10 May 2012}} The family of one of the kidnapped victims claimed that their loved one was "a teenager without vices or problems," and that the versions of him being part of a cartel are unjust and false. Other families claimed that their loved ones did not have any problems with anybody and were honest workers. Nevertheless, when the cartel members arrested were interrogated by the authorities, they claimed that those killed in the massacre were not innocent, and formed part of Los Torcidos (another name for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel).{{cite news|title=Matanza en Guadalajara: más datos, más sospechas|url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=292388|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Proceso|date=22 December 2011|language=es|archive-date=12 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112193529/http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=292388|url-status=dead}} When asked if they had tortured them, the cartel members replied that they did not. One of the killers confessed that he had plans of leaving the criminal organization but was threatened with death by his own organization if he decided to do so.

Authorities concluded that this massacre was almost a "replica" of what happened two months earlier in Veracruz,{{cite news|title=Hallan 26 cadáveres en tres vehículos en Guadalajara|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/internacional/111124/hallan-26-cadaveres-en-tres-vehiculos-en-guadalajara|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=El Universal|date=24 November 2011|language=es|archive-date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419013408/http://www.eluniversal.com/internacional/111124/hallan-26-cadaveres-en-tres-vehiculos-en-guadalajara|url-status=live}} and investigators mentioned that this massacre is a response to the killings done by the Matazetas against Los Zetas in the state of Veracruz.{{cite news|title=Ligan al cártel del Milenio-Z con hallazgo de 26 cuerpos en Guadalajara|url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=289106|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=Proceso|date=24 November 2011|language=es|archive-date=28 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128233306/http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=289106|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Guadalajara: Posible guerra Zetas-cartel Sinaloa deja 26 muertos|url=http://mx.noticias.yahoo.com/guadalajara-guerra-zetas-cartel-sinaloa-deja-26-muertos-000102799.html|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=Yahoo News|date=24 November 2011|language=es|archive-date=28 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128171344/http://mx.noticias.yahoo.com/guadalajara-guerra-zetas-cartel-sinaloa-deja-26-muertos-000102799.html|url-status=dead}}

The dismembered remains of 18 bodies were found inside a Toyota Sienna and Ford EcoSport near the U.S. retiree communities in Chapala, Jalisco, just south of the city of Guadalajara.{{cite news|title=Narcoviolencia vuelve a Jalisco; hallan 18 cuerpos en dos vehículos|url=http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&seccion=portada&cat=28&id_nota=833054|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Excélsior|date=10 May 2012|language=es|archive-date=17 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517115416/http://www.excelsior.com.mx/index.php?m=nota&seccion=portada&cat=28&id_nota=833054|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=At least 15 bodies found near U.S. retiree hamlet in Mexico|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/at-least-15-bodies-found-near-popular-us-retiree-hamlet-in-mexico.html|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=9 May 2012|archive-date=11 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511104130/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/05/at-least-15-bodies-found-near-popular-us-retiree-hamlet-in-mexico.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Dejan a 15 ejecutados en una camioneta en Jalisco |url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/05/dejan-a-10-ejecutados-en-una-camioneta-en-jalisco/ |access-date=9 May 2012 |newspaper=Blog del Narco |date=9 May 2012 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512014601/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/05/dejan-a-10-ejecutados-en-una-camioneta-en-jalisco/ |archive-date=12 May 2012 }} Eighteen heads were found along the dismembered bodies; some had been frozen, others were covered in lime, and the rest were found in an advanced state of decomposition.{{cite news|last=Looft |first=Christopher |title=With 18 Killed, Zetas Bring Nuevo Laredo War to Jalisco |url=http://insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2611-with-18-killed-zetas-bring-nuevo-laredo-war-to-jalisco |access-date=11 May 2012 |newspaper=InSight Crime |date=10 May 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518020605/http://insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2611-with-18-killed-zetas-bring-nuevo-laredo-war-to-jalisco |archive-date=18 May 2012 }} An anonymous call alerted the police to the abandoned vehicles, which were found by the side of a highway early in the morning on 9 May 2012.{{cite news|title=Fifteen decapitated in apparent Mexico revenge attack|url=http://sg.news.yahoo.com/fifteen-decapitated-apparent-mexico-revenge-attack-223203895.html|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=Yahoo! News|date=9 May 2012|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403042236/https://sg.news.yahoo.com/fifteen-decapitated-apparent-mexico-revenge-attack-223203895.html|url-status=live}} They were consequently towed to government offices to unload the bodies.{{cite news|title=Mexican police discover at least 15 dismembered bodies near Guadalajara|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/09/mexico-dismembered-bodies-found-lake-chapala?newsfeed=true|access-date=9 May 2012|newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 May 2012|location=London|archive-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403045142/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/may/09/mexico-dismembered-bodies-found-lake-chapala?newsfeed=true|url-status=live}} The authorities confirmed that a message was left behind by the killers, presumably from Los Zetas and the Milenio Cartel. The attorney general of the state of Jalisco, Tomás Coronado Olmos, stated that this massacre was a revenge attack for the 23 killed in the 2012 Nuevo Laredo massacres.{{cite news|title=Suman 18 los muertos encontrados en Chapala, Jalisco: Procuraduría|url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=306918|access-date=11 May 2012|newspaper=Proceso|date=9 May 2012|language=es|archive-date=13 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513063304/http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=306918|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Descuartizados son en respuesta a los de Nuevo Laredo – Procurador|url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/05/descuartizados-son-en-respuesta-a-los-de-nuevo-laredo-procurador/|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=Blog del Narco|date=9 May 2012|language=es|archive-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512031859/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/05/descuartizados-son-en-respuesta-a-los-de-nuevo-laredo-procurador/|url-status=dead}} In addition, 25 people were rescued after being kidnapped in Tala, Jalisco on 8 May 2012; the killers had plans to kill and "throw" them for public display. Another 10 people managed to escape their capture by members of Los Zetas that same day, and alerted the local media of the situation.{{cite news|title=15 butchered bodies recovered near U.S. retiree communities on Lake Chapala|url=http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2012/05/10-butchered-bodies-recovered-near-u-s-retiree-communities-on-lake-chapala/|access-date=10 May 2012|newspaper=The Houston Chronicle|date=9 May 2012|archive-date=12 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512214636/http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2012/05/10-butchered-bodies-recovered-near-u-s-retiree-communities-on-lake-chapala/|url-status=live}} Upon the arrest of the four alleged killers, one of the cartel members confessed that they had plans to "repeat" what had happened in the 2011 Guadalajara massacre, where 26 bodies were dumped in a major avenue for public display.{{cite news|title=Jalisco: caen 4 ligados al hallazgo de 18 cuerpos|url=http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/6206c695bc31a6043760f5a008fdc189|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128162739/http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/6206c695bc31a6043760f5a008fdc189|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2013|access-date=12 May 2012|newspaper=Milenio|date=12 May 2012|language=es}}

According to Proceso magazine, Los Zetas were planning to kill 50 people on 9 May 2012, a day before Mother's Day.{{cite news|title=Los Zetas planeaban asesinar a 50 el Día de las Madres|url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=307129|access-date=12 May 2012|newspaper=Proceso|date=11 May 2012|language=es|archive-date=15 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515205841/http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=307129|url-status=dead}}

{{main|Jalisco Cartel New Generation-Los Caballeros Templarios Cartel War}}

{{Infobox military conflict

|conflict = Cartel de Jalisco New Generetion–Knights Templar civil war

|partof = Mexican drug war
War on drugs

|date = 2011–2016

|place = Jalisco, Mexico

|result = Victory of the Jalisco cartel, dissolution of the Knights Templar Cartel

|combatant1 = Jalisco New Generation Cartel

|combatant2 = Knights Templar Cartel

|commander1 = "El Mencho" (arrested)

|commander2 = Nazario Moreno {{KIA}}

|casualties3 = in total 402 deaths and thousands of injured

}}File:MataZetas-vs-CaballerosTemplarios.png.]]

