Americans are advised to be extra vigilant after the recent drug lord killing in the country.
U.S. citizens in Mexico have been asked to “shelter in place” due to ongoing security operations in the country, and related road blockages and criminal activity, according to a Feb. 22 security alert from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico.
The alert was issued following the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on Feb. 22 during a Mexican government operation. CJNG, which began operations in 2009, is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations in Mexico.
The security alert to shelter in place is applicable to locations across Mexico including “Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States.”
“All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Tijuana and all U.S. government staff in Guerrero, Michoacan, and Quintana Roo states have been directed to shelter in place. All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area,” according to the alert.
While no airports are closed, airline operations have been negatively impacted, the alert said. In Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, some international and domestic flights are canceled. In Puerto Vallarta, taxis and ride shares have suspended operations. Some businesses have also shut down temporarily.
The embassy advised Americans in Mexico to remain in their residences or hotels, and minimize unnecessary movements. U.S. citizens should be aware of their surroundings and avoid crowds or areas around law enforcement activity, it said.
The alert asked Americans to follow directions of local authorities, and call 911 in case of emergencies. It recommended monitoring local media for updates on the situation. “Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.”
The death of El Mencho was confirmed in a Feb. 22 post on X by Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
“I’ve just been informed that Mexican security forces have killed ‘El Mencho,’ one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins,” Landau wrote. “This is a great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys.”
