Tourists have been stranded in Mexico and advised to shelter in place after the killing of a notorious cartel leader Sunday sparked a wave of violence across the country.
Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, was killed in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, officials said.
Video footage subsequently shared online shows cars set ablaze in Puerto Vallarta, where frightened holidaymakers described a “war zone” as plumes of dark smoke rose into the sky from around the bay.
Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines all suspended flights to the region while schools across the country pre-emptively canceled classes Monday and a number of soccer matches were postponed in the interest of safety.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has since delivered a press conference reassuring the public that the country “is at peace, is calm” and that order has been restored.
Her defense secretary, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, added that eight cartel members were killed alongside El Mencho in the clashes with Special Forces, as were 25 members of the National Guard and several others.
Mexican army kills powerful drug trafficking cartel leader El Mencho, who once had $15m U.S. bounty
Who was El Mencho, the former Mexican police officer turned cartel kingpin?
Inside the operation to kill Mexico’s most powerful cartel leader
US issues security alert as violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader killed
Foreign Office issues Mexico travel warning after drug cartel violence
Key Points
- Mexican army kills powerful drug trafficking cartel leader El Mencho
- Violence erupts after killing of ruthless drug lord
- Tourists urged to shelter in place, says U.S. Embassy and Consulates
- US ‘provided intelligence support’ for operation
- Who was El Mencho?
In pictures: Trail of destruction in Mexico after drug lord slain
16:35 , Joe Sommerlad
Burnt-out buses on the highway to Mexico City
16:15 , Joe SommerladTravel writer and podcaster Mick Webb is currently in the city of Puebla, trying to reach Mexico City in time for his British Airways flight on Monday evening to London Heathrow.
He told The Independent: “I was enjoying my last holiday dinner in the fine city of Puebla on Sunday evening when news arrived from a friend in Mexico about the widespread chaos that had followed the arrest and death of the narco gang leader El Mencho.
“Several states have suspended flights, closed schools and warned people to stay in doors. At least one Ado intercity coach was burnt out on the highway to the capital last night. But it is rumoured that buses to Mexico City are running again... Official sources of online information are unavailable.
“If there are no buses I suppose we will have to try and get a cab at vast expense or miss our plane this evening. What fun travelling is.”
‘This is the war we should be fighting’: Conservative media personality calls on Trump to come to Mexico’s aid
15:55 , Joe SommerladGeraldo Rivera, formerly of Fox News, has called on the president to step in and offer military support to Claudia Sheinbaum, arguing that the U.S. has a moral obligation given that it played an intelligence role in yesterday’s operation.
“It could become an existential crisis for Mexico,” he warns. “This is the war we should be fighting – alongside Mexico against the drug cartels, not against Iran.”
Reportedly, aided by U.S. intelligence Mexico today killed notorious drug lord El Mencho. President Trump must now help Mexico deal with the violence his death has unleashed. It could become an existential crisis for Mexico. Many American tourists and locals are already caught up…
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) February 23, 2026
Pregnant tourist in second trimester trapped in Mexico after cartel violence grounds flights
15:30 , Joe SommerladAn expectant mother in her second trimester is among the tourists trapped in Mexico as flights are grounded by a wave of cartel violence.
Canadian Meghan Mahoney, who has been on vacation in the coastal resort town of Puerto Vallarta, is one of thousands who have no idea when they’ll be able to leave, and told CBC the situation was “scary.”
“We can certainly see smoke on all sides… we're just hoping that everybody stays safe and that we can travel home shortly.”
Here’s more from Craig Hoyle.
Tourist woman in second trimester trapped in Mexico amid cartel violence
‘Dozens’ killed in six retaliatory attacks, says official
15:10 , Joe SommerladBack at the press conference at the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar Garcia Harfuch has said that “dozens” of people were killed in six “cowardly attacks against authorities” in Jalisco yesterday.
“Twenty-five members of the National Guard, one prison guard, and one from the State Attorney General’s Office died,” he said.
Harfuch also said that a woman died and that “30 criminals also lost their lives,” according to CNN.
‘Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!’ says Trump
14:50 , Joe SommerladWe have heard surprisingly little from President Donald Trump so far about the killing of El Mencho, despite the U.S. playing an intelligence role in yesterday’s operation by the Mexican military.
He has, however, said this on Truth Social in in a post otherwise devoted to praising Fox News breakfast host Lawrence Jones:
“Great interview of American Patriot Derek Maltz, by wonderful Fox & Friends host Lawrence Jones, who is terrific! Mexico must step up their effort on Cartels and Drugs!”
He was referring to this interview by Jones with former acting Drug Enforcement Administration boss Derek Maltz:
🚨 Former Acting DEA Administrator Derek Maltz: "This is a wake up call for the world about the treachery of the Mexican cartels — that's why President Trump declared them as terrorists."pic.twitter.com/8J5nmevP0F
— Derrick Evans (@DerrickEvans4WV) February 23, 2026
El Mencho’s capture was triggered by visit from romantic partner, defense minister says
14:40 , Joe SommerladSheinbaum’s defense secretary, General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, reveals at the press conference that El Mencho’s location was discovered on Friday through a friend of a romantic partner of the drug lord, who was taken to a facility in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
“On February 21, she left the property and information was obtained that El Mencho remained at the location,” he said.