On 21 March 2012, the Matazetas uploaded a video on the Blog del Narco. The recording, which is slightly over four minutes, shows several men dressed in black, with ski-masks and heavily armed; some of them (apparently the leaders) were sitting down at a table—as has been observed in other videos of the CJNG.{{cite news|title=Narco-Response" to the Knights of Templar from CJNG|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/narco-response-to-knights-of-templar.html|access-date=23 March 2012|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=21 March 2012|archive-date=24 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324132510/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/narco-response-to-knights-of-templar.html|url-status=live}} In the communiqué, the men said that they will "clean up the states of Guerrero and Michoacán," and informed the federal government, the Armed Forces and the Federal Police that the CJNG has no problems with them.{{cite news|title=Video: Narco-comunicado del Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación|url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/03/video-narco-comunicado-del-cartel-de-jalisco-nueva-generacion-2/|access-date=23 March 2012|newspaper=Blog del Narco|date=21 March 2012|language=es|archive-date=23 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323220443/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/03/video-narco-comunicado-del-cartel-de-jalisco-nueva-generacion-2/|url-status=live}} Then they went on to say that the CJNG was going to start a turf war "against the Knights Templar Cartel, who were reportedly "abusing of innocent people" and operating through "kidnappings, extortion, protection racketeering, property theft, and rape." Vigilante groups consisting of local townspeople, known as autodefensas, have been taking arms against the Knights Templar for the past few years. Now, CJNG and local autodefensas are forming unprecedented alliances between the cartel and civilians in order to disrupt a common enemy. CJNG's significant funding allows them to supply the autodefensas with military-grade arms, changing the tide of the conflict between the Knights Templar and civilians.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-27 |title=Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG) |url=https://insightcrime.org/mexico-organized-crime-news/jalisco-cartel-new-generation/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=InSight Crime |language=en-US |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330060905/https://insightcrime.org/mexico-organized-crime-news/jalisco-cartel-new-generation/ |url-status=live }} Consequently, both the autodefensas and CJNG are mutually benefitting as CJNG offers greater protection to victims of the Knights Templar while receiving support from the community in combatting a regional rival.

Following the message of the Matazetas to eradicate the Knights Templar Cartel in the state of Michoacán, 21 bodies have been found throughout several different municipalities of the state as of 12 April 2012. At the location of the executions, the authorities discovered cardboards signed by the CJNG.

{{Main|2012 Nuevo Laredo massacres}}

Dismembered remains of 14 men were found in several plastic bags inside a Chrysler Voyager in the border city of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, on 17 April 2012.{{cite news|title=Mexico authorities say bodies of 14 men dumped in Nuevo Laredo|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/04/bodies-of-14-men-dumped-in-mexican-border-city.html|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=17 April 2012|archive-date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425100333/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/04/bodies-of-14-men-dumped-in-mexican-border-city.html|url-status=live}} All of those killed were between the ages of 30 and 35.{{cite news|title=Localizan 14 cadáveres dentro de vehículo abandonado en Nuevo Laredo|url=http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/667913268f5737dec48f486e722aaf30|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904062639/http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/667913268f5737dec48f486e722aaf30|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2012|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=Milenio|date=17 April 2012|language=es}} Officials stated that they found a "message signed by a criminal group," but they did not release the content of the note,{{cite news|title=14 mutilated bodies found in Mexican border city|url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/juarez/ci_20419518/14-mutilated-bodies-found-mexican-border-city|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143554/http://www.elpasotimes.com/juarez/ci_20419518/14-mutilated-bodies-found-mexican-border-city|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 April 2014|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=El Paso Times|date=17 April 2012}} nor if those killed were members of Los Zetas or of the Gulf Cartel.{{cite news|last=Mosso|first=Rubén|title=Nuevo Laredo: hallan 14 cuerpos mutilados|url=http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/667913268f5737dec48f486e725f91a7|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104011548/http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/667913268f5737dec48f486e725f91a7|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2013|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=Milenio|date=18 April 2012|language=es}} CNN en Español stated that the message left behind by the criminal group said that they were going to "clean up Nuevo Laredo" by killing Zeta members.{{cite news|title=14 cuerpos mutilados fueron hallados en Nuevo Laredo|url=http://blogs.cnnmexico.com/ultimas-noticias/2012/04/17/14-cuerpos-mutilados-fueron-hallados-en-nuevo-laredo/|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=17 April 2012|language=es|archive-date=21 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421023319/http://blogs.cnnmexico.com/ultimas-noticias/2012/04/17/14-cuerpos-mutilados-fueron-hallados-en-nuevo-laredo/|url-status=dead}} The Monitor newspaper, however, said that a source outside of law enforcement but with direct knowledge of the attacks stated the 14 bodies belonged to members of Los Zetas who had been killed by the CJNG, now a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel.{{cite news|title=14 bodies found in minivan outside Nuevo Laredo City Hall, according to Tamps. gov't |url=http://www.themonitor.com/articles/bodies-60209-hall-city.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427034103/http://www.themonitor.com/articles/bodies-60209-hall-city.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 April 2012 |access-date=18 April 2012 |newspaper=The Monitor |date=17 April 2012 }} Following the attacks, the Sinaloa cartel's kingpin, Joaquín Guzmán Loera—better known as El Chapo Guzmán—sent a message to Los Zetas that they will fight for the control of the Nuevo Laredo plaza.{{cite news|title=El Chapo demuestra su poder en Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas |url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/04/el-chapo-demuestra-su-poder-en-nuevo-laredo-tamps/ |access-date=18 April 2012 |newspaper=Blog del Narco |date=18 April 2012 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420210702/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/04/el-chapo-demuestra-su-poder-en-nuevo-laredo-tamps/ |archive-date=20 April 2012 }} The message read the following:

{{Blockquote|We have begun to clear Nuevo Laredo of Zetas because we want a free city and so you can live in peace. We are narcotics traffickers and we don't mess with honest working or business people. I'm going to teach these scums to work Sinaloa style—without kidnapping, without payoffs, without extortion. As for you, 40, I tell you that you don't scare me. I know you sent H to toss heads here in my turf, because you don't have the stones nor the people to do it yourself. Don't forget that I'm your true father.| Joaquín Guzmán Loera (El Chapo){{cite news|last=Schiller|first=Dane|title=Drug lord 'El Chapo' declares war on Zetas|url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Drug-lord-El-Chapo-declares-war-on-Zetas-3492866.php|access-date=19 April 2012|newspaper=The Houston Chronicle|date=18 April 2012|archive-date=17 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717182320/http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Drug-lord-El-Chapo-declares-war-on-Zetas-3492866.php|url-status=live}}}}

Nuevo Laredo is considered a stronghold of Los Zetas,{{cite news|title=Mexican authorities find 14 dead in Nuevo Laredo|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/04/mexican-authorities-find-14-dead-in.html|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=17 April 2012|archive-date=22 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422215119/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/04/mexican-authorities-find-14-dead-in.html|url-status=live}} although there were incursions by the Sinaloa Cartel in March 2012.{{cite news|title=El Chapo Guzmán comienza limpia de Los Zetas en Tamaulipas|url=http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/03/el-chapo-guzman-comienza-limpia-de-los-zetas-en-tamaulipas/|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=Blog del Narco|date=26 March 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418193143/http://www.blogdelnarco.com/2012/03/el-chapo-guzman-comienza-limpia-de-los-zetas-en-tamaulipas/|archive-date=18 April 2012}}{{cite news|last=Corcoran|first=Patrick|title='Narcomantas' Herald Chapo's Incursion into Mexico Border State|url=http://insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2414-narcomantas-herald-chapos-incursion-into-mexico-border-state|access-date=18 April 2012|newspaper=InSight Crime|date=28 March 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409054719/http://insightcrime.org/insight-latest-news/item/2414-narcomantas-herald-chapos-incursion-into-mexico-border-state|archive-date=9 April 2012}} Consequently, Los Zetas responded two days later with incursions to Sinaloa, the home state of the Sinaloa Cartel.{{cite news|last=Martinez|first=Chivis|title=Z40 Answers Chapo by Leaving His Own Butchery and Message|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/z40-answers-chapo-by-leaving-his-own.html|access-date=19 April 2012|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=28 March 2012|archive-date=1 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501062759/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2012/03/z40-answers-chapo-by-leaving-his-own.html|url-status=live}} The Sinaloa Cartel's first attempt to take over Nuevo Laredo happened in 2005, when Los Zetas was working as the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel.{{cite news|last=Schiller|first=Dane|title=Is 'El Chapo' back in border city of Nuevo Laredo?|url=http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2012/04/with-butchery-and-a-warning-is-mexicos-el-chapo-back-in-border-city-of-nuevo-laredo/|access-date=19 April 2012|newspaper=The Houston Chronicle|date=18 April 2012|archive-date=21 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421194714/http://blog.chron.com/narcoconfidential/2012/04/with-butchery-and-a-warning-is-mexicos-el-chapo-back-in-border-city-of-nuevo-laredo/|url-status=live}}

In August 2016 in an upmarket restaurant called La Leche in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta, the CJNG kidnapped two sons of Joaquin Guzmán Loera (El Chapo), Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar and Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, along with friends and then released them after negotiations. The event happened shortly after the incarceration of Joaquín Guzmán and was seen as a humiliation for the powerful Sinaloa cartel.

