**The woman reportedly left the compound before the raid, while Oseguera Cervantes allegedly remained inside with his security detail**

On February 22, 2026, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho” and considered the most feared leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), died during a massive military raid in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco. Security forces had tracked him to a remote mountainous area where he was hiding with several armed men.

According to Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, the operation stemmed from surveillance of a man believed to be close to the alleged girlfriend of the boss, who had been followed to Tapalpa shortly before the intervention. The woman reportedly left the compound before the raid, while Oseguera Cervantes remained inside with his security detail. When special forces entered the property, a violent firefight broke out: four cartel members were killed on the spot, while three others — including El Mencho — later died in hospital from severe injuries.

News of his death sparked a wave of violence across several regions of Mexico. Trevilla reported that 25 members of the National Guard lost their lives in the ensuing clashes, while Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that 30 cartel affiliates were killed during attacks against authorities.

Immediately after the raid, rumors began circulating on social media claiming that a woman identified as María Julissa — described as an influencer — had provided decisive information to authorities, contributing to the capture of the cartel leader.

However, Mexican authorities have neither confirmed her identity nor any involvement in the operation. Despite the allegations spreading online, Julissa has publicly denied any wrongdoing.

In a message posted on Instagram, she stated that the circulating information was “completely false,” clarifying that she had no connection to the events and urging her followers to report defamatory content. In another post, she asked for help in getting certain Facebook pages shut down, claiming they were spreading unfounded claims about her.

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### The Last Photo and Online Speculation

Alongside the accusations, an image surfaced on social media allegedly showing El Mencho together with María Julissa, presented by some users as their last photo together. The image fueled further speculation and drew international attention. However, several observers have stressed that the mere circulation of a photograph does not constitute proof of involvement in the operation.

### Authorities Remain Silent

Mexican authorities have not established any official link between Julissa and the raid. The operation reportedly focused exclusively on locating and neutralizing the cartel leader and his armed group. Any alleged role of the influencer remains, at this stage, unsubstantiated by official evidence.

Meanwhile, acts of retaliation attributed to cartel members have been reported in Jalisco and surrounding areas. Law enforcement officials have assured that operations will continue to prevent further escalation and dismantle remaining criminal networks.

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### Between Facts and Disinformation

The case highlights how quickly news — whether verified or alleged — can spread on platforms such as X and Instagram, blurring the line between confirmed information and speculation. Julissa’s statements serve as a reminder to exercise caution when evaluating viral content that has not been confirmed by official sources.

As authorities continue to monitor the situation, attention remains focused both on the consequences of the CJNG leader’s death and on the online debate surrounding María Julissa — which, so far, lacks concrete evidence against her.