Mexican and U.S. authorities have intensified joint operations and intelligence-sharing against factions of the Sinaloa Cartel and groups like the Tepalcatepec Cartel, yielding several mid-level arrests in 2026. Recent captures include regional boss “Kamoni” in Michoacán in September, financial operator “El Peli” tied to Los Chapitos in Mazatlán, and “El Niño” linked to Los Mayos in Sonora, alongside earlier detentions such as CJNG commander “El Jardinero.” U.S. Treasury sanctions on Mayito Flaco’s network and elevated rewards for plaza leaders have increased pressure on remaining high-value targets amid internal cartel conflicts. Ongoing federal deployments and extradition efforts in border states continue to shape enforcement priorities through year-end.