Juan Carlos Valencia González—known as “El 03” or “Pelón”—is one of the most senior figures in the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación — CJNG) through both blood and marriage.
He is reportedly the son of Milenio Cartel founder Armando Valencia Cornelio, alias “Juanito,” and Rosalinda González Valencia, a member of the Valencia family that founded the Cuinis, the CJNG’s principal money laundering wing. Through his mother’s marriage to the now-deceased Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” Valencia González is also the former CJNG leader’s stepson.
In this profile
Recent Context
July 2026 – US Labels ‘El 03’ Next CJNG Leader
The US government’s National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) recently updated its Antiterrorism Guide and labeled Juan Carlos Valencia González, alias “El 03,” as the next CJNG leader following the February 2026 killing of El Mencho in Jalisco.
What is Juan Carlos Valencia González’s Story?
Valencia González was born on September 12, 1984, in Santa Ana, California, giving him dual Mexican and US citizenship. US authorities have had him on their radar since at least 2007, according to court documents. His profile within the CJNG appears to have grown after the 2015 arrest of his half-brother, Rubén Oseguera González, alias “El Menchito.” Mexican media reported Valencia González took over some of the roles his half-brother left behind.
US prosecutors in the District of Columbia indicted Valencia González in 2020 on drug and weapons charges. A $5 million bounty was placed on his head by the US State Department in December 2021. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alleges he is responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as organizing numerous violent crimes.
Despite the charges against him in both Mexico and the United States, Valencia González has reportedly kept a lower public profile than other capos’ relatives and heirs.
What Are Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzealez’s Main Criminal Activities?
The DEA has tied Valencia González directly to large-scale drug trafficking, describing him as responsible for moving tons of cocaine and methamphetamine.
His family ties reinforce this role: through the Valencia family has long controlled the Cuinis, the CJNG’s main money laundering apparatus, placing him at the intersection of the group’s drug trafficking and financial operations. As a commander of the Grupo Élite, he has also been linked to organizing violent crimes carried out in service of the CJNG.
Where Does Juan Carlos Valencia González Operate?
Mexican press reports place Valencia González at the center of CJNG operations across a broad swath of western and northwestern Mexico. He has been described as responsible for coordinating CJNG activities in Michoacán, southern Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit.
Mexico’s Defense Ministry labeled him a top commander of the “Grupo Élite”—also referred to as “Fuerzas Especiales Mencho” (FEM)—an enforcement wing operating in Guanajuato and other areas of central Mexico.
Who Are Juan Carlos Valencia González’s Allies and Enemies?
Valencia González’s position rests on a dual inheritance: his father’s line connects him to the historic Valencia methamphetamine trafficking network, while his mother’s marriage to El Mencho places him inside the CJNG’s inner circle as the former leader’s stepson.
There are reportedly two competing currents within the CJNG’s leadership—a more political and business-oriented faction represented by Valencia González, and a more violent, militarized faction led by influential regional commanders like Gonzalo Mendoza Gaitán, alias “El Sapo,” and Ricardo Ruíz Velasco, alias “Doble R.” Which of these currents consolidates command could potentially shape the level of violence the organization pursues going forward, according to security specialist David Saucedo.
Mexican authorities have linked Valencia González to specific acts of violence, including the alleged 2022 kidnapping of two Mexican soldiers in Puerto Vallarta, according to Milenio. He has also been linked to narco-blockades and armed clashes in Jalisco in response to the attempted arrest of members of his group.
Culturally, Valencia González’s profile has been amplified by narcocorridos—a genre of musical ballads dedicated to drug traffickers.
What Lies Ahead for Juan Carlos Valencia González?
Valencia González remains a fugitive and is wanted in both Mexico and the United States. While his relatively low public profile appears to have aided his ability to evade capture so far, increased pressure from the United States may impact his ability to operate.