The "40" in the message is a reference to Miguel Treviño Morales, a top leader of Los Zetas based in Nuevo Laredo, and longtime adversary of Joaquín Guzmán. The "H" is presumably Héctor Beltrán Leyva, the last remaining brother of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel.{{cite news|last=Corcoran|first=Patrick|title=Bodies, Banner Herald Sinaloa Cartel's Push East|url=http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/bodies-banner-herald-sinaloa-cartels-push-east|access-date=24 April 2012|publisher=InSight Crime|date=23 April 2012|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035347/http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/bodies-banner-herald-sinaloa-cartels-push-east|url-status=live}} The Beltrán Leyva organization, unlike the Zetas, has presence in Sinaloa state, and would probably have an easier time attacking the Sinaloa Cartel on its own turf. The message does not mention the fact that the Gulf Cartel is probably supporting the Sinaloa Cartel in carrying out the executions. In addition, the banner suggests that the alliance between Los Zetas and the Beltrán Leyva Cartel remains intact as of 2012 despite the losses it lived in 2008. The message also suggests the differences in the modus operandi of Los Zetas and the Sinaloa Cartel, because as authors of InSight Crime allege, the Zetas have a reputation of operating through extortion, kidnappings, robberies, and other illicit activities; in contrast, the Sinaloa Cartel is known simply for drug trafficking. (Both assertions are not wholly true, but often reflect a popular sentiment.) Guzmán attempted to take over Nuevo Laredo after the capture of the Gulf Cartel leader, Osiel Cárdenas Guillén, in 2003.

Nevertheless, Guzmán retreated after a few years of bloody turf wars. The Sinaloa Cartel's return to Nuevo Laredo, however, was seen again in March 2012 after Guzmán reportedly left several corpses and a message heralding his return. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Nuevo Laredo is the busiest border crossing in terms of truck crossings with over 1.7 million trucks a year, more than double than any other crossing on the Mexico–United States border.{{cite web|title=Border Crossing/Entry Data: Quick Search by Rankings|url=http://www.bts.gov/programs/international/transborder/TBDR_BC/TBDR_BC_QuickSearch.html|publisher=Bureau of Transportation Statistics|access-date=24 April 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702013155/http://www.bts.gov/programs/international/transborder/TBDR_BC/TBDR_BC_QuickSearch.html|archive-date=2 July 2012}} Nuevo Laredo is the fourth-busiest border crossing in terms of passenger vehicles. Patrick Corcoran of InSight Crime believes that the turf war in Nuevo Laredo will bring a huge wave of violence, but also mentioned that the circumstances have changed since the split of the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas in early 2010. The current alliance between Guzmán's Sinaloa Cartel and the Gulf Cartel may successfully extract Los Zetas and give Guzmán the upper hand.

Once the Sinaloa Cartel gets established in Nuevo Laredo, it may possibly make moves to control Reynosa and Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

In 2018, InSight also stated that infighting had developed with CJNG by March 2017 which resulted in the killing of a cartel financier and the leader of the CJNG's hit squad.

On 7 April 2015, the CJNG ambushed and killed 15 Mexican police officers and seriously injured five others. The cartel carried out the attack as the police officers were driving along a mountain road in Jalisco, which was blocked by the CJNG with burning vehicles. Once the convoy of police officers was stopped in a vulnerable position, gunmen from the CJNG opened fire on them with sophisticated weaponry including machine guns and grenade launchers.{{Cite web |date=2015-04-07 |title=Fifteen Mexican police officers killed in deadly ambush in Jalisco state |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/07/mexico-police-attack-jalisco-15-dead |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401215205/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/07/mexico-police-attack-jalisco-15-dead |url-status=live }}

On 2 December 2018, at approximately 7:30 CST, two grenades were thrown onto consular grounds in Guadalajara, with one of them exploding and causing a 16-inch (approximately 40 cm) hole in the wall of the building. At the time of the bombing, the consulate general office was closed and no injuries were sustained. It is unconfirmed if the attack was carried out by the CJNG or a rival gang trying to hurt the CJNG's reputation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/grenade-attack-at-us-consulate-in-mexico-may-have-been-cartel-hit|title=Grenade attack at US Consulate in Mexico may have been cartel hit|last=McKay|first=Hollie|date=2018-12-01|work=Fox News|access-date=2018-12-03|language=en-US|archive-date=3 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203081929/https://www.foxnews.com/world/grenade-attack-at-us-consulate-in-mexico-may-have-been-cartel-hit|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

| direction = vertical

| image1 = CJNG map 2020.png

| image2 = Criminal organizations presence (2020).png

| width = 300

| color = transparent

| footer = {{legend|#d32a2a|Main areas of activity}}{{legend|#ff7f7f|Secondary zones of activity or influence}}

}}

In March 2017, infighting within the CJNG showed when Oseguera ordered the murder of high-ranking CJNG member Carlos Enrique Sánchez, alias "El Cholo". The plot to murder Sánchez, who was targeted by Oseguera after murdering a CJNG financial operator nicknamed "El Colombiano", failed. Sánchez and CJNG co-founder Érick Valencia Salazar, alias "El 85", departed from the CJNG and formed a new cartel called Nueva Plaza Cartel. Upon its formation, Sánchez was made leader of the newly formed cartel. According to InSight Crime, the Nueva Plaza Cartel retaliated against the failed murder of Sánchez by successfully murdering the person in charge of the CJNG's hit squad, nicknamed "El Kartón" or "El Marro", in August 2017 CJNG co-founder Emilio Alejandro Pulido Salazar, alias "El Tiburón", would defect to the Nueva Plaza Cartel as well.{{cite web | url=https://www-blogdelnarcomexico-com.translate.goog/2021/03/por-miedo-al-cjng-y-que-le-pase-lo.html?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc | title=Por miedo al CJNG y que le pase lo mismo que a "El Cholo", "El Tiburón" segundo al mando del Cártel Nueva Plaza se entrega a autoridades | access-date=12 October 2022 | archive-date=12 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012201930/https://www-blogdelnarcomexico-com.translate.goog/2021/03/por-miedo-al-cjng-y-que-le-pase-lo.html?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc | url-status=live }}

Valencia and Sánchez also began a war with their former cartel as well. In 2019, Valencia and Sánchez were still reported to leaders of the breakaway Nueva Plaza Cartel.{{cite web |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2019/04/22/erick-valencia-salazar-el-85-el-otro-fundador-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-al-que-el-mencho-traiciono/%26prev%3Dsearch |title=Erick Valencia Salazar "El 85": el otro fundador del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación al que "El Mencho" traicionó |date=2019-04-22 |website=Infobae |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183746/https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2019/04/22/erick-valencia-salazar-el-85-el-otro-fundador-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-al-que-el-mencho-traiciono/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2019/05/06/el-cartel-nueva-plaza-ex-socios-de-el-mencho-pelean-la-plaza-de-guadalajara/%26prev%3Dsearch |title=El Cártel Nueva Plaza: ex socios de "El Mencho" pelean la plaza de Guadalajara |website=Infobae |date=2019-05-06 |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183743/https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2019/05/06/el-cartel-nueva-plaza-ex-socios-de-el-mencho-pelean-la-plaza-de-guadalajara/ |url-status=live }} They also were still waging war against the CJNG and had even formed an alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel.

