As Mexico begins to process the death of cartel kingpin Rubén "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, a deeper and more sobering reality is coming into focus - one that reaches beyond drug trafficking and into the pews of local churches.
New reports reveal that under El Mencho's leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), more than 100 churches were forced to close due to threats, extortion, and intimidation targeting pastors and congregations.
His death during a military operation in Jalisco (read our report on how he was located and killed here) sparked violent retaliation across multiple states, leaving cities in chaos and even stranding U.S. tourists. (Full coverage here.)
But for many church leaders, the fear began long before the final shootout.
"We Know Where You Live, Pastor"
According to reports, pastors were routinely threatened with chilling messages demanding "rent fees" for simply operating a church.
"We know where you live, the address of the church, and what your family does," some were told. Refusal to pay often meant harassment, violence - or worse.
In 2024 alone, more than 100 Evangelical churches in Chiapas reportedly shut their doors due to escalating threats tied to organized crime. Many pastors avoided filing police reports, fearing retaliation against their families.
Up to 80% of murders involving religious figures in Mexico go unpunished, according to Catholic monitoring groups. Between 2019 and 2026, at least 13 priests were killed.
Beyond cartel pressure, Protestant believers in some indigenous regions have also faced violence from local groups opposed to religious conversion. In one recent case in Chanal, Chiapas, members of an Evangelical church were ambushed and severely beaten, leaving a pastor fighting for his life.
As Mexico reels from the fallout of El Mencho's death (read how an American mother was separated from her son during the violence here), many believers are praying not only for peace, but for protection.
The removal of one cartel leader may mark a turning point in Mexico's security battle. But for pastors who stood firm under threat, the scars remain.
In the face of intimidation, extortion, and violence, these churches became more than buildings - they became quiet testimonies of endurance.
And in regions where fear tried to silence faith, many refused to bow.
This report is based in part on coverage originally published by Christian Daily International: https://www.christiandaily.com/news/mexico-kills-drug-kingpin-whose-cartel-targeted-churches
