The U.S. federal government is attempting to seize a ranch in Riverside County owned by Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Valencia, 41, purchased the property in Hemet, California, for $250,000 when he was 26 years old. The ranch is located in a community surrounded by farmland and upscale homes. According to El Pais, the property serves as a refuge for Valencia, who was born in Santa Ana, California, where his relatives still reside. The ranch is reportedly managed by Valencia's uncle and contains farm animals, with signs indicating surveillance measures.
The Justice Department filed a court case last month to seize the property, alleging its connection to Gonzalez, who is currently wanted with a $25 million reward for his capture. Valencia is linked to a history of violent acts and drug trafficking, having risen through the ranks of the cartel to lead the armed wing known as “Grupo Elite.” His family background includes ties to drug trafficking royalty, with his biological father being the founder of the Milenio cartel and his mother having connections to the Jalisco Cartel.
The ranch spans approximately 209,000 square feet and has seen its value increase to around $695,000 amid California's rising housing market. A horse trainer has been renting the property for $1,500 per month for the past three years but was recently informed he must vacate. The tenant, who declined to be identified, stated he was unaware of the owners' identities and had met Gonzalez through mutual acquaintances. Gonzalez remains at large, with new charges and rewards announced against him and other cartel members earlier this month. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche remarked on the government's commitment to ensuring public safety.