US announces more than $100m in rewards for eight Jalisco cartel leaders

What the report says

The Trump administration has announced rewards totaling up to $102 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of eight leaders of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), according to Al Jazeera and The Associated Press. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel presented the move at a news conference on Wednesday, describing it as part of Washington’s broader effort to weaken major cartels.

The largest reward, $25 million, was offered for Juan Carlos Gonzalez, also known as “Pelon,” whom US officials say is now leading the group after the death of longtime cartel chief Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” The other rewards for alleged CJNG leaders range from $2 million to $15 million. US authorities also announced newly unsealed criminal charges against five suspected high-ranking members of the cartel and visa restrictions on 65 people accused of business or family connections to cartel figures.

CJNG is one of several Mexican criminal networks the Trump administration has labeled a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the group is involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activity across much of Mexico. The administration has increasingly framed cartel violence as a national security threat and has used tougher measures, including sanctions and military pressure, to target trafficking networks.

The announcement comes amid tense US-Mexico relations over anti-cartel policy. Al Jazeera reported that President Claudia Sheinbaum has warned against any foreign military action in Mexico without federal approval, while Trump has argued for stronger action against cartel violence.