State Department Boosts Reward for Capture of Mexican Cartel Leader

The U.S. State Department has increased the reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, known as “Pelón,” to $25 million. González is a prominent figure in Mexico’s top cartel. Previously, the reward was $5 million. This move is part of efforts to curb the influence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The Trump administration, aiming to weaken the cartel’s leadership, is offering a total of $102 million in rewards for various CJNG leaders. This includes revoking visas for associated family members and business partners. President Trump emphasizes the importance of cooperation from Mexico and Latin American nations in his security strategy.

The CJNG has been classified as a foreign terrorist organization, one of eight Mexican cartels with this designation. The cartel suffered a significant loss when leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation in February. The U.S. provided support for this mission, leading to increased violence in Jalisco.

González, who holds dual citizenship in Mexico and the U.S., reportedly took over the cartel. The organization is involved in numerous activities, including drug trafficking and avocado production. Born in Santa Ana, California, González remains a high-priority target.

The reward list includes up to $15 million each for Audias Flores Silva, “El Jardinero,” and Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, “Sapo,” among others. Lower rewards were announced for additional figures such as Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón.

Recent actions against the cartel include sanctions on 50 individuals and businesses tied to it, freezing assets and banning financial transactions. The CJNG is the largest cartel in Mexico, operating in 21 out of 32 states, and extending to other countries like the U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the U.S. commitment to disrupting the cartel’s activities. The administration has pressed Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to increase anti-cartel efforts, even suggesting possible military action.

In June, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned individuals and companies linked to a cartel-run fuel theft operation designed to cheat Mexican taxpayers, generating significant revenue for CJNG.