The U.S. government has offered a $25 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan Carlos González, also known as “Pelón,” increasing pressure on the U.S. citizen identified as a key figure in Mexico’s most powerful cartel. The reward marks a significant increase from the previous $5 million bounty.

During the administration of President Donald Trump, $100 million in rewards was offered for various leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), with visa restrictions also imposed on family and business associates.

U.S. officials stated these rewards, alongside newly unsealed charges against five other high-ranking leaders, aim to cripple the organization’s leadership. These measures align with Trump's efforts to ramp up pressure on Mexico and other Latin American nations to implement his security agenda.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told reporters in Washington, "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."

CJNG is among eight Mexican cartels designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The group was dealt a blow in February when leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” was killed by the Mexican military. The U.S. provided intelligence for the operation, which resulted in a burst in violence in the state of Jalisco.

González, Oseguera Cervantes’s stepson and a dual Mexican and U.S. citizen, is reported to have taken control of the cartel, which is involved in everything from avocado production to drug smuggling.

Wednesday's move comes a few weeks after the United States imposed sanctions against 50 people and companies linked with the cartel, including González. The sanctions froze assets and blocked U.S. financial transactions with those cited.

The cartel is considered the largest in Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states. Its operations have extended to several countries, including the United States.

Trump's administration has ramped up pressure on the government of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to crack down more heavily on cartels, even threatening military action against the groups.

Among those charged in the newly unsealed indictments are Oseguera Cervantes’ former son-in-law, Julio Alberto Castillo Rodriguez, and Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytan, whom authorities described as the former leader’s godson. All of the defendants are charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, officials said.

"This is a fight against CJNG that we are just beginning, and we will not back down," Terrance Cole, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, told reporters.