A wave of violence swept across Mexico after the death of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, as armed groups blocked roads, set vehicles on fire, and shut down daily life in large parts of the country.
The unrest followed a military operation that targeted the head of one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups and triggered swift retaliation.
Mexican authorities said El Mencho was wounded during a firefight on Sunday when special forces moved to capture him in the town of Tapalpa, southwest of Guadalajara. He later died while being transported by helicopter to Mexico City. The defense ministry said troops came under heavy attack during the operation and returned fire.
Within hours, members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel launched coordinated attacks across at least 20 states. Gunmen burned buses and cars to block highways, scattered metal spikes on roads, and set fire to banks and local businesses.
Officials reported more than 250 roadblocks nationwide before security forces cleared most of them.
Violence paralyzes cities as Mexico cartel reacts to El Mencho’s death
The violence brought major cities to a halt. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state and Mexico’s second-largest city, emptied as residents stayed indoors.
Public transport was suspended, schools were closed, and mass events were canceled. State officials urged people to remain at home until conditions stabilized.
Mexico faces widespread unrest as a powerful cartel retaliates after the death of El Mencho, forcing shutdowns, flight cancellations, and shelter-in-place warnings. pic.twitter.com/jXz9xLP0aj
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) February 23, 2026
Tourist areas were also hit. In Puerto Vallarta, thick smoke rose from burning vehicles in several neighborhoods. Flights were suspended, leaving hundreds of travelers stranded at the airport. Some visitors were escorted to the city center under heavy police protection as authorities warned that access routes could be blocked.
Foreign governments issued security alerts. The United States and the United Kingdom advised their citizens to shelter in place in affected regions and follow local guidance.
U.S. officials also confirmed that Washington shared intelligence with Mexican authorities ahead of the operation, though they said the mission was carried out by Mexican forces.
Government response and security measures as tensions remain high
Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, called for calm and praised the security forces involved. She said most roadblocks had been removed and that normal activity was resuming in much of the country.
The killing of El Mencho marks one of the most significant blows to a Mexican cartel in recent years, but security analysts warned that his death could lead to internal power struggles. They said rival factions within the organization may compete for control, raising the risk of further violence in the short term.
Authorities reported arrests linked to the unrest and said patrols remained active in cartel strongholds as tensions stayed high.
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