By 2019, Jorge Luis Mendoza Cárdenas, alias "La Garra", was listed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as being in charge of the CJNG's trafficking operations to the United States and serves as the CJNG's liaison as well.{{cite web|url=https://eldiariony.com/2019/09/18/la-garra-posible-sustituto-de-el-mencho-del-cjng-y-actual-lider-del-cartel-en-eeuu/|title="La Garra", posible sustituto de "El Mencho" del CJNG, y actual líder del cartel en EEUU|first=Por: Redacción | 18 de|last=Septiembre 2019|date=18 September 2019|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920234230/https://eldiariony.com/2019/09/18/la-garra-posible-sustituto-de-el-mencho-del-cjng-y-actual-lider-del-cartel-en-eeuu/|url-status=live}} In January 2020, senior CJNG hitwoman María Guadalupe López Esquive, alias "La Catrina" died following a shootout with police. López, also known as "Dame of Death", was suspected of being the CJNG leader in Mexico's Tierra Caliente region.{{cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/world/female-cartel-boss-known-as-dame-of-death-killed-in-shootout-with-mexican-state-forces|title=Female cartel boss known as 'Dame of Death' killed in shootout with Mexican state forces|website=National Post|date=14 January 2020|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=17 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717063343/https://nationalpost.com/news/world/female-cartel-boss-known-as-dame-of-death-killed-in-shootout-with-mexican-state-forces|url-status=live}} In March 2020, it was announced that a secret six-month DEA operation known as "Operation Python" resulted in the arrest of 600 CJNG operatives and the seizure of $20 million in cash.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/28/mexico-us-clash-next-el-chapo-rising-star-mexicos-fastest-growing/|title=Mexico and US clash over 'next El Chapo', rising star of Mexico's fastest growing cartel|first=Deborah|last=Bonello|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=28 March 2020|via=www.telegraph.co.uk|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329163300/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/03/28/mexico-us-clash-next-el-chapo-rising-star-mexicos-fastest-growing/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/police-arrest-la-cecy-suspected-leader-of-cjng-cell/|title=Police arrest 'La Cecy,' suspected leader of CJNG cell|date=11 April 2020|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=22 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422021847/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/police-arrest-la-cecy-suspected-leader-of-cjng-cell/|url-status=live}} The number of arrests was revised to 750, though it was still thought the CJNG could still partake in trafficking within the U.S. so long as it keeps its base of operations in Mexico.

On 2 June 2020, Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit released a statement revealing that as a result of joint operation with the DEA, the agency was able to locate "a large number of members of said criminal group, as well as its largest financial operators and companies used in money laundering".{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-violence-cartels-idUSKBN23A02A|title=Mexico freezes almost 2,000 accounts linked to powerful cartel|newspaper=Reuters|date=3 June 2020|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621183552/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mexico-violence-cartels-idUSKBN23A02A|url-status=live}} Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit, a part of the finance ministry tasked with combating and preventing money laundering, then managed to have 1,770 bank accounts of CJNG-linked individuals frozen. Bank accounts to 16 CJNG-linked companies and two trusts linked to the CJNG were frozen as well. The move came after armed assailants stormed a live CJNG-provided concert on 29 May 2020 in the Veracruz city of Tierra Blanca, injuring two and killing six. Those killed included the regional CJNG leader, and also owner of the local El Sol de Tierra Blanca newspaper, Francisco Navarette Serna and the full lineup of La Calle, the band Serna was performing with.{{cite web|url=https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/12477-mexico-freezes-cjng-bank-accounts-leader-shot-dead|title=Mexico Freezes CJNG Bank Accounts, Leader Shot Dead|first=Will|last=Neal|website=www.occrp.org|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606200627/https://www.occrp.org/en/daily/12477-mexico-freezes-cjng-bank-accounts-leader-shot-dead|url-status=live}} On 3 June, it was reported the amount of CJNG-linked assets which were frozen totaled $1.1 billion.{{cite web|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2020/06/03/mexico-and-dea-team-freeze-billion-dollars-linked-cjng-cartel/3134761001/|title=$1.1 billion in cartel assets frozen in Mexico in another blow against CJNG cartel|first=Beth Warren and Karol|last=Suarez|website=The Courier-Journal|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183743/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2020/06/03/mexico-and-dea-team-freeze-billion-dollars-linked-cjng-cartel/3134761001/|url-status=live}}

On 11 June 2020, Insight Crime journalist Victoria Dittmar dismissed media hype that the CJNG was Mexico's "dominant cartel" and stated that the CJNG was now in fact losing influence and popularity to smaller cartels.{{cite web | title=Why the Jalisco Cartel Does Not Dominate Mexico's Criminal Landscape | website=InSight Crime | date=2020-06-11 | url=https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/jalisco-cartel-dominate-mexico/ | access-date=2020-07-10 | archive-date=14 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614003904/https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/jalisco-cartel-dominate-mexico/ | url-status=live }} Despite unleashing numerous CJNG attacks, Los Viagras and the Cartel del Abuelo were reported as having a "profound advantage" over the CJNG in Tierra Caliente. Despite alliances with the weakened Tijuana Cartel, the CJNG failed to weaken the Sinaloa Cartel's control over criminal activities in Tijuana. Despite numerous efforts, CJNG has also been unable to establish a major presence in the Mexican states of Morelos, State of Mexico and Mexico City. However, CJNG still had strongholds in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo and Veracruz.

The CJNG also made its presence in Ciudad Juárez with its New Juárez Cartel, though it failed to deter the hold which La Linea and the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Salazar affiliate had over the Ciudad Juárez drug trafficking market as well. On 23 June 2020, it was revealed that the CJNG had sent assassins to kill Santa Rosa de Lima leader José Antonio Yépez Ortiz, also known as El Marro, on many occasions, including at his sister's wedding earlier in the year.{{cite web|url=https://communalnews.com/mexican-drug-gang-blocks-roads-in-guanajuato/|title=Mexican Drug Gang Blocks Roads in Guanajuato - Communal News|access-date=26 June 2020|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209185506/https://communalnews.com/mexican-drug-gang-blocks-roads-in-guanajuato/|url-status=usurped}} It was also revealed that the CJNG was struggling to gain influence in territory controlled by the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel. On 26 June 2020, Mexico City police chief Omar Garcia Harfuch survived an assassination attempt which saw him suffer injuries from three bullet wounds. Two of his bodyguards and a female pedestrian were killed in the assassination attempt as well. While Tweeting from his hospital bed, Garcia blamed the CJNG for the failed attempt on his life and had 12 suspected CJNG members arrested by the end of the day.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexico-city-police-chief-shot-assassination-attempt-blames-cjng-drug-n1232290|title=Mexico City police chief shot in assassination attempt, blames CJNG drug cartel|author=Reutuers|publisher=NBC News|date=26 June 2020|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=27 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627030124/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexico-city-police-chief-shot-assassination-attempt-blames-cjng-drug-n1232290|url-status=live}} The same day, it emerged that the CJNG still controlled organized crime in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Hidalgo, but no longer was listed as having such control in any municipality in Veracruz and still was unable to take away territory in other parts of southeastern Mexico controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel, Los Zetas and the so-called Los Pelones group.{{cite web|url=https://www.explica.co/cdmx-and-the-territories-that-the-cjng-seeks-to-control-to-dominate-mexico/|title=CDMX and the territories that the CJNG seeks to control to dominate Mexico|date=26 June 2020|access-date=27 June 2020|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629232029/https://www.explica.co/cdmx-and-the-territories-that-the-cjng-seeks-to-control-to-dominate-mexico/|url-status=dead}}

