US Announces Over $100M in Rewards for Jalisco Cartel Leaders, Including US Citizen

The United States government has announced rewards exceeding $100 million for information leading to the apprehension or conviction of eight key leaders and associates of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This significant offer, coordinated across several U.S. agencies including the Department of Justice, DEA, and FBI, aims to dismantle what authorities describe as one of the hemisphere's most violent and dangerous narco-terrorist organizations. The CJNG was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity in 2025, and is responsible for flooding American communities with illicit drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

Among the individuals targeted is Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, also known as "Pelon," who is identified as a U.S. citizen and the alleged new leader of the CJNG following the recent death of its founder, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." A substantial reward of up to $25 million is specifically offered for information leading to Gonzalez's capture. The overall rewards are being administered through the Narcotics Rewards Program and the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.

In addition to the financial incentives, the U.S. State Department has imposed visa restrictions on 65 family members and close associates of those linked to the CJNG. This action also included the revocation of 26 existing U.S. visas, further demonstrating a broad effort by the Trump administration to exert pressure and cripple the cartel's operations and leadership.