Co-founder of Jalisco New Generation drug cartel pleads guilty

April 8, 2026

Érick Valencia Salazar, co-founder of Mexico's powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel and known by the alias "El 85," has admitted guilt to drug trafficking conspiracy charges in United States federal court. After being apprehended by Mexican military forces in Jalisco state during 2022, he was transferred to American custody in February 2025 alongside 28 other suspected cartel leaders to face prosecution. Valencia Salazar reversed his initial innocent plea and now faces a minimum decade-long prison term, with formal sentencing scheduled for late July.

Who is affected

Érick Valencia Salazar ("El 85"), CJNG co-founder facing sentencing
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) organization
Mexican citizens across 20 states impacted by cartel violence
United States citizens affected by drug trafficking
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), captured CJNG leader who died from injuries
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
US President Donald Trump and his administration
The 28 other alleged drug lords extradited alongside Valencia Salazar

What action is being taken

The US Department of Justice is prosecuting Valencia Salazar following his guilty plea
The Trump administration is stepping up its battle against cartels
President Trump is pressuring Mexican President Sheinbaum to combat Mexico-based criminal groups

Why it matters

This case represents a significant development in US-Mexico counter-narcotics cooperation, as Valencia Salazar helped establish one of Mexico's most violent and powerful criminal organizations that has flooded American communities with illegal drugs. The CJNG's designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization reflects the escalating threat these cartels pose not only to public safety but also to regional security and international stability in the Western Hemisphere. The guilty plea and mass extradition demonstrate strengthened collaboration between both nations' law enforcement agencies in dismantling transnational criminal networks.

What's next

Valencia Salazar's sentencing is scheduled for 31 July, where he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Read full article from source: BBC