Sánchez was later murdered, with his body being discovered stabbed and wrapped in plastic on a park bench in downtown Tlaquepaque on 18 March 2021.{{cite news|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/body-wrapped-in-plastic-left-on-park-bench/|title=Body wrapped in plastic, left on park bench believed to be cartel boss|publisher=Mexico News Daily|date=19 March 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525175900/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/body-wrapped-in-plastic-left-on-park-bench/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mexican-cartel-leader-s-body-left-wrapped-in-plastic-on-park-bench-b1820855.html|title=Mexican cartel leader's body left wrapped in plastic on park bench|work=The Independent|date=23 March 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=7 May 2022|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/mexican-cartel-leader-s-body-left-wrapped-in-plastic-on-park-bench-b1820855.html|url-status=live}} Emilio Alejandro Pulido Salazar would surrender to Mexican authorities the same month. Érick Valencia Salazar, alias "El 85", was presumed to be the head of the Nuevo Plaza Cartel at the time of El Cholo's death.{{cite news|url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2021/04/29/cartel-boss-el-cholo-becomes-casualty-of-mexicos-drug-wars/7296198002/|title=Powerful gang leader becomes a plastic-wrapped victim of Mexico's bloody cartel wars|first=Karol|last=Suarez|publisher=The Courier Journal|date=29 April 2021|access-date=14 May 2021|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183743/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2021/04/29/cartel-boss-el-cholo-becomes-casualty-of-mexicos-drug-wars/7296198002/|url-status=live}} In February 2022, leading CJNG operator in Michoacán and trusted El Mencho associate Miguel Ángel Fernández, known as “El M2”, was found murdered in the town of Cansangüe, located in the municipality of Tepalcatepec{{cite news|url=https://mexicodailypost.com/2022/02/11/member-of-the-cjng-and-trusted-man-of-el-mencho-in-michoacan/|title=Authorities confirm the death of "M2", member of the CJNG and trusted man of "El Mencho" in Michoacán|publisher=Mexico Daily Post|date=February 11, 2022|access-date=February 28, 2023|archive-date=28 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228225325/https://mexicodailypost.com/2022/02/11/member-of-the-cjng-and-trusted-man-of-el-mencho-in-michoacan/|url-status=live}} El 85 was later captured by Mexican authorities in September 2022.{{cite news|url=https://www.gob.mx/sedena/prensa/ejercito-mexicano-guardia-nacional-cni-cenfi-femdo-fgr-y-la-direccion-general-de-asuntos-policiales-internacionales-interpol-mexico?idiom=es|title=Ejército Mexicano, Guardia Nacional, CNI-Cenfi, FEMDO (FGR) y la Dirección General de Asuntos Policiales Internacionales (Interpol México)|author=Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional|publisher=Government of Mexico|date=6 September 2022|access-date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012190507/https://www.gob.mx/sedena/prensa/ejercito-mexicano-guardia-nacional-cni-cenfi-femdo-fgr-y-la-direccion-general-de-asuntos-policiales-internacionales-interpol-mexico?idiom=es|url-status=live}}

In May 2022, Insight Crime reporter Peter Appleby reported that El Mencho's poor health, and also rumored death, accelerated break-ups and infighting in the CJNG.{{cite news|url=https://insightcrime.org/news/betrayals-infighting-mysteriously-vanished-leader-jalisco-cartel-brink/|title=Betrayals, In-Fighting, Mysteriously Vanished Leader - Is Jalisco Cartel on the Brink?|first=Peter|last=Appleby|publisher=Insight Crime|date=25 May 2022|access-date=5 January 2022|archive-date=25 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525174436/https://insightcrime.org/news/betrayals-infighting-mysteriously-vanished-leader-jalisco-cartel-brink/|url-status=live}} Another notable CJNG defection was self-proclaimed El Mencho loyalist José Bernabé Brizuela Meraz, alias “La Vaca," who was presumed to now be head of the smaller Mezcales, also known as Cartel Independiente de Colima. By this point in time, Mezcales, which previously acted as the CJNG's local enforcers, were no longer affiliated with CJNG.

In February 2023, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation dismissed Jalisco-based federal magistrate judge Isidro Avelar Gutiérrez y Roberto Sandoval Castañeda from his judicial duites as a result of his ties to the CJNG.{{cite web|url=https://elpais-com.translate.goog/mexico/2023-08-04/la-suprema-corte-confirma-la-destitucion-definitiva-del-magistrado-isidro-avelar-por-sus-vinculos-con-el-cartel-jalisco.html?_x_tr_sl=es&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc|title=La Suprema Corte confirma la destitución definitiva del magistrado Isidro Avelar por sus vínculos con el Cartel Jalisco|first=Beatriz|last=Guillén|publisher=El Pais|date=4 August 2023|access-date=21 November 2024|language=es}}

On 13 July 2011, operations chief and one of the founders of the organization, Martin Arzola Ortega, was arrested.{{cite web |url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/08/07/federal-police-arrests-cartel-boss-in-western-mexico/ |title=Federal Police arrests cartel boss in western Mexico | Fox News Latino |website=Fox News |access-date=2014-10-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013213235/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/08/07/federal-police-arrests-cartel-boss-in-western-mexico/ |archive-date=13 October 2014}} On 7 August 2012, it was announced that Ortega's successor, Eliot Alberto Radillo Peza, was captured in the Zapopan, Jalisco. At the time of Peza's arrest, it was announced that twelve suspected members of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel, including leaders Martin Arzola and Abundio Mendoza Gaytan, had been arrested since July 2011 on extortion, kidnapping and drug charges.

On 9 March 2012, another founder of the organization, Érick Valencia Salazar, alias El 85, was captured by the Mexican Army along with another high-ranking lieutenant in Zapopan, Jalisco. Their apprehensions prompted over a dozen blockades throughout the city.{{cite news|title=Cae en operativo "el 85", líder del cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación|url=http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/1936c8139a62cf35e736a017aea17640|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128190122/http://www.milenio.com/cdb/doc/noticias2011/1936c8139a62cf35e736a017aea17640|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 January 2013|access-date=10 March 2012|newspaper=Milenio|date=9 March 2012|language=es}} 26 public transportation buses were burned with gasoline and then used to block the city streets.{{cite news|title=Erick Valencia, el detenido que causó los bloqueos en Guadalajara|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/10/erick-valencia-el-detenido-que-causo-los-bloqueos-en-guadalajara|access-date=11 March 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=10 March 2011|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310222720/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/10/erick-valencia-el-detenido-que-causo-los-bloqueos-en-guadalajara|archive-date=10 March 2012}} More than 30 assault rifles, grenades, cartridges, and ammunition magazines were confiscated.{{cite news|title=Capturan a Erick Valencia Salazar, líder del Cártel de Jalisco|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/09/una-serie-de-bloqueos-y-quema-de-camiones-se-registran-en-zapopan-jalisco|access-date=10 March 2012|newspaper=CNN en Español|date=9 March 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310081911/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/09/una-serie-de-bloqueos-y-quema-de-camiones-se-registran-en-zapopan-jalisco|archive-date=10 March 2012}} Felipe Calderón, the president of Mexico, congratulated the Mexican army for the capture of Érick Valencia Salazar.{{cite news|title=El presidente felicita al Ejército por captura de un capo en Jalisco|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/11/el-presidente-felicita-al-ejercito-por-captura-de-un-capo-en-jalisco|access-date=12 March 2012|newspaper=CNNMéxico|date=11 March 2012|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311225904/http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2012/03/11/el-presidente-felicita-al-ejercito-por-captura-de-un-capo-en-jalisco|archive-date=11 March 2012}}

The Matazetas (CJNG) later apologized for the blockades by putting up several banners throughout the Guadalajara metropolitan area. They wrote that the blockades were "only a reaction for messing with their CJNG companion," who reportedly dedicated his work to "maintain tranquility in the state of Jalisco."{{cite news|title=Ofrece CJNG "disculpas" por bloqueos con narcomantas|url=http://noticias.terra.com.mx/ofrece-cjng-disculpas-por-bloqueos-con-narcomantas,7610b5856f116310VgnVCM4000009bf154d0RCRD.html|access-date=21 March 2012|newspaper=Terra Networks|date=14 March 2012|language=es|archive-date=25 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183818/https://www.terra.com.mx/nacionales/|url-status=live}} On 18 March 2012, José Guadalupe Serna Padilla, another ranking lieutenant in the cartel, was captured along with another cartel member as well.{{cite news|title=Mexican cartel says no violence during papal visit|url=https://news.yahoo.com/photos/mexican-army-soldiers-stand-behind-jose-guadalupe-serna-photo-043324293.html|author=E. Eduardo Castillo|access-date=5 April 2012|agency=Associated Press|date=19 March 2012|archive-date=25 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325120356/http://news.yahoo.com/photos/mexican-army-soldiers-stand-behind-jose-guadalupe-serna-photo-043324293.html|url-status=live}} On 15 April 2012, Marco Antonio Reyes, reported to be the head of the cartel's gunmen, was captured in Veracruz along with five of his associates.{{cite news|title=Drug Cartel Members Arrested in Eastern Mexico|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=493104&CategoryId=14091|publisher=Latin American Herald Tribune|access-date=18 April 2012|archive-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714022646/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=493104&CategoryId=14091|url-status=dead}} The arrests also led to the capture of three other cartel members, including the head of the cartel's operations in the Veracruz cities of Veracruz and Boca del Río.

