The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City on Sunday issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens in multiple Mexican states following a surge of violence tied to a major security operation. The alert came after Mexican military forces reportedly killed one of the country’s most powerful cartel leaders, triggering unrest across several regions. In its security message, the embassy warned that ongoing operations, road blockages, and related criminal activity posed potential risks to U.S. citizens. Americans in affected areas were urged to remain inside their homes or hotels, avoid public gatherings, limit movement, and monitor official updates until further notice. The advisory underscored the volatile security environment that can follow high-profile cartel operations and reflected heightened concern for travelers and expatriates residing in popular tourist destinations.
The unrest reportedly followed a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, in which Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes—better known as “El Mencho”—was killed. Oseguera had led the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a group widely associated with extensive drug trafficking networks and violent criminal operations both within Mexico and internationally. Mexican authorities said the operation occurred on Feb. 22 and targeted cartel leadership in a region long linked to CJNG activity. Although official details were initially limited, reports of Oseguera’s death spread rapidly, prompting what authorities described as retaliatory actions by cartel members and affiliated armed groups. The reported killing of such a high-ranking figure marked a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing campaign against organized crime, but it also appeared to ignite immediate instability across key urban and tourist centers.
Among the areas highlighted in the State Department’s advisory were Jalisco State—including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara—as well as Tamaulipas State, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. In Puerto Vallarta, a major Pacific coast tourist destination, witnesses described chaotic scenes as violence unfolded. Travelers reported stores being ransacked, pharmacies set ablaze, and vehicles set on fire along prominent roadways. Videos shared on social media appeared to show thick plumes of smoke rising over city streets while burning cars blocked intersections. Some tourists said local authorities instructed them to remain inside their hotels or rental properties for safety. Others described difficulty leaving the area due to road closures and heavy security activity. The combination of visible unrest and rapidly evolving information created confusion for visitors unfamiliar with local emergency protocols.
The violence also had immediate consequences for transportation and local services. Several airlines, including United Airlines and Air Canada, suspended or canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara as a precautionary measure. Disruptions at regional airports compounded the challenges faced by travelers attempting to depart. In some locations, taxi services and ride-hailing operations were temporarily halted amid safety concerns and blocked roadways. Reports indicated that burning vehicles and improvised roadblocks appeared on highways across Jalisco and neighboring states, complicating overland travel. These disruptions highlighted how cartel-related unrest can ripple outward quickly, affecting not only local residents but also international visitors and commercial activity in heavily traveled corridors.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described Oseguera as one of the “bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” calling the development significant for regional security. Mexican federal and state authorities moved to contain the unrest, deploying additional military and security forces to restore order and dismantle blockades. Officials emphasized that operations were ongoing and urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement directives. The U.S. Embassy and the State Department continued to monitor developments closely, issuing updates as conditions evolved. Foreign missions from other countries likewise circulated advisories encouraging their citizens to exercise caution. While authorities worked to stabilize the situation, the episode underscored the delicate balance between major enforcement actions and the potential for rapid retaliatory violence.
For Americans on the ground, the advisory translated into immediate changes to daily routines. Eugene Marchenko, a visitor from South Carolina staying in an Airbnb near a main road in Puerto Vallarta, recounted waking to the sound of blaring horns and seeing multiple vehicles engulfed in flames from his balcony. He and his wife evacuated temporarily over concerns that a burning fuel tanker nearby could explode. Such firsthand accounts illustrated the unpredictability of the unrest and the importance of adhering to official guidance. The embassy’s recommendation to shelter in place—remain indoors, avoid crowds, and limit movement—aimed to reduce exposure to potential flashpoints while authorities addressed the threat. As Mexican officials continue efforts to restore stability, U.S. diplomats stress that citizens should remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and prioritize personal safety until conditions demonstrably improve.
