On February 22, 2026, El Mencho (also known as Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes), the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by the Mexican army while they were conducting a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco. His death created immediate violence from the cartels against the government and their respective communities throughout Mexico. Cartel loyalists committed several violent retaliatory acts across the country, including the burning of vehicles on roadways, attacking businesses, and erecting roadblocks in several states in Mexico, including Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato. Reports of gunfire and explosions occurred within some of the major tourist cities in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, creating panic amongst the residents and tourists who were visiting the area due to the cartel violence created by the death of El Mencho.
Governments responded quickly. The United States Department of State warned American citizens in states such as Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacán to shelter in place, avoid crowds and minimise travel until the situation stabilises. Canadian officials issued similar warnings, urging citizens to keep a low profile and follow local authority instructions.
The Embassy of India in Mexico City has advised Indian nationals to remain indoors due to police activity (including arrests) and roadblocks in nearby areas caused by criminal activity. The advisory specifically mentioned several Mexican states with high unrest, including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Guerrero, and Michoacán.
Air travel has also been affected. Several airlines, including Air Canada and other North American carriers, cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and other affected airports due to security concerns and roadblocks that disrupted access to terminals.
This sudden eruption of violence is likely to delay travel plans for international visitors and residents alike. Governments are recommending that travellers postpone non-essential trips to parts of Mexico, especially regions experiencing unrest. Tourists who are already in the country have been advised to stay where they are, follow local safety guidance, and keep in contact with their embassies.
Officials stress that the situation is fluid and unpredictable. Local and federal authorities in Mexico are working to restore order, but analysts warn that retaliatory violence from fragmented cartel groups could continue until security operations fully stabilise affected areas. Based on past episodes of cartel unrest, such periods can last several days to weeks, depending on how fast law enforcement regains full control and calms the streets. Visitors should expect ongoing travel advisories and heightened security for at least this week, with updates from official sources guiding when it is genuinely safe to travel again.
For now, travellers planning trips to Mexico are strongly advised to monitor government travel advisories closely and adjust their plans, while those currently in the country should prioritise safety, stay aware of local conditions and follow instructions from authorities.
(With inputs from various sources)
1. Why have India, the US and Canada issued travel warnings for Mexico?
Governments have issued advisories after the death of cartel leader El Mencho (Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes), which triggered violent reprisals, roadblocks and unrest in states like Jalisco, Guerrero and Michoacán.
2. What cities in Mexico are affected by cartel violence?
Reports point to incidents including gunfire, explosions and roadblocks near key tourist hubs such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
3. Are flights to Mexico being impacted by the unrest?
Yes. Several carriers, including Air Canada and other North American airlines, cancelled flights to affected airports due to security concerns and disrupted access.
4. What should travellers already in Mexico do?
Officials urge visitors to stay where they are, follow local safety guidance, minimise movement, and remain in contact with their embassy or consulate.
5. When might travel conditions to Mexico return to normal?
Security analysts say such periods of unrest could last days to weeks. Travellers should monitor official advisories and wait for updates before planning or resuming trips.