U.S. Warns Americans to Shelter in Place in Parts of Mexico as Violence Erupts Following Cartel Leader’s Death

Advisory follows unconfirmed reports of cartel retaliation, with claims of roadblocks, vehicle fires and armed clashes across multiple regions.

PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico - The U.S. Department of State is warning American citizens in parts of Mexico to shelter in place after widespread unrest erupted following the death of one of the nation’s most powerful drug cartel leaders, authorities said Sunday.

The advisory covers areas of the western state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara, as well as regions of Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León. The department cited ongoing security operations, roadblocks, and criminal activity that could pose life-threatening risks to travelers and residents.

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Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — one of the country’s most violent and influential criminal organizations — during a security operation in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco, government and security sources told news agencies. The death of the 59-year-old kingpin marked the most significant blow to cartel leadership in years and fulfilled a long-standing goal of both Mexican and U.S. authorities.

Officials have also reported disruptions to air travel, with some international carriers suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta’s airport due to the security situation.

Mexican authorities said seven people were killed in the operation, including Oseguera, and two suspects were arrested. Heavy weaponry was seized, and several soldiers were reported wounded.

The U.S. had placed a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Oseguera’s arrest, reflecting years of cooperation between American and Mexican law enforcement in efforts to dismantle the cartel.

It remains unclear how long the heightened violence and disruptions will continue, and Mexican federal authorities have yet to release a full official statement detailing all incidents tied to the unrest.