Travel Alert: Chaos in Mexico Following Death of “El Mencho”

The killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes on February 22, 2026, has triggered a wave of retaliatory violence across several Mexican states. For US tourists, the situation has shifted from a vacation to a security lockdown.

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Current Situation for Travelers

• Flight Groundings: Major US carriers (United, American, Delta, Southwest) have suspended service to Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR).
• Narcobloqueos (Roadblocks): Cartel members have hijacked and burned buses and trucks to block primary highways, making travel between resorts and airports extremely dangerous.
• Resort Lockdowns: Many high-end hotels in the Jalisco region have moved guests into “secure zones” or instructed them to remain in their rooms until further notice.

Regional Impact Zones

State	Status	Primary Threat
Jalisco	Critical	Active gunfights and widespread burning of vehicles.
Colima	High Alert	Heavy military presence; curfew in effect.
Guanajuato	High Alert	Targeted attacks on commercial businesses.
Nayarit	Cautionary	Increased checkpoints and travel delays.

Advice for the Stranded

Important: If you are currently in a high-conflict zone, the U.S. State Department advises that you do not attempt to reach the airport by car until “green corridors” are established by the Mexican military.

1. Enroll in STEP: Use the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive emergency updates from the Embassy.
2. Verify via Apps: Do not rely on airport screens; use airline apps for the most current flight data.
3. Stock Supplies: If you are at a rental property or hotel, ensure you have 48 hours of water and non-perishable food.