A notorious Mexican drug cartel is suspected to have displayed a deceased individual on a bridge, along with a menacing note.
The body of a man was found on a bridge in Tijuana, located in the north-west region of Baja California, Mexico, early Wednesday. A banner, allegedly linked to the infamous Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was discovered near the victim. Reports came in at 6:40 am about the incident on the Tijuana-Tecate highway and Paseo San Pedro, as per local newspaper Zeta. Police confirmed that the victim exhibited clear indications of violence.
The banner mentioned an individual identified as “Cabezón,” which translates to “big head” or “stubborn” in Spanish, and stated that he was being left for his associates. The banner message read, “What’s up, bast*** … here I’m leaving your people for you, big head!!! The one in charge with your ranchero. FROM: CJNG.” Approximately 100 meters away from the bridge, authorities found a black plastic box with a yellow lid containing human remains, according to Zeta reports.
Law enforcement cordoned off the area for investigations and to secure the scene. Further details regarding the victim or the cause of death have not been disclosed.
Tijuana has already experienced over 40 homicides this month, including this particular incident. Criminal groups often display the bodies of their rivals in public areas for public visibility. In a previous event in June last year, 20 bodies were discovered on a highway overpass in Culiacán, Sinaloa, some of which were decapitated. The Sinaloa Attorney General’s Office reported the finding of four decapitated bodies and a bag containing five heads on the El Semanario overpass.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel was established in 2009, arising from the Milenio Cartel as a breakaway faction led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” Cervantes is on the US Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) most wanted list, with the US Department of State offering up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
Recently, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed a decrease of 40% in daily homicides since assuming office, amid pressure from the Trump administration to combat organized crime.
Mexico documented 17.5 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2025, indicating a decline from 29.1 per 100,000 in 2018 and 25.4 per 100,000 in 2024.
Sheinbaum’s administration has extradited numerous cartel leaders to the US, collaborated on border enforcement, but strongly opposes any foreign military intervention. US President Donald Trump mentioned potential land operations against drug cartels following recent US actions in the Pacific and Caribbean.
Sheinbaum stated that she informed Trump that the deployment of US troops to Mexico was not under consideration when he offered assistance. She added on social media that their discussions covered various topics, including security while respecting sovereignty, reducing drug trafficking, trade, and investments.
