A top co-founder of Mexico’s brutal CJNG cartel, once flooding U.S. streets with cocaine, flips to the American side—potentially dooming his former boss El Mencho in a victory for border security warriors.
Story Highlights
- Erick Valencia-Salazar, alias “El 85,” pleaded guilty on April 7, 2026, to conspiring to import massive cocaine shipments into the U.S. as CJNG co-founder.
- His cooperation deal could yield critical intelligence on CJNG leader El Mencho, striking at the heart of one of the world’s most violent cartels.
- CJNG, designated a terrorist organization in 2025, faces major disruption amid Trump’s tough-on-crime agenda with GOP congressional backing.
- Sentencing set for July 31, 2026, with a minimum 10-year term but life possible—leniency hinges on intel provided to DOJ.
Valencia’s Guilty Plea Marks Turning Point
Erick Valencia-Salazar, 49, from Santa Clara, California, entered a guilty plea in Washington, D.C., federal court on April 7, 2026. He admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine for U.S. importation. As CJNG co-founder, Valencia recruited members and directed thousands of kilograms from Mexico. This plea followed his early 2026 extradition from Mexico after intense negotiations. U.S. prosecutors emphasize his leadership inflicted immeasurable harm on American communities plagued by cartel poison.
From Cartel Rise to Internal Betrayal
Valencia rose through the Milenio Cartel before co-founding CJNG around 2010 with Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho. He allied early with figures like Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel. Internal rifts prompted Valencia to form a splinter group, turning rival to El Mencho. CJNG, based in Jalisco, Mexico, dominates cocaine routes and earned U.S. terrorist designation in February 2025. His California residency underscores how cartels embed operations deep in America, evading weak past enforcement.
U.S. DOJ Strikes Blow Against Cartel Empire
The Department of Justice secured the plea, viewing it as a major blow to CJNG operations. Valencia’s insider knowledge positions him to expose leadership and shipments, potentially leading to El Mencho’s capture. This aligns with President Trump’s America First push to secure borders and dismantle cartels fueling the fentanyl crisis. Despite Democrat obstruction, Republican control of Congress bolsters federal resources against these threats. Americans on both sides weary of elite inaction cheer tangible wins over open-border chaos.
Mexican regions like Jalisco may see violence spikes from power vacuums, but U.S. streets stand to gain from reduced drug inflows. Economically, the plea interrupts billions in illicit trade harming families and communities.
Implications for Broader Anti-Cartel Fight
Sentencing looms on July 31, 2026, before Judge James Boltsberg, with Valencia facing 10 years minimum to life. Cooperation could yield leniency, setting precedent for high-level flips. This pressures other cartel figures amid U.S.-Mexico extradition surges. Long-term, it weakens CJNG structure, aiding bilateral efforts. Frustrated citizens left and right see this as proof government can act decisively when prioritizing people over politics—echoing demands to restore law, order, and the American Dream against deep state complacency.
Sources:
Co-Founder of CJNG Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
Eric Valencia Salazar, alias El 85, fundador del CJNG se declaró culpable en EEUU
El 85, uno de los fundadores del Cártel Jalisco, se declara culpable en Estados Unidos
Extradited Jalisco Cartel Co-Founder Could Provide Key Information on CJNG, El Mencho in Plea Deal
