Is Mexico safe now? Latest update on the ongoing violence
After 48 hours of viral videos, flight cancellations and mounting anxiety about a Security alert from the US Embassystabilize conditions in Mexico’s major tourist destinations. Authorities say the unrest caused by the killing of a major cartel leader has largely subsidedalthough security is still heightened in parts of the country.
Violence broke out on Sunday after the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in Jalisco state.
According to news reports, the operation led to retaliatory roadblocks, fires and gun battles, especially in Guadalajara and surrounding areas. Mexican officials said at least 70 suspected cartel members were arrested and 34 killed, while 25 National Guard members were killed in the clashes.
On Tuesday, however, the US mission in Mexico had lifted the “shelter in place” advisories for Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Ciudad Guzmán. The embassy reported this in a security warning update “Flight schedules have returned to normal” and “there are no reports of road closures.”
Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara: Disruptions disappear, security tightens
The epicenter of the unrest was Jalisco, home to both Guadalajara and the beach destination Puerto Vallarta. Flights were temporarily suspended at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), leaving travelers stranded.
Starting Tuesday, major airlines including United Airlines and Air Canada will do so service resumed. Nearly 10,000 Mexican troops have been deployed to stabilize the region, according to the Mexican government.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said this on Monday ‘The country is at peace’ emphasizing that federal troops maintain order.
Security analysts remain cautious. Kent Webber, a former Pentagon officer and senior manager at Global Rescue, said The New York Times: “No trip to Mexico is ever without risk. The environment can change quickly when top cartel figures are killed or captured.”
Although tourist areas are generally isolated from cartel violence, experts note that fragmentation within criminal organizations can increase unpredictability.
Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean: normal operations
The initial confusion spread to Cancun and Playa del Carmen after broad diplomatic language put parts of Mexico under temporary precautions, among others. However, the U.S. State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory page confirms that Quintana Roo remains under a Level 2 advisory — “use extra caution” — in line with previous guidance.
There were no confirmed reports of violence at resorts in Cancun, Cozumel or Tulum. Tourism officials in Quintana Roo reported normal airport and hotel operations throughout the period.
Security experts point out that Cancun is more than 1,200 miles from Puerto Vallarta, separated by geography and cartel territory. As Robert J. Bunker, research director at C/O Futures, said Times“I wouldn’t cancel a spring break trip to Cancun,” although he advised keeping an eye on official advisories.
Los Cabos and Baja California Sur: no immediate impact
Some travelers mistakenly thought Los Cabos had been hit after the embassy referred to it as “Baja California.” However, the warning applied to the northern border state of Baja California, and not to Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located.
The U.S. Department of State continues to list Baja California Sur under Level 2 precautions. No shelter-in-place orders have been issued for Los Cabos.
Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at Global Guardian, told the Times that Cabo San Lucas is a destination he “would confidently recommend clients visit now,” while emphasizing the importance of monitoring developments.
What travelers need to know
The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to:
- Follow the official Mexico Travel Advisory page
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Use authorized transportation arranged by hotels
- Check travel insurance cover, especially ‘Cancel for any reason’ policies
Safety conditions in Mexico vary significantly by state. While Jalisco faced acute unrest, other popular destinations – including Mexico City, Cancun and Los Cabos – have remained operational.
The broader takeaway: Local cartel violence in western Mexico temporarily disrupted travel, but major tourist centers outside Jalisco are operating normally. Travelers are urged to rely on official government advice and verified reporting, rather than speculation on social media.
