Rooster-Shaped Wreaths and Military Guard: What Is Known About the Funeral of “El Mencho,” Former CJNG Leader

• El Mencho’s wake under heavy guard
• Anonymous and symbolic wreaths
• Uncertainty after his death

The funeral of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” has once again placed Guadalajara at the center of national and international attention.

One week after he was killed in Tapalpa, the alleged funeral of the former leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) is unfolding under an unprecedented federal deployment, marked by secrecy, tension, and symbols that have not gone unnoticed.

Guadalajara wakes under military guard for the alleged wake

“From a family that will always be grateful,” wreaths bearing messages of thanks and even a rooster-shaped arrangement — but without signatures — arrived at the funeral home where El Mencho, leader of the CJNG, is being mourned.

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This Sunday, March 1, Funeraria La Paz, located in the San Andrés neighborhood of Guadalajara, became the focal point of a large-scale security operation.

Since early morning, dozens of vehicles from the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and state police surrounded the building, while a military helicopter flew overhead as an additional surveillance measure.

According to AFP, the site remains under military custody for the alleged wake of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.

His remains, it was reported, were handed over Saturday by the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) to his relatives in Mexico City and later transferred under heavy guard to Guadalajara.

A federal source cited by AFP stated that the deployment aims to deter criminal groups or rivals, as well as prevent any attempt at unrest or attack during the funeral.

Access remained restricted and attendees were subjected to thorough inspections. The same agency reported that the body would be buried on Monday, March 2, although there has been no official confirmation so far.

Unsigned wreaths and a rooster bearing the CJNG initials

One of the most striking elements has been the arrival of dozens of floral arrangements.

Quadratín Jalisco reported at least 12 wreaths without a sender, in addition to others bearing the exact dedication:

“From a family that will always be grateful,” as well as a white floral cross.

All arrangements were inspected by authorities before being allowed inside.

Among them stood out a monumental rooster-shaped wreath made of red roses with white details, featuring the initials CJNG at the top.

The symbol was interpreted as a direct reference to his nickname, “El Señor de los Gallos.”

Images circulated showing traditional white and yellow wreaths, the unloading of arrangements carried on foot to the funeral home entrance, and attendees dressed in black.

In surrounding streets, the atmosphere was described as tense

On social media, an image of a blonde woman allegedly identified as Laisha Michelle Oseguera González, the capo’s daughter, also circulated, although this remains unconfirmed.

Parallel violence and citywide alert
The context of the funeral has not been isolated from violent incidents.

That same Sunday, a shooting was reported on Avenida Américas, along with tire-puncturing devices placed in different parts of Guadalajara, raising the perception of risk, although authorities denied activating a new “code red.”

After the death of “El Mencho,” the CJNG responded with road blockades, the burning of businesses, and attacks on facilities in at least 20 of the country’s 32 states.

According to AFP, the clashes and unrest left more than 70 people dead, including 25 National Guard members and one soldier.

Cause of death and lingering doubts

The death certificate of “El Mencho,” issued in Mexico City, states that he died from penetrating and perforating gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and lower limbs.

The official time of death was recorded at 10:30 a.m. on February 22.

However, the absence of publicly released images confirming his death has fueled controversy surrounding the case.

Who will take control of the CJNG after his death?

Last Friday, the federal government reported that there are four leaders identified as the strongest within the CJNG, two of them considered the most likely to assume control, according to statements by Security and Citizen Protection Secretary Omar García Harfuch during the morning conference led by President Claudia Sheinbaum in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

Although no names were officially disclosed, security analyses mention profiles such as Audias Flores Silva, “El Jardinero”; Juan Carlos Valencia González, “El 03”; Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, “El RR” or “Doble R”; Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, “El Sapo”; and Heraclio Guerrero Martínez, “El Tío Lako.”

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The death and funeral of el Mencho not only represent the closing of a chapter within the CJNG.

They also open a new phase of internal realignment, potential disputes, and heightened surveillance across different regions of the country, amid a climate of high uncertainty.

SOURCE: Infobae / Agence France-Presse