What we know about Mexican drug cartel leaders still at large

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffFebruary 23, 2026 at 07:00 PM

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed the killing of El Mencho, a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation to arrest him in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday. The death marks a significant blow to Mexico's most influential cartel boss, who was among the most sought-after fugitives in the United States. However, other powerful cartel leaders remain at large, including Ismael Zambada Sicairos, also known as "El Mayito Flaco", and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, also known as "El Chapito". Both are senior leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel and have risen to prominence since their fathers' arrests. Zambada Sicairos has emerged as a key figure in controlling drug distribution and narcotics networks that supply the US. The cartel's attacks across Mexico following Oseguera's death highlight the ongoing threat posed by these remaining leaders.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Claudia Sheinbaum 50% Ismael Zambada (El Mayo) 50% Joaquin (El Chapo) Guzman 50% United States ×260% Jalisco 60% Ismael Zambada Sicairos (El Mayito Flaco) ×370% Mexican Secretariat of National Defence 70% Sinaloa Cartel ×270% Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar (El Chapito) 70% Mexico ×480% Jalisco New Generation Cartel 80% Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) ×290%

Keywords

drug cartels 100% cartel leaders 90% mexico 80% drug trafficking 70% el mencho 60% sinaloa cartel 60% ismael zambada sicairos 50% jalisco new generation cartel 50% ivan archivaldo guzman salazar 40%