MEXICO CITY, Mexico: The U.S. government announced this week that it is offering a US$25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, also known as "Pelón."

It increased pressure on a U.S. citizen who has become the public face of one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels.

The reward marks a significant increase from the previous $5 million offer. In a broader move, the Trump administration also announced a combined $100 million in rewards targeting several senior figures of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Alongside the financial incentives, authorities imposed visa restrictions on relatives and business associates connected to cartel members.

"These sophisticated organizations use violence and fear to maintain control over the importation of deadly narcotics in the United States, including fentanyl, cocaine, meth, and other illegal drugs. Their actions spread violence and death to our communities," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters in Washington.

CJNG is one of eight Mexican cartels that the United States has formally designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The group suffered a major setback in February when its leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was killed during a Mexican military operation. The United States supported that mission with intelligence, though it triggered a surge in violence in the state of Jalisco.

Following his death, González, who is Oseguera Cervantes's stepson and holds dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship, has reportedly taken over leadership of the cartel. The organization is involved in a wide range of activities, from legitimate industries such as avocado production to large-scale drug trafficking.

The latest U.S. action comes just weeks after authorities imposed sanctions on 50 individuals and companies linked to the cartel, including González. Those measures froze assets and prohibited financial dealings with U.S. entities.

CJNG is widely regarded as the largest cartel operating in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of the country's 32 states. Its influence also stretches beyond Mexico, reaching into several countries, including the United States.

The Trump administration has intensified its stance toward Mexican cartels and has urged the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum to take stronger action. It has also raised the possibility of military measures against these criminal groups.

Recently unsealed indictments include charges against several individuals connected to the cartel's leadership, including Oseguera Cervantes's former son-in-law, Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez, and Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, described by officials as his godson. Authorities said all those named face charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

Officials indicated that the latest measures signal the beginning of a broader campaign targeting the cartel and its leadership.