Brother of slain cartel leader “El Mencho” pleads guilty to U.S. drug charges

Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, the brother of slain drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” pleaded guilty in Washington to conspiring to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States. El Mencho, who co-founded the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), was killed by the Mexican army, leading to widespread violence across Mexico. Antonio, 67, faces a minimum of 15 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in November. He admitted to distributing large quantities of drugs and possessing a firearm for drug trafficking. Previously part of the Milenio Cartel, Antonio was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. in 2025. Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on over 50 individuals and entities linked to CJNG, including its new leader, Juan Carlos Gonzalez. QUESTION: How might the ongoing battle against drug cartels in Mexico impact the relationship between the United States and Mexico in the future?