Guadalajara International Airport experienced a tense day on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as security mobilizations and road blockades were reported following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The incident highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating powerful drug cartels and maintaining public order.
Despite scenes of panic among passengers, the Security Cabinet and airport administration reported that air operations were not canceled or affected by the events.
@eltiempo 🚨‼️#ATENCIÓN: México, en caos total por la muerte de alias El Mencho, líder del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). 🇲🇽12 estados de México están en peligro por retaliaciones de este cartel luego de la caída de Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. 🎙️@josecarlostecno ♬ sonido original – EL TIEMPO
Passengers on various flights described moments of uncertainty upon landing. Marani Ceja, a traveler arriving from Newark with a connection in Guadalajara, told local media that the crew prohibited passengers from disembarking for nearly an hour, informing them that the airport was under security lockdown.
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Guadalajara Airport after the death of alias ‘El Mencho’ Photo:Social media
According to her account, smoke was visible in the surrounding area and people were seen seeking shelter inside the facilities as alarms were activated.
“When we arrived, the mobilizations had already begun; people started running to hide on the tarmac. We heard alarms going off in the airport and several security vehicles were visible. Since we landed, the surroundings have been ablaze, with a lot of smoke everywhere,” she narrated.
However, airport administration clarified that videos circulating on social media – showing people running – were the product of a collective state of “psychosis” and not a direct attack on the infrastructure. Authorities emphasized that no detonations or clashes occurred inside the terminal.
🇲🇽🚨 | ÚLTIMA HORA | Tensión y caos en el Aeropuerto de Guadalajara tras ser abatido el líder del Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias El Mencho. pic.twitter.com/CePQngpv98
— EL TIEMPO (@ELTIEMPO) February 22, 2026
Security Measures at Guadalajara Airport
To ensure the safety of travelers and workers, the airport is under the protection of federal forces. The security strategy includes:
- Permanent surveillance: deployment of elements from the National Guard and the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).
- Response protocols: activation of internal security vehicles to monitor runways and common areas.
- Official communication: The Jalisco Security Cabinet urged the public to remain calm and follow the instructions of airport personnel.
In an official statement, Guadalajara International Airport specified that, despite events recorded in various areas of the state – including burning vehicles and roadblocks – internal operations remain stable. Passengers are boarding their flights as scheduled, and there is no risk to visitors. The death of “El Mencho” represents a significant blow to the CJNG, which has been responsible for widespread violence and drug trafficking.
Local authorities are maintaining close surveillance on access roads to the terminal, while the situation in the surrounding metropolitan area is gradually stabilizing.
This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from (El Universal).
