What Is Happening In Mexico Right Now: El Mencho killed in Jalisco raid, nationwide violence follows
For readers wondering what is happening in mexico right now, federal forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in a raid in Jalisco and retaliatory cartel attacks have since swept parts of the country, killing dozens and disrupting travel and daily life.
What Is Happening In Mexico Right Now: the Jalisco raid that killed El Mencho
Authorities attempted to capture Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes in the western state of Jalisco on Sunday. The raid led to a firefight that fatally wounded the 59-year-old leader known as “El Mencho” and killed six of his accomplices. Defence minister Ricardo Trevilla said information that led to the capture and death stemmed from a romantic partner.
Retaliatory attacks left security forces and civilians dead
Cartel gunmen launched a wave of revenge after the raid. Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, said 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed in the attacks. He added that 30 cartel operatives were killed and that one bystander died in the violence.
Widespread disruptions in the west: schools, roads and tourist areas
In the country’s west, schools were closed and international travellers were left stranded after cartel foot soldiers blocked roads by torching cars and buses. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta issued public advice to stay indoors when violence erupted, and videos showed cars and buildings ablaze there on Sunday, with tourists walking on the beach as smoke rose in the distance.
Guadalajara scenes, stranded crowds and protected visitors at the zoo
In nearby Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city and a scheduled host city for the 2026 World Cup, the streets were almost empty on Sunday as fearful residents stayed home. More than 1, 000 people were stuck overnight in Guadalajara’s zoo to shield from the chaos, the zoo director Luis Soto Rendón said. He said they decided to let people stay inside the zoo for their safety and noted there were small children and senior citizens among those sheltering.
Airports, roadblocks and official reassurances
Rumours spread that large airports were shut after footage showed people running for cover in airport halls, but the government said while some flights had been diverted the airports in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tepic were operating normally. Authorities also said all of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and the ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement on Monday attempting to reassure the public that the rule of law prevails and that work continues under the president to ensure security and wellbeing. Several foreign governments issued travel warnings.
Analysts warn of a possible power vacuum and continued violence
Observers cautioned that it is unclear if the violence will continue. David Mora, a Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, said he expected to see violence spike because El Mencho ran a very centralised organisation and there is no clear direct heir or successor. Mora said that could create a struggle for control within the group and give other cartels opportunities to launch turf wars. Previous operations to kill or capture organised crime bosses have led to eruptions of bloodshed and chaos and have sometimes left dangerous power vacuums as rival factions fight for control.
