The New Cartel Landscape: The Fall of “El Mencho” and the Alliance of the Templars with Cárteles Unidos

The rivalry between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Knights Templar was once again brought to light on May 4, when an armed clash in the municipality of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, left six people dead—a fact confirmed by the State Attorney General’s Office. 

According to authorities, the confrontation took place in the community of San Miguel Charuén and is part of a long-standing dispute between the two groups over control of various regions within the state. 

But which municipalities are these criminal organizations fighting over, and why does Michoacán remain one of their primary battlegrounds? Investigations indicate that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel maintains control over municipalities such as Tangancícuaro, Zacapu, Coalcomán, Uruapan, Salvador Escalante, and Zitácuaro. 

Furthermore, it is estimated to have a presence across nearly 80% of Michoacán’s territory. Conversely, the Knights Templar—bolstered by their alliance with *Cárteles Unidos* (United Cartels)—maintain influence in the border region adjacent to Jalisco, primarily in municipalities such as Los Reyes, Peribán, Sahuayo, Marcos Castellanos, Jiquilpan, and parts of Cotija. 

One of the primary drivers behind this conflict is the struggle for control over strategic economic activities; chief among these is the port of Lázaro Cárdenas, considered a critical gateway for the entry of cargo and chemical precursors. Additionally, these groups seek to control other revenue streams, such as extortion rackets targeting lemon production—one of the state’s most vital economic sectors. 

Pátzcuaro has emerged as one of the most visible flashpoints in this dispute. According to investigations, the territory is currently controlled by operatives linked to the CJNG, while cells affiliated with the Knights Templar continue to mount resistance in the area. 

Neighborhoods such as El Calvario, Vista Bella, and Jacarandas have been identified as frequent sites of armed clashes; it is known that the territory is specifically under the command of Ángel Chávez Ponce—alias “El Camaleón”—on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, while resistance cells serving the Knights Templar continue to challenge this capo. 

Although both groups have distinct origins, today they share a common objective in Michoacán: to expand or maintain control over strategic territories. The recent violence in Pátzcuaro serves as a reminder that this rivalry remains active and continues to impact various regions of the state. 

Source: Milenio