On 30 January 2014, Mexican authorities arrested Rubén Oseguera González (alias "El Menchito"), the second-in-command in the cartel and the son of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the organization's leader.{{cite news|last=Mosso |first=Rubén |title=Cae 'El Menchito', segundo mando del cártel de Jalisco |url=http://www.milenio.com/policia/Cartel_de_Jalisco_Nueva_Generacion-CJNG-Jalisco-incendio-Ruben_Oseguera_Gonzalez-El_Junior-Nemesio_Oseguera_Cervantes-El_Mencho_0_236376552.html |access-date=30 January 2014 |newspaper=Milenio |date=30 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131093807/http://www.milenio.com/policia/Cartel_de_Jalisco_Nueva_Generacion-CJNG-Jalisco-incendio-Ruben_Oseguera_Gonzalez-El_Junior-Nemesio_Oseguera_Cervantes-El_Mencho_0_236376552.html |archive-date=31 January 2014 |language=es |url-status=dead }} On 1 May 2015, a Mexican army helicopter was shot at and forced to land in what Jalisco's Governor Aristoteles Sandoval described as "a reaction to an operation to detain leaders of this cartel".{{cite news|title=Mexican army helicopter shot at in drug cartel attack|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-32560494|publisher=BBC News|date=1 May 2015|access-date=20 June 2018|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924082751/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-32560494|url-status=live}} On 28 May 2018, they arrested Rosalinda González Valencia, who is the wife of Cervantes.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zeit.de/news/2018-05/28/mexiko-frau-von-maechtigem-mexikanischen-drogenboss-gefasst-28044202|title=Mexiko: Frau von mächtigem mexikanischen Drogenboss gefasst|work=ZEIT ONLINE|access-date=2018-05-28|language=de|archive-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529054123/https://www.zeit.de/news/2018-05/28/mexiko-frau-von-maechtigem-mexikanischen-drogenboss-gefasst-28044202|url-status=live}}

In July 2018, Mexican authorities arrested José Guadalupe Rodríguez Castillo (alias 'El 15'), a local leader of the cartel. His arrest is related to the disappearance of three Italian businessmen in the Southern Jalisco town of Tecalitlán in January 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2018/07/30/mexico/1532963801_762654.html|title=Capturado un capo mexicano relacionado con la desaparición de tres italianos en Jalisco|work=El Pais|access-date=30 July 2018|language=es|archive-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730201223/https://elpais.com/internacional/2018/07/30/mexico/1532963801_762654.html|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, a senior CJNG leader, who chose to remain anonymous and was only identified as "El 20," was arrested by Mexican authorities.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzr2ZmuXiVA|title=Aquí capturaron a "El 20", líder del Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación|date=18 March 2019 |via=www.youtube.com|access-date=19 July 2019|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508060643/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzr2ZmuXiVA&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} "El 20", who remained anonymous, was second-in-command to the CJNG.{{cite web|url=https://vanguardia.com.mx/articulo/detienen-el-20-lugarteniente-de-el-mencho-y-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-en|title=Detienen a 'El 20', lugarteniente de 'El Mencho' y del Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación en Tequisquitlán, Jalisco|website=Vanguardia|date=18 March 2019 |access-date=19 July 2019|archive-date=19 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190319134043/https://vanguardia.com.mx/articulo/detienen-el-20-lugarteniente-de-el-mencho-y-del-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-en|url-status=live}} More than 80 elements of 41 Military Zone, as well as the Navy, and the Federal Police, as well as four CJNG members who also remained anonymous, were also arrested with "El 20."

In April 2019, Adrián Alonso Guerrero Covarrubias, known as "El 8" or "El M", was arrested for drug trafficking and kidnapping.{{cite web|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/federal-forces-capture-two-cartel-chieftains/|title=Federal forces capture two cartel chieftains in Jalisco|date=10 April 2019|access-date=12 July 2019|archive-date=11 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411022949/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/federal-forces-capture-two-cartel-chieftains/|url-status=live}} Guerrero served as head of the cartel's operations in the Ciénega and northern Los Altos regions in Jalisco and all of southeastern Guanajuato, and is the godson to cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.

On 11 March 2020, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested 600 people and seized more than a ton and a half of narcotics. This is the DEA's largest-ever strike against CJNG.{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/mar/11/dea-carries-out-largest-single-strike-against-remo/|title=DEA carries out largest-ever strike against 'remorseless' Mexican drug cartel|date=2020-03-11|website=The Washington Times|language=en-US|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200312002036/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/mar/11/dea-carries-out-largest-single-strike-against-remo/|archive-date=2020-03-12|access-date=2020-03-12}} The number of arrests was revised to 750, with 250 arrests occurring in the United States.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/11/doj-takes-aim-violent-mexican-drug-cartel-announces-250-arrests/5023376002/|title=DOJ takes new aim at violent Mexican drug cartel CJNG; 250 arrests in the U.S.|first=Kevin|last=Johnson|website=USA Today|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-date=5 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605010924/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/03/11/doj-takes-aim-violent-mexican-drug-cartel-announces-250-arrests/5023376002/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/us-authorities-detain-750-people-with-links-to-jalisco-cartel/|title=DEA detains 750 linked to Jalisco cartel throughout US|date=12 March 2020|access-date=4 June 2020|archive-date=20 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420165750/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/us-authorities-detain-750-people-with-links-to-jalisco-cartel/|url-status=live}}

On 10 April 2020, Oseguera's Chicago area lieutenant Luis Alderate was arrested.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/4/10/21213581/jalisco-new-generation-cartel-luis-alderete-el-mencho-grenade-launchers-el-chapo-sinaloa|title=Busted in Chicago suburbs, top aide to cartel boss 'El Mencho' wanted grenade launchers: prosecutors|first=Frank|last=Main|date=10 April 2020|website=Chicago Sun-Times|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417090735/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/4/10/21213581/jalisco-new-generation-cartel-luis-alderete-el-mencho-grenade-launchers-el-chapo-sinaloa|url-status=live}} Other high-level associates of Oseguera prosecuted in Chicago include Diego Pineda-Sanchez, sentenced to 15 years in prison for laundering money for him and other drug kingpins. Alderate's brother Roberto Alderete was arrested in Kentucky in 2018 with two pounds of methamphetamine. On 11 April 2020, CJNG cell leader María del Carmen Albarrán was arrested in the Venustiano Carranza borough of Mexico City.

In May 2020, it was reported that former CJNG security chief Enrique Alejandro Pizano, who was arrested in September 2015 died in a Jalisco prison on 13 May 2020 due to COVID-19.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

On 28 June 2020, it was reported that the number of CJNG members arrested for 26 June 2020 assassination attempt of the Mexican City Police Chief had grown to 19.{{cite web|url=https://www.explica.co/the-most-wanted-criminal-by-the-united-states-who-leads-the-cjng-from-the-mountains/|title=the most wanted criminal by the United States who leads the CJNG from the mountains|date=28 June 2020|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630115217/https://www.explica.co/the-most-wanted-criminal-by-the-united-states-who-leads-the-cjng-from-the-mountains/|url-status=dead}}

On 1 July 2020, it was announced that CJNG hitman Jaime Tafolla Ortega, a.k.a. "El Alacran" (The Scorpion), was arrested on 28 June 2020. According to a statement released by the Mexican Attorney General's Office, he is suspected of gunning down Judge Uriel Villegas Ortiz and his wife, Veronica Barajas, on 16 June 2020 and leading 29 April 2020 abduction of Colima state Representative Anel Bueno Sanchez, whose body was found in a clandestine grave on 2 June 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.kxan.com/news/the-scorpion-charged-with-murdering-federal-judge-state-lawmaker/|title='The Scorpion' charged with murdering federal judge, state lawmaker|date=1 July 2020|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702234238/https://www.kxan.com/news/the-scorpion-charged-with-murdering-federal-judge-state-lawmaker/|url-status=live}} Judge Villegas had gained notoriety in 2018 when he ordered the transfer of Rubén Oseguera from a jail in Oaxaca to a maximum security prison in Jalisco. A second suspect was arrested with Tafolla, though he has not yet been charged.