Trevilla adds that 2,500 “reinforcement troops” were dispatched last night to help keep the peace and adds that eight cartel members were killed in the clashes with Mexican Special Forces agents
“It was truly a very violent attack by the organized crime personnel,” he told reporters.
Mexican president says her country ‘is at peace, is calm’
14:30 , Joe SommerladClaudia Sheinbaum is currently delivering a press conference about yesterday’s events and has moved to reassure the public.
She says the country is now “calm” and that the road blocks were gone by this morning, adding that she expects flights to and from Puerto Vallarta to resume later today.
“The most important thing right now is to guarantee peace and security for the entire population of Mexico,” Sheinbaum declares.
Recap: Mexican army kills powerful drug trafficking cartel leader El Mencho
14:05 , Joe SommerladIf you’re just joining us, here’s another look at our report on the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was shot dead during a Mexican military operation Sunday, a federal official has confirmed, sparking a wave of retaliatory violence in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
El Mencho was a highly sought-after figure, with the U.S. State Department previously offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
El Mencho: Mexico kills leader of powerful drug cartel – US offered $15M bounty
Mexican soccer matches postponed as precaution
13:45 , Joe SommerladFour soccer matches across Mexico have been postponed following the surge of violence near Guadalajara, a host city for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Here’s more.
Four soccer matches postponed in Mexico after cartel leader’s death
Watch: Priests pray on roof of Jalisco church after killing sparks gang violence
13:25 , Joe Sommerlad🇲🇽 Priests in Jalisco climbed onto their church roof to pray while the CJNG cartel tore through Mexico after El Mencho’s killing.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 23, 2026
A perfect portrayal of both the beauty and horror of Mexico 💔pic.twitter.com/vASIYLteiz https://t.co/VhxmGQQ78x
Who was El Mencho, the former Mexican police officer turned cartel kingpin?
13:05 , Joe SommerladHere’s Alex Croft with a look at the life and career of the infamous JNGC boss.
Who was El Mencho, the former Mexican police officer turned cartel kingpin?
Tourists urged to shelter in place, says U.S. Embassy and Consulates
12:45 , Joe SommerladHere’s the latest official advice for Americans in Mexico:
“Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place.
“U.S. government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), Cancun (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacan will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.
“All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area, and U.S. government staff have been directed not to travel to Mazatlan through Wednesday, February 25.
“While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses have suspended operations.”
You can read more here.
Cartel succession battle likely to follow, expert says
12:25 , Joe SommerladMexico City-based security consultant David Saucedo has told CNN that a power struggle is likely to follow at the top of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel following El Mencho’s death.
Saucedo says the boss’s son, Ruben Oseguera Gonzalez or “El Menchito,” is currently in jail in the U.S., leaving only his brother and a stepson beside, who, the pundit says, “still lacks influence among other cartel commanders.”
Without a member of the Oseguera family in line as an obvious successor, now “it’s likely that one of four or five top commanders will emerge as the next leader,” Saucedo said.
Among the possible candidates, the expert named Ricardo Ruiz Velasco (“El Doble R”), Audias Flores (“El Jardinero” or “The Gardener”), another known as Hugo Mendoza Gaytan (“El Sapo”) and El Mencho’s former head of security – about whom little is known.
Watch: El Mencho’s body arrives in Mexico City
12:05 , Joe SommerladThis is reportedly the moment the cartel leader’s body was delivered to the capital city yesterday by a convoy of National Guard vehicles.
Así la llegada del cadáver del Mencho a la CDMX#Mencho #Bloqueos #CDMX pic.twitter.com/oqMwnjYkke
— Raúl Gutiérrez (@RaulGtzNR) February 22, 2026
Inside the operation to kill Mexico’s most powerful cartel leader
11:45 , Joe SommerladHere’s a more detailed look at how Sunday’s events unfolded, in what might be the most significant blow to organized crime in Mexico since the recapture of Joaquin “El Chapo’ Guzman a decade ago.
What’s happening in Mexico? Inside operation to kill most powerful cartel leader
Latest: Mexico fears more violence as tourists warned and schools closed following killing of powerful cartel boss
11:25 , Joe SommerladIf you’re just joining us, suspected members of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel reacted to the killing of their leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” by the Mexican military Sunday by torching buses and businesses while clashing with security forces.
More than 250 blockades were reported across 20 states, the country’s Security Cabinet said, with most roadblocks now removed.
Schools have been closed, soccer matches canceled and tourists told to sit tight by their home governments.
Here’s the latest.
Mexico fears more violence as tourists warned following killing of Cartel boss
Watch: People flee Mexico airport during unrest after drug trafficking cartel leader killed
11:05 , Joe SommerladExplainer: What are your travel rights if you are in Mexico or booked to go there?
