The US embassy in Mexico has issued a security alert due to continued violence following the death of the cartel leader
The US embassy and consulates in Mexico have a safety warning on February 22, 2026, calling on American citizens in several Mexican states to take shelter after a wave of cartel violence sparked by the murder of a top drug lord.
The advisory came hours after authorities confirmed the death Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation.
In its communication, the US mission in Mexico warned that “Due to ongoing security operations and associated roadblocks and criminal activity, U.S. citizens are required to shelter in place at the listed locations until further notice.The warning applies to Jalisco State – including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara – Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán and Guerrero, and Nuevo León. A separate State Department update also cited increased risks in Baja California, Quintana Roo, Guanajuato and Oaxaca.
The violence broke out after Mexican special forces captured El Mencho in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco. The Mexican Defense Ministry said the cartel leader was seriously injured in a shootout between his security officers and military commandos. He later died in custody while being transported to Mexico City. At least six of his bodyguards were killed during the operation and three Mexican soldiers were injured.
El Mencho was long considered Mexico’s most wanted man, with the United States offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described him as a “top target for the Mexican and U.S. governments as one of the top smugglers of fentanyl into our homeland.” Mexican officials said the raid was carried out by the military with support from the National Guard and the Air Force, and that “additional information” from U.S. authorities supported the operation.
Within hours of the confirmation of his death, CJNG members launched coordinated retaliatory attacks in at least twenty states. Cartel agents set fire to buses, trucks, banks and pharmacies and set up burning roadblocks using commandeered vehicles. In some areas, nails and spikes were spread across highways to shut down traffic.
Dramatic images circulating on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising over cities including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. At Guadalajara International Airport, travelers were seen running and crouching amid reports of gunfire near a nearby highway. Authorities later dismissed rumors of shots fired inside the terminal, although a burnt-out vehicle was reportedly found along the road.
In Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist destination on the Pacific coast, about 300 visitors were stranded after flights were canceled due to the unrest. Local officials brought travelers to the city center under a heavy police escort. One tourist described the situation as “a war zone” as smoke from burning cars billowed through several neighborhoods.
Jalisco’s governor declared a “code red,” suspending public transportation, canceling public events and halting in-person classes. El Universal reported more than 250 roadblock incidents in the affected states. Security officials later said that about 90 percent of the blockades had been lifted, although tensions remain high in CJNG strongholds.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called on citizens to remain calm. “Activities are normal in most parts of the country,she said, praising the armed forces for the operation against El Mencho.
The U.S. Embassy advised Americans to avoid areas of law enforcement activity, monitor local media and maintain contact with family members. Citizens were reminded to call 911 in emergencies and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time updates.
As authorities continue their efforts to stabilize the affected regions, the embassy’s guidance underlines the volatile aftermath of one of the most important anti-cartel operations in recent years.
