Mexico News: Cartel violence after El Mencho’s death puts World Cup hosting at risk
mexico news — Violence that began on Sunday after federal forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho, " has spread from the western state of Jalisco to multiple regions and prompted warnings that Mexico's co-hosting of this summer's Fifa World Cup could be compromised.
Mexico News: Violence spreads from Jalisco
Violence began in the central-western state of Jalisco on Sunday, where authorities declared a code red security situation. The Jalisco New Generation cartel responded with gun shootouts against the Mexican military, blocked roads by torching cars and buses, and set vehicles ablaze; videos posted online showed gunmen patrolling streets and smoke billowing over cities. Scenes in Puerto Vallarta showed cars and buildings ablaze while tourists walked on beaches with smoke in the distance.
Casualties, the raid and official statements
an attempted federal raid in Jalisco on Sunday fatally wounded El Mencho and killed six of his accomplices. Mexico’s security minister, Omar García Harfuch, said 25 members of the National Guard and one security guard were killed, and he added that 30 cartel operatives and one bystander had also died. Defence minister Ricardo Trevilla said information leading to the capture and death came from a romantic partner. President Claudia Sheinbaum urged calm, and the ministry of foreign affairs issued a statement saying the rule of law prevails and work continues under her leadership to ensure security and wellbeing.
What communities and travellers experienced
In Jalisco, schools closed and international travellers were left stranded as cartels blocked roads. Authorities in Puerto Vallarta issued public advice to stay indoors, and the US government advised Americans in Jalisco to shelter indoors until further notice. Canada cancelled flights to the Puerto Vallarta airport, and flight-tracking apps showed many aeroplanes returning to their departure destinations. Rumours spread that large airports were shut after videos 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.
Who the CJNG are and why the World Cup is at stake
El Mencho, 59, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which had become one of the country's most powerful and feared criminal organisations. The CJNG is estimated to be worth more than £10bn, has tens of thousands of members, and has been responsible for massacres, kidnappings and killings of politicians since its formation in 2009. Some cartel figures retain local popularity by financing infrastructure and facilities, and they also own businesses such as restaurants and hotels.
Javier Eskauriatza, an assistant professor of criminal law at the University of Nottingham, said that when authorities press cartels they can expect pushback and that a power vacuum after El Mencho's killing could lead to instability as contenders vie to replace him. He added that the cartels have an economic interest in keeping the World Cup peaceful because they profit when foreign visitors spend money. David Mora, a Mexico analyst for the International Crisis Group, said he expected violence to spike because El Mencho ran a centralised organisation with no clear direct heir, which could prompt internal struggles and invite rival cartels to press turf wars.
Local sheltering, cleared blockades and zoo evacuees
Authorities said more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states had been cleared. In Guadalajara, the state's capital and home to more than a million people, streets were almost empty on Sunday as residents stayed home; the director of Guadalajara’s zoo, Luis Soto Rendón, said more than 1, 000 people were allowed to remain inside the zoo overnight to shield from the chaos, including small children and senior citizens. Officials also said that while chaos and diversion affected flights, key regional airports continued to operate.
It is unclear in the provided context whether the violence will continue. Past operations to kill or capture crime bosses have at times led to further eruptions of bloodshed, and the immediate security picture remains volatile.
Officials and experts warned the unrest could complicate preparations for this summer’s Fifa World Cup: Guadalajara is scheduled to host four matches, Mexico City five matches, and Monterrey four matches.
