Mexico is grappling with widespread violence following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation to kill El Mencho, a major fentanyl trafficker with a $15 million bounty on his head from the United States, has triggered road blockades, business fires, and widespread disruption across the country. The unrest underscores the cartel’s power and the challenges facing President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
Sheinbaum addressed the nation Sunday, February 22, 2026, urging citizens to “remain calm” as authorities worked to restore order. In a social media post, she stated there was “absolute coordination with governments of all states” and that most of the country was operating with “full normality” despite the ongoing disruptions. “We must stay informed and calm,” she added.
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence (SEDENA) reported that Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was wounded during a clash with soldiers in Tapalpa, Jalisco, approximately 80 miles south of Guadalajara. He died while being transported to Mexico City, according to the statement. The operation involved information provided by U.S. Authorities.
Following the news of El Mencho’s death, armed groups blocked highways and set businesses ablaze in over a dozen states, including Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Quintana Roo, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes, Nayarit, Puebla, and Sinaloa. Authorities reported at least 14 deaths in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato, including seven National Guard troops.
In Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a host city for upcoming FIFA World Cup matches, civilians sheltered in place Sunday night as the city became largely deserted. Videos circulating on social media showed panic at the Guadalajara airport and smoke rising over the resort city of Puerto Vallarta. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus urged residents to stay home and suspended public transportation.
School was canceled Monday, February 23, 2026, in several states as a precaution. The U.S. Department of State issued a shelter-in-place advisory for its citizens in Mexico, urging them to remain sheltered “until further notice” due to ongoing security operations, road blockades, and criminal activity. Several U.S. And Canadian airlines suspended flights to various Mexican airports.
Authorities announced they had cleared most of the more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states. During the operation, troops killed four people at the location where Oseguera Cervantes was wounded, and three others, including Oseguera Cervantes, later died from their injuries. Two individuals were arrested, and authorities seized armored vehicles, rocket launchers, and other weapons.
