U.S. Warns Americans in Mexico to Shelter in Place After Cartel Kingpin Slain

The U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs issued a warning on February 22 for Americans in Mexico to shelter in place until further notice because of “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity”.

The advisory applies to Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, as well as Tamaulipas state, including Reynosa, and other municipalities, areas of Michoacán and Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon state.

The warning came after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as ‘El Mencho’, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a security operation carried out with assistance from the U.S. government on February 22.

BBC News reported that several cartel members retaliated by setting vehicles on fire and launching attacks against security forces across eight states. Eyewitnesses recorded plumes of smoke rising over cities including Guadalajara, and air traffic was also disrupted.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico and U.S. consulates urged U.S. citizens in Mexico to avoid crowds and areas around law enforcement activity and remain aware of their surroundings.

They also advised people to seek shelter if necessary and minimize unnecessary movement. Monitoring local media for updates and following directions of local authorities was recommended. In case of emergency, people were requested to call 911 and keep their family and friends informed of their location and well-being via phone, text or social media.

President Donald Trump in January suggested he could expand military efforts targeting Mexican drug-trafficking groups. “We have to do something” about America’s southern neighbor, he told the TV show “Fox and Friends”, noting the Mexican government had repeatedly rejected his offer to “take out the cartels”.

He added, “We’ve knocked out 97% of the drugs coming in by water, and we are gonna start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels,” Trump told Fox News.

Trump said he is targeting cartels that he claimed are “running Mexico” and killing 250,000 to 300,000 people in the United States every year, according to Newsweek.

He earlier signed a directive ordering the U.S. military to target drug cartels and other groups designated as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that raised concerns about diplomacy and presidential authority.

On February 22, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the United States provided intelligence support to Mexico for an operation in Talpalpa that eliminated Oseguera Cervantes.

Leavitt said ‘El Mencho’ was a top target for the Mexican and U.S. authorities as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into the United States.

“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,” she said.

“President Trump has been very clear — the United States will ensure narco terrorists sending deadly drugs to our homeland are forced to face the wrath of justice they have long deserved,” Leavitt added.

President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, posted a statement on X regarding the attacks. She wrote, “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,” Pardo added. “We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico.”