On 15 November 2021, Rosalinda González Valencia was recaptured in Zapopan, Jalisco.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/16/wife-cartel-leader-el-mencho-arrested-mexico-rosalinda-gonzalez-valencia-cjng|title=Narco queen': wife of cartel leader 'El Mencho' arrested in Mexico|work=The Guardian|date=16 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127211100/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/16/wife-cartel-leader-el-mencho-arrested-mexico-rosalinda-gonzalez-valencia-cjng|url-status=live}} The Mexican Ministry of Defense released a statement describing her arrest as "a significant blow to the financial structure of organized crime in the state," with evidence pointing to her role in “the illicit financial operation of an organized crime group.” Her five brothers and two of her children were still incarcerated as well. Oseguera brother was still incarcerated as well.

On December 20, 2022, El Mencho's brother Antonio Oseguera, alias “El Tony Montana,” was captured while in possession of weapons in a suburb of Guadalajara.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/mexico-caribbean-city-guadalajara-cb4e99f9a08ef421293553d59e152634|title=Mexico arrests brother of leading drug cartel boss|publisher=Associated Press|date=December 20, 2022|access-date=December 24, 2022|archive-date=24 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224175003/https://apnews.com/article/mexico-caribbean-city-guadalajara-cb4e99f9a08ef421293553d59e152634|url-status=live}} El Tony Montana was said to have overseen violent actions and logistics, and bought weapons and laundered money for the cartel.

On November 19, 2024, El Mencho's son-in-law Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high ranking CJNG leader and romantic partner of El Mencho's daughter Laisha{{cite news|url=https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2022/04/laisha-oseguera-daughter-of-el-mencho.html|title=Laisha Oseguera, Daughter Of "El Mencho", Can Be Apprehended, Denied Suspension Of Protective Order|first=Sol|last=Prendido|publisher=Borderland Beat|date=April 29, 2022|access-date=November 21, 2024}} who notably faked his death and took up residency in California under an assumed identity, was arrested in Riverside, California.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-cartel-leader-arrested-california-faked-own-death-justice-department/|title=Mexican cartel leader who faked own death to "live a life of luxury" in U.S. is arrested in California, feds say|work=CBS News|date=November 21, 2024|access-date=November 21, 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/high-ranking-mexican-cartel-leader-arrested-charges-international-drug-trafficking-and-money|title=High-Ranking Mexican Cartel Leader Arrested on Charges of International Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering After Faking Own Death to Live in California Under Assumed Identity|publisher=US Department of Justice |date=November 21, 2024|access-date=November 21, 2024}}

As of 2020, despite the group's rapid expansion the CJNG does not necessarily control every area it is present in. It is however the dominant criminal actor in Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, the port of Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán, the eastern state of Veracruz and in the oil-rich central region of Guanajuato, Puebla, Querétaro and Hidalgo. It is also strong, although facing stern rivalries, as well as the border cities of Tijuana and Juárez, Tierra Caliente – the area which covers parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and the State of Mexico, as well as the Riviera Maya. The group has shown it may be focusing on entering the capital, after a brazen attack against Mexico City’s public security secretary in June 2020. Internationally, the cartel has contacts in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, the United States, Central America, Canada, Australia, China and Southeast Asia, which help it control large parts of marijuana, cocaine and synthetic drug trafficking in Mexico. On 31 March 2021, a show of force and a massacre of rivals was reported in the Aguililla municipality, the birthplace of "El Mencho", an avocado growing area and also a center of drug cooking within the Tierra Caliente.Staff. (6 April 2021). "The battle for Aguililla: 27 believed killed in massacre by Jalisco cartel". [https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/27-believed-killed-massacre-jalisco-cartel/ Mexico News Daily website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408133708/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/27-believed-killed-massacre-jalisco-cartel/ |date=8 April 2021 }} Retrieved 7 April 2021.

According to the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit in Mexico City, the cartel has territory within the regions of Jalisco, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Veracruz, Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Zacatecas, the Islas Marías, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Tabasco, Querétaro, Tamaulipas, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Edomex, Morelos and Puebla.{{cite web |last1=Lopez |first1=Torres |title=Mapa de cárteles del narco en México según Inteligencia Financiera |url=https://www.axency.com/mapa-de-carteles-del-narco-en-mexico-segun-inteligencia-financiera/23/09/2020/ |website=Axency |date=23 September 2020 |access-date=13 September 2021 |language=es |archive-date=9 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209185458/https://www.axency.com/mapa-de-carteles-del-narco-en-mexico-segun-inteligencia-financiera/23/09/2020/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| url = https://www.gob.mx/hacienda| title = Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público {{!}} Gobierno {{!}} gob.mx| access-date = 10 August 2021| archive-date = 2 November 2023| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231102184620/https://www.gob.mx/hacienda/| url-status = live}}

CJNG has allegedly threatened the lives of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Alfonso Durazo, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of the government of Mexico; Marcelo Ebrard, Secretary of Foreign Relations; Santiago Nieto, head of the Financial Intelligence Unit; Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Public Security of Jalisco; and Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, Governor of Jalisco.{{cite news |title=El "Vaca", el operador del CJNG que atentó contra García Harfuch, reveló que el gobernador de Jalisco es el siguiente en la lista del Mencho |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2020/09/03/el-vaca-el-operador-del-cjng-que-atento-contra-garcia-harfuch-revelo-que-el-gobernador-de-jalisco-es-el-siguiente-en-la-lista-del-mencho/ |access-date=11 January 2021 |work=infobae |date=3 September 2020 |language=es-ES |archive-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112151022/https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2020/09/03/el-vaca-el-operador-del-cjng-que-atento-contra-garcia-harfuch-revelo-que-el-gobernador-de-jalisco-es-el-siguiente-en-la-lista-del-mencho/ |url-status=live }}

CJNG has used violence to control local communities, other organizations, and politics.{{Cite web |last=Felbab-Brown |first=Vanda |date=2021-09-24 |title=Criminal violence, politics, and state capture in Michoacán |url=https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/criminal-violence-politics-and-state-capture-in-michoacan/ |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=Brookings |language=en-US |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401123138/https://www.brookings.edu/opinions/criminal-violence-politics-and-state-capture-in-michoacan/ |url-status=live }} Politics in the regions where CJNG has control are skewed, and citizens have little options to combat the cartel. The threat to Mexico's political stability is apparent in the deaths CJNG was responsible for in the 2018 election cycle. The death of over 130 political candidates in just one year is a striking reminder of how much CJNG controls areas of Mexico.{{Cite web |title=Criminal Violence in Mexico |url=https://cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/criminal-violence-mexico |access-date=2022-04-01 |website=Global Conflict Tracker |language=en |archive-date=1 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401013535/https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/criminal-violence-mexico |url-status=live }} Political candidates are not the only victims of CJNG's violence. As of 2020, CJNG is believed to have killed thousands of civilians (Sieff 2020).{{Cite news |last=Sieff |first=Kevin |date=10 July 2020 |title=Mexico's Jalisco New Generation Cartel blazes a bloody trail in rise to new power |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexico-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-omar-garcia-harfuch/2020/07/10/0666b600-c14d-11ea-b4f6-cb39cd8940fb_story.html. |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=1 April 2022 |archive-date=25 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125183744/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexico-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-omar-garcia-harfuch/2020/07/10/0666b600-c14d-11ea-b4f6-cb39cd8940fb_story.html. |url-status=live }}

The cartel has also been known to use propaganda. The group tried to show outwardly "altruistic" actions in strategic areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, for example, the group distributed toys to children in communities in Veracruz where it is fighting splinter groups from Los Zetas. Members of the CJNG also delivered boxes of goods in various parts of the country, including Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city. Through online videos, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has tried to seek society's approval and tacit consent from the Mexican government to confront Los Zetas by posing as a "righteous" and "nationalistic" group.{{cite news|last=De Córdoba|first=José|title=Mexico Fears Rise of Vigilante Justice|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204226204576599161405735224|access-date=9 July 2012|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=29 September 2011|archive-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302052233/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204226204576599161405735224|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Gil Olmos|first=José|title=Los Mata zetas o el cogobierno del crimen organizado|url=http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=282649|access-date=9 July 2012|newspaper=Proceso|date=28 September 2011|language=es|archive-date=1 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201114649/http://www.proceso.com.mx/?p=282649|url-status=dead}} Such claims have stoked fears that Mexico, just like Colombia a generation before, may be witnessing the rise of paramilitary drug gangs.

