The cartel leader killed by Mexican forces on Sunday had been linked to the closure of more than 100 evangelical churches, after years of threats and extortion targeting Christian leaders.

Rubén Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, died following a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, on 22nd February, according to Christian Daily International.

He led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, described as one of the most dangerous criminal groups in Mexico.

Under his leadership, pastors were reportedly intimidated into paying “protection money”, with messages warning: “We know where you live… you have to pay your dues."

Many church leaders chose not to report the threats, fearing reprisals against their families.

In 2024 alone, more than 100 evangelical churches in Chiapas state closed due to violence and insecurity linked to organised crime.

Gamaliel Fierro Martínez, president of the Association of Evangelical Pastors of Tapachula, previously told Christian Daily International: “Residents and parishioners have been displaced.”

He added: “There are churches that used to hold services throughout the week and now have reduced them to one day a week… because the problem is at its worst in the late afternoon and evening.”

Other churches have shut entirely as harassment intensified.

Catholic communities were also affected. The Multidimensional Catholic Center reported that up to 80% of murders of religious figures in Mexico went unpunished, and 13 priests were killed between 2019 and 2026.

Authorities said the operation against the cartel left 30 members dead and 70 arrested, however retaliation followed, including road blockades and attacks on businesses, according to local reports.