10:45 , Joe SommerladHere’s more from Simon Calder on travelers’ consumer rights given the alarming scenes in places like the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta and in Guadalajara, which is due to host games at the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer.
Mexico: What are your travel rights if you are there or are booked to go?
UK Foreign Office issues Mexico travel warning
10:25 , Joe SommerladCountries around the world are issuing warnings and advice to their citizens currently in Mexico on how to stay safe, such as this from India:
Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico:
— India in México (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026
There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities),…
The U.K. Foreign Office had this to say in its own warning:
“Serious security incidents have been reported on 22 February across the state of Jalisco, including in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, following a federal law-enforcement operation against organised crime in the municipality of Tapalpa.
“Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have issued a public advisory to stay indoors. Routes to airports may be blocked. Incidents are also being reported in other parts of the country. You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non‑essential travel in affected areas.”
Here’s more from our travel correspondent Simon Calder.
Foreign Office issues Mexico travel warning after drug cartel violence
US issues security alert and flights suspended as violence erupts in Mexico
10:05 , Joe SommerladThe U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs has urged Americans in several parts of Mexico to shelter in place “due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”
Regions under the advisory include the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon.
Air Canada, United Airlines, Aeromexico and American Airlines have all suspended flights in response to the violence we have seen.
Isabel Keane has more.
Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader killed as US issues security alert
US ‘provided intelligence support’ for assault on El Mencho, says Trump administration
09:45 , Joe SommerladThis is what White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said about Sunday’s events:
“The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.
“‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland.
“Last year, President Trump rightfully designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization – because that’s exactly what it is. In this operation, three additional cartel members were killed, three were wounded, and two were arrested.
“President Trump has been very clear – the United States will ensure narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved.
“The Trump administration also commends and thanks the Mexican military for their cooperation and successful execution of this operation.”
The United States provided intelligence support to the Mexican government in order to assist with an operation in Talpalpa, Jalisco, Mexico, in which Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes, an infamous drug lord and leader within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was eliminated.… https://t.co/iKxsAMmnLN
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) February 23, 2026
Mexico’s president appeals for calm and says there is ‘absolute coordination’ between the states
09:25 , Joe SommerladThis is what Claudia Scheinbaum has had to say on X and she seeks to reassure the public:
“The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions.
“There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm.
“The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality.
“My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet.
“We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.”
La Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional reportó el operativo llevado a cabo esta mañana por fuerzas federales, que derivó en diversos bloqueos y otras reacciones.
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) February 22, 2026
Existe absoluta coordinación con gobiernos de todos los estados; debemos mantenernos informados y en calma.
Las redes…
In pictures: Burned vehicles and chaotic scenes in Mexico after killing of cartel boss
09:05 , Joe Sommerlad
Who was El Mencho?
08:45 , Joe SommerladNemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, 59, was reportedly a former police officer, who switched sides to run the vast criminal drug trafficking operation.
Formed in 2009, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, rapidly became one of Mexico's most violent drug cartels. It is believed to possess the highest capacity for trafficking cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and more recently, fentanyl into the United States.
Under El Mencho’s leadership, the cartel was implicated in numerous homicides targeting rival groups and Mexican law enforcement, as well as alleged assassination attempts on Mexican government officials.
The Trump administration previously designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation.
Since 2017, El Mencho has faced multiple indictments in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, with the most recent superseding indictment on April 5 2022, charging him with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances for unlawful importation into the U.S., and firearm use in drug trafficking.
He was also charged under the Drug Kingpin Statute for operating a continuing criminal enterprise.
Top story: Mexican army kills powerful drug trafficking cartel leader El Mencho
08:25 , Joe SommerladIf you’re just joining us, here’s our report on the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was shot dead during a Mexican military operation Sunday, a federal official has confirmed, sparking a wave of retaliatory violence in the western Mexican state of Jalisco.
El Mencho was a highly sought-after figure, with the U.S. State Department previously offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
El Mencho: Mexico kills leader of powerful drug cartel – US offered $15M bounty
Pictured: Soldiers on standby across Mexico amid fears of further violence
07:54 , Daniel Keane
Member of El Mencho's cartel says violence was 'revenge' for his killing
07:51 , Daniel KeaneA member of Oseguera's Jalisco New Generation Cartel has told Reuters that the blazes and sporadic gunfire in Mexico were carried out in revenge for his killing, and warned of further bloodshed as groups move to take control of his cartel.
The attacks were carried out in revenge for the leader’s death, at first against the government and out of discontent," the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
"But later the internal killings are coming, by the groups moving in to take over."
Hello and welcome
07:39 , Daniel KeaneGood morning and welcome to our live coverage.
One of Mexico's most notorious drug lords, Nemesio Oseguera, or “El Mencho,” was killed in a military raid Sunday, sparking widespread retaliatory violence.
Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes was killed in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco, officials said.
His corpse arrived in Mexico City yesterday afternoon in a heavily-guarded convoy of National Guard troops.