As of September 2021, the Jalisco Cartel has recently made increasing advancements into the southern regions of Mexico such as Chiapas near the Guatemalan border where it is facing an escalating dispute for territory with its arch-rival the Sinaloa Cartel.{{cite news |title= Cartel territorial battles escalate in Chiapas as CJNG attempts to muscle in |url= https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/cartel-territorial-battles-escalate-in-chiapas-as-cjng-attempts-to-muscle-in/ |access-date= 10 August 2021 |work= Reforma and Infobae |publisher= Mexico News Daily |date= 12 July 2021 |archive-date= 30 June 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230630230434/https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/cartel-territorial-battles-escalate-in-chiapas-as-cjng-attempts-to-muscle-in/ |url-status= live }}{{cite web | title=Jalisco Cartel Sets Off Alarm Bells Along Mexico-Guatemala Border | website=InSight Crime | date=2021-09-23 | url=https://insightcrime.org/news/jalisco-cartel-alarm-bells-mexico-guatemala-border/ | access-date=2021-09-25 | archive-date=25 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925201200/https://insightcrime.org/news/jalisco-cartel-alarm-bells-mexico-guatemala-border/ | url-status=live }} The CJNG has also been making advancements and increased shows of force within Guatemala as well with threats towards members of law enforcement who reportedly recently 'stole' a load of drugs from the organization.{{cite news|title=Guatemala: CJNG Threaten National Civil Police Force|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/09/guatemala-cjng-threaten-national-civil.html|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=8 September 2021|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925201200/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/09/guatemala-cjng-threaten-national-civil.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Dispute Breaks Out For Control Of Maritime Traffic In Guatemala And Peru Between CDS And CJNG|url=http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/08/dispute-breaks-out-for-control-of.html|newspaper=Borderland Beat|date=19 August 2021|access-date=25 September 2021|archive-date=25 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925201154/http://www.borderlandbeat.com/2021/08/dispute-breaks-out-for-control-of.html|url-status=live}} However, the cartel would take a notable hit on 15 November 2021 with the arrest of Oseguera's wife Rosalinda González Valencia, alias "La Jefa," who was found to be in control of the CJNG's finances.{{cite news|url=https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-11-18/the-downfall-of-rosalinda-gonzalez-leading-figure-of-powerful-mexican-drug-cartel.html|title=The downfall of Rosalinda González, leading figure of a powerful Mexican drug cartel|first=Elena|last=Reina|publisher=El País|date=18 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=23 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823171802/https://english.elpais.com/usa/2021-11-18/the-downfall-of-rosalinda-gonzalez-leading-figure-of-powerful-mexican-drug-cartel.html|url-status=live}} In addition to being the wife of Oseguera and running the CJNG's money laundering operations, González came from a family which was tied to drug trafficking and was also instrumental in aiding the CJNG's development.{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/what-el-mencho-wife-arrest-means-for-mexico-jalisco-cartel-2021-11|title=What the arrest of El Mencho's wife means for Mexico's powerful Jalisco cartel|author=Juan Diego Posada, InSight Crime|publisher=Business Insider|date=18 November 2021|access-date=28 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128140915/https://www.businessinsider.com/what-el-mencho-wife-arrest-means-for-mexico-jalisco-cartel-2021-11|url-status=live}} Rumors also surfaced in February 2022 that El Mencho died in a private hospital in Guadalajara.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2022 |title=¿"El Mencho" está muerto? Se rumora la supuesta muerte del líder del CJNG; la FGR investiga |url=https://www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx/seguridad/narcotrafico-seguridad/el-mencho-esta-muerto-se-rumora-la-supuesta-muerte-del-lider-del-cjng-la-fgr-investiga/ |access-date=5 January 2023 |website=La Voz de Michoacán |language=es |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302133354/https://www.lavozdemichoacan.com.mx/seguridad/narcotrafico-seguridad/el-mencho-esta-muerto-se-rumora-la-supuesta-muerte-del-lider-del-cjng-la-fgr-investiga/ |url-status=live }} This would later be backed by “narcomantas” which appeared around the city of Colima and which were written by Mezcales, which up until El Mencho's reported death acted as the CJNG's local enforcers.

It is difficult to trace the financial movements of the CJNG given its multifaceted and illegal nature, but some estimate their assets to be worth over $20 billion.{{Cite web |title=Tracking Cartels Infographic Series {{!}} START.umd.edu |url=https://www.start.umd.edu/tracking-cartels-infographic-series |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=www.start.umd.edu}} The main source of revenue for the cartel is the trade of illegal drugs, which is extremely profitable with markets in the United States and the EU.{{Cite web |title=The foreign policies of the Sinaloa Cartel and CJNG – Part V: Europe’s supercoke and on-the-horizon issues and the Middle East |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-foreign-policies-of-the-sinaloa-cartel-and-cjng-part-v-europes-supercoke-and-on-the-horizon-issues-and-the-middle-east/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}} Money laundering through real estate investments, front businesses, cryptocurrency, and offshore financial institutes help the CJNG to disguise and distribute large sums. Key to the cartel's large revenue gains is its rapid geographic expansion; the CJNG has captured key ports of entry along the Gulf and the Pacific since its rise in 2009, increasing its ability to extract key elements of the illegal drug supply chain.{{Cite web |author=Ballard |first=Michael |title=The CJNG Cartel: An Intel Analyst’s Guide for Travelers to Mexico |url=https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest/cjng-cartel |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Global Guardian |language=en}}

Although the CJNG generates significant revenues from narco-trafficking, the takeover of non-drug related industries, which often capitalize on the expertise of local gangs who have been absorbed by the CJNG, help the cartel to create more immediate revenues and establish regional control. A variety of peripheral operations, such as extortion of tortilla, avocado, lime, and chicken industries, as well as fuel theft and counterfeit time-share dealings, help the CJNG to accumulate revenue to fund the trafficking of illegal drugs like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States.{{Cite web |last=Suárez |first=Karol |title=Mexican cartels are diversifying business beyond drugs. Here's where they are profiting |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/crime/2024/06/28/mexican-cartels-diversify-business-with-fuel-tortillas-and-piso/74191595007/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}}

The cartel relies on the extortion of agricultural farms, recently profiting greatly off of Mexico's ‘green gold’, avocados.{{Cite web |last=Appleby |first=Peter |date=2024-03-05 |title=How Criminal Groups Aided Mexico's Avocado Industry |url=https://insightcrime.org/news/interview/how-criminal-groups-help-expand-mexicos-multi-billion-dollar-avocado-industry/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=InSight Crime |language=en-US}} They generate revenue by extorting pre-existing producers, and illegally establish their own farms with help from corrupt federal officials. Similar market manipulations have taken place in the tortilla, lime, and chicken markets. As opposed to the Sinaloa Cartel, which operates by inserting their authority into entire vertical supply chains, the CJNG generally taxes across the market, taxing a wide variety of businesses at the same level of the value chain.{{Cite web |title=How Mexico’s Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación rules |url=https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-mexicos-cartel-jalisco-nueva-generacion-rules/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Brookings |language=en-US}}

Pemex, the nationalized Mexican oil company, has lost hundreds of millions of dollars to fuel theft, to which the CJNG, as well as several other Mexican organized crime groups have been linked. Illegally drilled pipelines extract fuel which is then sold for exaggerated rent on the black market.

Individuals, as well as several Mexican companies, have been sanctioned for their complicity in timeshare fraud with the CJNG, whereby third-party scammers rob timeshare owners of their money by entering into a fictitious deal and demanding premature taxes and fees to ‘expedite’ the sales process.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Treasury Takes Third Action Against CJNG Timeshare Fraud Network Centered in Puerto Vallarta |url=https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy1936 |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Treasury.gov|publisher=United States Department of the Treasury}}

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