August 8, 2026 | 06:28 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The United States should launch a major war against drug cartels, with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) as its first target, Michael Gonzales, the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, said Friday.
“As President Trump said, it is time for America to wage war on the cartels. Well, CJNG, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, we are coming for you,” Gonzales said during a briefing.
He described CJNG as the most significant, serious and urgent threat to U.S. interests among the country's drug cartels.
Gonzales said the U.S. State Department has offered more than $100 million in rewards for information that could lead to the capture of cartel leaders, including individuals who have already been indicted.
"In a historic action supporting President Trump’s directive to eliminate narco-terrorist cartels, the Department of State announced more than $100 million in reward money for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of eight leaders and other associates and accomplices of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, CJNG."
The department has also imposed visa restrictions on 65 people linked to the cartel to prevent them from entering the United States, he said.
US to Work With Mexico Against CJNG
Gonzales said the United States would work with Mexico to pursue CJNG leaders and associates.
"We intend to continue working very closely in collaboration with the Mexican authorities to pursue, identify, capture, and bring to justice these individuals," he said.
He said potential U.S. actions would depend on the nature of the intelligence received and whether operations were feasible.
“We will absolutely work in partnership with our Mexican counterparts to find the most effective way to achieve our national security interests,” Gonzales said.
He added that Washington's cooperation with Mexico aims to strengthen security ties, support law enforcement operations and criminal prosecutions, and encourage stronger and faster action against drug production and trafficking.
CJNG Designated as Terrorist Organization
The U.S. State Department designated CJNG as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in February 2025.
A year later, in February 2026, Mexico's Secretariat of National Defense captured CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. He died from injuries sustained while being transported to Mexico City.
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