Confirmed reports from February 22–24, 2026, indicate that a total of 53 branches of the Banco del Bienestar were burned or vandalized in coordinated retaliatory attacks following the death of
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho“. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was fatally wounded during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22, 2026.
Distribution of Attacks by State:
According to security cabinet data and local reports, the 53 targeted branches are distributed across five states as follows:
- Michoacán: 25 branches.
- Jalisco: 20 branches, particularly in the Guadalajara metropolitan area and Los Altos.
- Zacatecas: 5 branches (including Juchipila and Apozol).
- Estado de México: 2 branches (Coacalco and Axapusco).
- Guanajuato: 1 branch (reported in Pénjamo or Manuel Doblado).
The attacks were part of a broader wave of “narco-blockades” and arson that paralyzed several regions in western and central Mexico.
- Nature of Damage: The assaults included intentional fires, structural damage, and the destruction of ATMs.
- Casualties: While dozens were killed in clashes between the National Guard and cartel members, no fatalities or injuries were reported inside the bank branches themselves.
- Symbolism: Analysts suggest the Banco del Bienestar was specifically targeted because it serves as the primary financial infrastructure for the federal government’s social programs. Although members of the opposition state that the attacks against Banco del Bienestar are a direct message to Morena, as they sustain that the ruling political party has an alliance with the CJNG and other organized crime groups, and they feel betrayed now.
With information from Reforma
