In Tijuana, Baja California, a deceased individual was found hanging from a bridge with a menacing note believed to be linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The discovery was made early Wednesday on the Tijuana-Tecate highway and Paseo San Pedro, following reports received by authorities at 6.40 am. The victim exhibited clear signs of violence, according to local sources.
The message left alongside the body identified the person as “Cabezón,” which translates to “big head” in Spanish, indicating that he was left for his associates. The banner, purportedly from CJNG, tauntingly addressed the victim and mentioned his connection to the group. Additionally, near the bridge, officials discovered a black plastic box containing human remains.
Law enforcement cordoned off the area for further investigation and to secure the scene. Details regarding the victim’s identity and the cause of death have not been disclosed at this time.
This incident adds to the rising homicide rate in Tijuana, with over 40 reported cases this month alone. Criminal organizations often display the bodies of their rivals in public spaces as a display of power. Notably, in a similar display, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, 20 bodies were found on a highway overpass last year, some of which were decapitated.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” emerged in 2009 from the Milenio Cartel. Cervantes is a high-profile criminal wanted by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture.
Recent data released by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum indicates a 40% decrease in daily homicides since she assumed office. Pressure from the Trump administration to combat organized crime has influenced Mexico’s approach to law enforcement.
Mexico’s homicide rate stood at 17.5 per 100,000 residents in 2025, a decline from 29.1 in 2018 and 25.4 in 2024. Sheinbaum’s administration has cooperated with the US on extraditing cartel leaders and border security but opposes foreign military intervention. President Trump’s mention of potential land operations against drug cartels follows recent US actions in the Pacific and Caribbean regions.
In response to offers of US troop deployment, Sheinbaum clarified that such intervention was not under consideration, emphasizing mutual respect for sovereignty and collaboration on security, trade, and investments during discussions with Trump.