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Influencers Who Mocked “El Mencho” and Defied the CJNG: The Stories Behind a Deadly Risk
Stories of content creators exposed to criminal violence show how digital fame can collide with lethal danger in Mexico.
By  Alondra Rodríguez
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Influencers Who Mocked “El Mencho” and Defied the CJNG: The Stories Behind a Deadly Risk
Foto: Agencia EFE

Posted on02/24/26 at 11:14

  • Influencers and their connection to “El Mencho”
  • Violence linked to the CJNG
  • The risks of digital fame

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” once again put the spotlight on cases involving influencers who crossed dangerous lines with organized crime.

The conversation resurfaced after years marked by threats, killings, and unconfirmed links to drug trafficking figures.

The leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) remained a point of tension even in the digital world.

His name has been indirectly connected to tragedies that impacted content creators in Mexico, highlighting the growing issue of influencers and CJNG violence.

El Pirata de Culiacán and the Warning for Creators

Influencers y su relación con 'El Mencho', Influencers and CJNG Violence StoriesOne of the most remembered cases is that of Juan Luis Lagunas Rosales, known online as “El Pirata de Culiacán.”

The young man went viral for his provocative style and extravagant lifestyle — until a phrase directed at Oseguera changed his fate.

You may also like: The Final Audio Attributed to El Mencho That Shook Social Media

Lagunas was killed in a bar in Zapopan in 2017, in a crime unofficially attributed to CJNG gunmen.

His death marked a turning point regarding the risks of publicly confronting drug trafficking figures and remains one of the earliest examples cited in discussions about influencers and CJNG violence.

More Victims in the Spotlight: Attacks, Rumors, and Official Silence

Years later, the murder of Valeria Márquez shocked the digital community when she was attacked inside her own beauty salon.

The case was surrounded by speculation about alleged ties to Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, known as “El Doble R,” though nothing was officially confirmed.

The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office stated that there were no identified suspects and handled the investigation under femicide protocol.

Violence struck again when the name of Jacky Ramírez surfaced after she was linked to “La Flaca,” a CJNG operative killed in Querétaro.

Models, Controversial Creators, and Violence Without Distinction

The death of Daisy Ferrer Arenas in Guadalajara exposed the vulnerability of foreign women connected to the local nightlife scene.

The Venezuelan model was reportedly linked to cartel operators, although no formal responsibility was established.

Another high-profile case involved Rodolfo Márquez, known as “Fofo” Márquez, who generated controversy by flaunting luxury and shutting down public streets to record content.

After a threat allegedly attributed to the CJNG, Fofo was later arrested — though in 2025 for an unrelated case: attempted femicide.

Influencers Under CJNG Pressure: Family Killings and Public Apologies

Violence also affected Marcos Castro, known as Markitos Toys, when his brother was murdered in Ensenada.

Although the influencer has been linked on social media to criminal groups, no authority has formally accused him.

Another visible case was that of “El Chanito de Culiacán,” who posted a video threatening Oseguera and days later publicly apologized.

His retraction underscored the influence that cartels continue to exert over the digital sphere, reinforcing fears about influencers and CJNG violence.

The Fall of El Mencho and a Nation on Alert

Following federal operations in Jalisco, authorities confirmed Oseguera’s death — a priority target for both Mexico and the United States.

The U.S. government had increased the reward for his capture in 2024, intensifying international pressure.

In Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus activated a red alert and reinforced security measures amid fears of violent retaliation.

So far, no victims or arrests have been reported in connection with the roadblocks that followed the announcement.

A Scenario Where Fame Offers No Protection

The stories of these influencers illustrate the thin line between digital exposure and organized crime violence.

In Mexico, social media popularity can become a risk when it intersects with figures linked to drug trafficking.

According to Infobae, each case shows how the boundaries between entertainment and danger continue to blur.

The shadow of the CJNG continues to leave its mark in a world where virality can carry deadly consequences — and where the debate over influencers and CJNG violence remains ongoing.