Erick Valencia Salazar Pleads Guilty
Analysis based on 11 articles · First reported Apr 07, 2026 · Last updated Apr 07, 2026
This event has minimal direct impact on financial markets as it primarily concerns law enforcement actions against a drug cartel co-founder. However, it underscores ongoing efforts by the United States and Mexico to combat organized crime, which can indirectly affect regional stability and investment sentiment in Mexico.
Érick Valencia Salazar, a co-founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, pleaded guilty in the United States to a federal narcotics conspiracy charge. He faces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life. Valencia Salazar, also known as 'El 85', co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel with El Mencho, 'El Mencho', who was killed by the Mexican Army in February. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is known for its violence and has inflicted 'immeasurable damage' on the United States. Valencia Salazar was previously a member of the Milenio Cartel and later formed his own cartel, La Nueva Plaza. He was indicted in 2018 and extradited to the United States in February 2025 by Mexican authorities. The Donald Trump administration had designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. The United States — United States Department of State had offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
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