U.S. State Department raises bounty to $25 million for cartel leader Juan Carlos González

The U.S. State Department disclosed a $25 million bounty for tips that result in the apprehension of Juan Carlos González, a dual Mexican-U.S. One outlet identified as the current figurehead of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This increase from a previous $5 million reward is part of a total $100 million incentive program aimed at multiple CJNG leaders, coupled with visa bans for their families and business contacts. The cartel suffered a major setback when its former leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, was killed by the Mexican military, an operation that involved U.S. intelligence.

González, who is the stepson of the slain boss, is reported to have assumed command of the group, which is involved in activities ranging from drug trafficking to avocado production. Recent U.S. sanctions have frozen assets and blocked financial transactions for 50 individuals and companies tied to the cartel. President Donald Trump has urged the Mexican government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to step up its anti-cartel efforts, even hinting at possible military action.