February 22

Mexican army kills CJNG leader El Mencho in U.S.-backed operation

Mexican armed forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, on February 22, 2026 in Tapalpa, Jalisco, in an operation that Mexico's defense ministry said used complementary intelligence from US authorities. The US had placed a $10 million bounty on El Mencho, who oversaw a fentanyl production and distribution network responsible for tens of thousands of American overdose deaths annually. CJNG retaliated by unleashing widespread cartel blockades, vehicle burnings, and armed confrontations across Jalisco and neighboring states.

Trump threatens Netflix DOJ review unless it fires board member Susan Rice

President Trump posted on Truth Social on February 22, 2026 demanding Netflix immediately fire former UN Ambassador and National Security Advisor Susan Rice from its board of directors or face consequences, as the company sought DOJ approval for its $83 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Trump called Rice a political hack, citing her public criticism of corporations that had capitulated to him. The threat directly linked a personnel demand to pending federal merger review, raising antitrust and First Amendment concerns.

Vance delivers CPAC 2026 keynote defending administration first-year record

Vice President JD Vance delivered the keynote address at CPAC 2026 in National Harbor, Maryland on Feb. 22, 2026, reviewing the administration's first-year record on immigration enforcement, tariff policy, and federal spending cuts. The American Conservative Union's annual conference draws several thousand conservative activists and receives national press coverage; the VP's keynote signals administration priorities and serves as a message-testing venue before a politically engaged base.

DHS suspends Global Entry enrollments on shutdown day 8

On the eighth day of the DHS partial shutdown, the agency suspended new enrollments and renewals for the Global Entry trusted traveler program and warned that TSA PreCheck operations faced mounting strain as unpaid screeners began calling out sick in increasing numbers. CBP enrollment centers closed due to furloughs, stranding tens of thousands of applicants mid-process. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem warned Congress that continued inaction would force further program suspensions across DHS trusted traveler programs.

68 members of Congress announce retirement, largest exodus in decades

By late February 2026, 68 voting members of Congress had announced they would not seek reelection, representing the second-highest departure count since 1992. Republicans accounted for 36 House retirements, exceeding their own single-party record of 34 set in 2018, while 22 House Democrats also announced departures. The wave of open seats dramatically expanded the competitive map heading into the November 2026 midterms, with 57 House members and 11 senators departing.

U.S. deploys F-22 fighters to Israel for first time amid Iran buildup

The US Air Force deployed twelve F-22 Raptor stealth fighters to Ovda Airbase in southern Israel, the first-ever F-22 deployment to Israeli soil. The move followed Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE refusing to permit US use of their bases or airspace for potential Iran strikes. Two carrier strike groups led by the USS Gerald R. Ford were simultaneously positioning in the Persian Gulf region.