The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued a shelter-in-place advisory on Sunday for American citizens in several Mexican states after a surge of violence linked to a major security operation. The alert followed reports that Mexican military forces had killed a top cartel leader, sparking unrest across multiple regions. In its guidance, the embassy warned that ongoing operations, road blockages, and related criminal activity posed risks, urging U.S. citizens to stay indoors, avoid crowds, limit travel, and monitor official updates. The advisory highlighted the volatile environment that can arise following high-profile cartel actions, especially in areas popular with tourists and expatriates.
The unrest reportedly followed a military raid in Tapalpa, Jalisco, in which Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes—known as “El Mencho”—was reportedly killed. Oseguera led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking networks. Authorities said the operation, conducted on Feb. 22, targeted cartel leadership in a region long associated with CJNG activity. While official details were initially scarce, news of Oseguera’s reported death spread quickly, prompting retaliatory actions by cartel members and affiliated armed groups. The reported killing marked a significant moment in Mexico’s campaign against organized crime but also appeared to trigger immediate instability in key urban and tourist centers.
The State Department’s advisory highlighted Jalisco—including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara—as well as Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. In Puerto Vallarta, witnesses described chaotic scenes: vehicles set ablaze, blocked roads, and stores ransacked. Videos circulated online showing smoke rising over city streets while burning cars obstructed intersections. Some tourists said authorities instructed them to remain inside hotels or rental properties, while road closures and heavy security operations made it difficult for others to leave. The combination of visible unrest and rapidly changing information created confusion for travelers unfamiliar with local emergency procedures.
Transportation and local services were immediately affected. Airlines such as United Airlines and Air Canada suspended or canceled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Regional airport disruptions compounded travel challenges, while taxi and ride-hailing services were temporarily halted due to safety concerns. Burning vehicles and improvised roadblocks on highways across Jalisco and neighboring states further complicated overland travel. These disruptions illustrated how cartel-related unrest can quickly affect residents, international visitors, and commercial activity.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called Oseguera one of the “bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” noting the significance for regional security. Mexican federal and state authorities deployed additional military and security forces to restore order and dismantle blockades. Officials emphasized that operations were ongoing and urged residents and visitors to comply with law enforcement directives. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the State Department closely monitored developments, issuing updates as the situation evolved. Other foreign missions similarly circulated advisories encouraging their citizens to exercise caution.
For Americans in affected areas, the advisory led to immediate adjustments in daily routines. Eugene Marchenko, a visitor from South Carolina staying in an Airbnb near a main road in Puerto Vallarta, reported waking to blaring horns and seeing multiple vehicles engulfed in flames. He and his wife temporarily evacuated out of concern for a nearby burning fuel tanker. Such firsthand accounts highlighted the unpredictability of the unrest and reinforced the importance of following official guidance. The embassy’s shelter-in-place recommendation—stay indoors, avoid crowds, and limit movement—aimed to reduce exposure while authorities worked to restore stability. U.S. officials continue to advise vigilance, attention to official communications, and prioritization of personal safety until conditions improve.
