DOJ puts $25 million bounty on US-born cartel leader
The Trump administration has announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Juan Carlos Valencia González, also known as “Pelón,” who is believed to lead Mexico’s jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The reward increases the previous $5 million offered by the State Department.This move is part of a broader effort to weaken the cartel’s leadership, which also includes a total of $100 million in rewards for six other CJNG leaders and restrictions on visas for related individuals. Indictments have been unsealed against five high-ranking CJNG members, including the cartel’s former leader’s son-in-law, on charges including drug trafficking of fentanyl and cocaine.Valencia González, a dual U.S.-Mexico citizen and stepson of the cartel’s former leader “El Mencho,” reportedly took control after his stepfather was killed by Mexican forces with U.S. intelligence support.
The DOJ and State Department aim to disrupt the cartel’s operations and leadership.DEA Director Terry Cole emphasized that corruption-both within foreign governments and U.S. officials-is a meaningful enabler of cartel activity, and assured continued efforts to pursue those protecting drug trafficking operations. The DEA also maintains a memorial for fentanyl overdose victims, highlighting the deadly toll of cartel-fueled drug sales. The U.S. designates CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization, operating across multiple Mexican states with activities ranging from drug smuggling to financial crimes.
Recent sanctions have targeted over 50 individuals and entities linked to CJNG, freezing assets and blocking transactions. The Biden administration has increased pressure on Mexico to combat cartels more effectively, with threats from U.S. officials of potential military action. the overall campaign reflects ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to dismantle cartel leadership and curb drug-related violence and crime.
The Trump administration on Wednesday announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the U.S.-born man believed to lead Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The State Department increased its previous $5 million reward for Juan Carlos Valencia González, known as “Pelón,” as part of a broader campaign targeting the cartel, commonly known as CJNG. The announcement coincided with the Justice Department unsealing indictments against five other high-ranking CJNG figures, including the former leader’s son-in-law and godson, on federal charges, including trafficking drugs such as fentanyl and cocaine.
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Valencia González, a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico, is the stepson of former CJNG leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” He reportedly took control after Oseguera Cervantes was killed in a Mexican military operation in February that was supported by U.S. intelligence.
The State Department said the latest actions were intended to weaken the organization’s leadership. The administration offered a combined $100 million in rewards for six other CJNG leaders and restricted visas for relatives and business associates of cartel members.
At a DOJ news conference in Washington announcing the charges, Drug Enforcement Administration Director Terry Cole also warned officials who protect cartels that political influence would not shield them.
“If you traffic deadly drugs, profit from the suffering of others, or use public office to protect the cartels, this is your warning,” Cole said. “DEA is coming for you. No title, no position, or political connection will shield you.”
Asked by the Washington Examiner whether foreign governments or elected officials could be protecting any of the suspects — and whether those officials could face charges — Cole did not identify a particular politician or government, but said the administration viewed “corruption” enabling cartels as part of their criminal activity.
“We’ve all seen, with a recent indictment that was unsealed in the Southern District of New York, there is corruption, and we are going to pursue that because we see the corruption as one cartel activity,” Cole said.
“Corruption is cartel activity,” he added. “They are enablers, and we will pursue it to the ends to protect our citizens and our country.”
His remarks come just over three months after federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York charged Sinaloa Gov. Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Prosecutors alleged the officials helped the Sinaloa Cartel move large quantities of narcotics into the United States and shielded its members from law enforcement in exchange for bribes and political support.
Cole also pointed to the DEA’s “Faces of Fentanyl” memorial on its webpage, saying the agency displays photographs of 7,000 people who died from fentanyl poisoning and that another 25,000 families have asked to add their children.
CJNG is among eight Mexican cartels designated by the United States as foreign terrorist organizations. It operates in 21 of Mexico’s 32 states, with activities ranging from drug smuggling and fuel theft to agriculture and financial fraud.
The announcement on Wednesday follows sanctions imposed in July on more than 50 people and companies connected to CJNG, including Valencia González. Those sanctions froze assets under U.S. jurisdiction and blocked financial transactions with the designated targets.
The administration has also increased pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to take stronger action against cartels, with President Donald Trump threatening possible U.S. military action against the groups.
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