Mexico Cartel Leader Killed: El Mencho Dead, Shelter in Place Ordered — Everything Happening in Mexico Right Now
The killing of the most-wanted cartel leader in Mexico has sent shockwaves through the entire country. What is happening in Mexico right now is nothing short of a national security crisis — with road blockades, airport chaos, tourists trapped, and the US Embassy Mexico issuing emergency guidance. Here is a full breakdown of what is going on in Mexico right now, what the el mencho meaning and legacy represent, and what travelers need to know about destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo.
Who Is El Mencho — The Meaning Behind Mexico's Most-Wanted Cartel Boss
El Mencho is the alias of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, 59, a former police officer who co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) around 2007. The nickname — drawn from a shortened version of his name — became synonymous with extreme violence and territorial expansion across cartels in Mexico. Under his leadership, the CJNG cartel became the dominant force in fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine trafficking into the United States. Comparable in infamy to Pablo Escobar in his era, el mencho operated on an industrial scale, with DEA assessments placing CJNG's reach across all 50 U.S. states.
Mexico Cartel Leader Killed: How the Operation Went Down
The Jalisco cartel leader killed Sunday was wounded in a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco — a town about two hours southwest of Guadalajara — and died while being flown to Mexico City. During the operation, troops came under fire and killed four CJNG members at the location. Two others were arrested, and armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other arms were seized. Three members of the armed forces were wounded. Mexico's Defense Ministry confirmed U.S. intelligence supported the raid.
What Is Happening in Mexico Right Now: Cartel Retaliation Across 15 States
Violence is now active in 15 major Mexican cities. The cartel issued a warning that they will target anyone on the street after 2:00 PM local time. CJNG members are attacking military bases, airports, highways, and shopping malls. Airspace in the most affected regions has been partially closed due to military operations.
| Location | What's Happening |
|---|---|
| Jalisco / Guadalajara | Code Red declared; roads blocked; public transit suspended |
| Puerto Vallarta | Smoke over city; ride-shares and taxis suspended |
| Guadalajara Airport | Panicked travelers filmed sprinting through terminal |
| Tamaulipas (Reynosa) | Cartel blockades on roads to U.S.-Mexico border bridges |
| Michoacán, Guerrero, Nuevo León | Roadblocks, arson, and armed clashes ongoing |
Mexico Shelter in Place: US Embassy Mexico Emergency Alert
The US Embassy Mexico issued a shelter in place advisory for U.S. citizens in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. Airports, bus stations, and several malls have been attacked, especially in Jalisco. Authorities urge Americans to avoid crowds, minimize movement, monitor local media, and remain indoors. The advisory specifically covers Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Chapala, Guadalajara, and Reynosa. Canada issued a parallel shelter-in-place warning for its nearly 5,000 citizens estimated to be in Jalisco alone.
Puerto Vallarta Mexico Airport: Flights Canceled, Tourists Stranded
What is happening in Puerto Vallarta has become a top concern for travelers worldwide. United, Southwest, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada all canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday due to cartel-related violence. At least one American Airlines flight turned back mid-air as conditions on the ground deteriorated. A Texas resident said he was among the last tourists to board a plane out of Puerto Vallarta and witnessed what appeared to be execution-style killings on the road to the airport.
Is Cabo Safe Right Now? What Travelers Need to Know
With Mexico cartel news today dominating headlines, many are asking: is Cabo safe right now? The current U.S. State Department shelter in place Mexico advisory does not include Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas is located. Baja California Sur is the third safest state in Mexico, with a murder rate comparable to Idaho's, and the government has maintained increased military and police presence in Cabo through approximately 2028. The violence tied to the Jalisco cartel leader killed is concentrated on Mexico's Pacific mainland corridor. While Cabo carries a general Level 2 "Exercise Increased Caution" advisory, it is not under any shelter-in-place or emergency order as of Monday, February 23, 2026 ET.
What Comes Next: Mexico Cartel Power Vacuum
The Mexico cartel leader killed on Sunday represents the most significant blow to organized crime since El Chapo's capture — but history suggests the aftermath may be equally dangerous. Power vacuums after kingpin removals have historically fractured cartels into warring factions, producing prolonged surges in civilian violence. What is happening in Mexico in the coming days and weeks will depend on whether CJNG's internal command structure holds, splinters, or triggers a broader cartel war. Both governments are watching closely — and so is the rest of the world.
