The U.S. State Department announced a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Juan Carlos González, known as “Pelón.” This move targets a U.S. citizen who now leads Mexico’s most prominent cartel. The reward increased from $5 million, signaling heightened efforts against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The Trump administration allocated $102 million in total rewards for key CJNG figures. These efforts also include restricting visas of family members and associates. The goal is to weaken the cartel’s leadership and reinforce President Trump’s security agenda targeting Latin America.
CJNG is one of eight Mexican cartels labeled as foreign terrorist organizations. A significant development occurred when Mexican military forces killed the cartel’s leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in February. The U.S. supported this operation through intelligence sharing, which led to increased violence in Jalisco.
González, Oseguera Cervantes’s stepson and a dual citizen of Mexico and the U.S., has risen to power within the cartel. His activities span from avocado production to drug trafficking. He was born in Santa Ana, California, on September 12, 1984.
The State Department’s rewards include up to $15 million for Audias Flores Silva, alias “El Jardinero,” and the same amount for Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, alias “Sapo,” and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez, alias “Chorro.” Additional rewards offer up to $10 million for Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, alias “Tripa,” Julio César Montero Pinzón, alias “El Tarjetas,” and Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela, alias “La Firma.” Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón is included with a $2 million reward.
Recently, sanctions were imposed on 50 individuals and entities linked to CJNG, including González. These measures froze assets and blocked U.S. transactions. The cartel dominates in 21 of Mexico’s 32 states and extends its influence into the U.S. and beyond.
The United States is hunting down, dismantling, and destroying the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación,stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Trump administration continues to pressure Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to intensify actions against cartels and has suggested potential military interventions. In June, additional U.S. Treasury alerts targeted CJNG activities. The Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned individuals and companies in various sectors linked to a fuel theft ring, aiming to generate significant revenue for the cartel while evading Mexican taxes.