Jalisco New Generation Cartel heavyweights choose to cooperate with US justice after operation against El Mencho

"Having been transferred to the United States in the last year, Erick Valencia, alias El 85, and Abigael Gonzalez, alias El Cuini, former collaborators of El Mencho, are expected to plead guilty in the coming months in U.S. courts to various drug trafficking charges, further weakening the family ties in the formation of the criminal group's future leadership."

"The fallout from El Mencho's death seems endless right now. Doubts about the military operation, which still dominate reporters' questions to President Claudia Sheinbaum and her Security Cabinet, top the list. Uncertainty about the succession within the CJNG itself shares the same space. That is, if there is a succession, and if the different groups that comprise the cartel or have previously been allies don't engage in infighting."

"The documents submitted to the court by the defense teams of El 85 and El Cuini make their cooperation seem likely. While the terms and conditions of any agreements they reach with the Department of Justice remain unknown, their long-term future is likely to be in prison, a world they will share and in fact already do with El Mencho's son, Ruben Oseguera, alias Menchito."

Following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, two former associates have been transferred to the United States to face drug trafficking charges. Erick Valencia (El 85) and Abigael Gonzalez (El Cuini) are expected to plead guilty in coming months. Their cooperation with U.S. authorities appears likely based on court documents, though agreement terms remain undisclosed. Both face lengthy prison sentences alongside El Mencho's son Menchito, his brother Antonio, and El Cuini's brothers Gerardo and Jose, all convicted in U.S. courts. El Mencho's death creates uncertainty regarding CJNG succession and potential internal conflict among cartel factions.

Read at english.elpais.com