The question of whether It’s safe to travel to Mexico right now is weighing heavily on the minds of tourists and travelers alike. Following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on Sunday, February 22, 2026, scenes of violence – including burning vehicles – erupted across several regions of the country. While the immediate aftermath prompted widespread concern, the situation on the ground is nuanced, varying significantly by location. Understanding the current risks and heeding local advice is crucial for anyone considering travel to Mexico.
The killing of El Mencho, confirmed by the Mexican army and reported by the Associated Press, represents a significant blow to the CJNG, which had develop into Mexico’s most powerful cartel. The operation to capture him resulted in retaliatory violence, with reports of blockades and unrest in several states. The U.S. State Department has existing travel advisories for Mexico, and these have been reinforced in light of the recent events. However, the impact hasn’t been uniform across the country.
Localized Impacts and Regional Variations
Much of the initial violence was concentrated in popular tourist destinations, raising concerns for visitors. Images circulated online showed burned-out vehicles used as blockades in areas like Baja California, a popular surfing and vacation spot. Puerto Vallarta likewise experienced unrest. However, reports from those on the ground suggest a more localized picture. Jesús “Chuy” Salazar, a Baja surf photographer, advised people to “stay put” in the immediate aftermath, noting that schools were closed and roads leading to airports and the border appeared to be targeted. He recommended those who did travel to reach their destinations without stopping, driving during daylight hours, and remaining vigilant.
A Canadian surfer traveling through Mexico, currently stationed south of Puerto Vallarta, offered a similar assessment. He reported that while Zihuatanejo, the nearest city, experienced some vehicle fires, the situation was less severe than in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. He noted that businesses in Zihuatanejo closed early, and residents stayed indoors. As of February 23rd, he reported that La Saladita, a surf town, was “business as usual,” with surfers back in the water. He emphasized that the most significant disruptions were occurring in central Mexico, particularly in Jalisco and surrounding states.
Official Travel Advisories and Safety Recommendations
The U.S. State Department currently maintains a range of travel advisories for Mexico, varying by state. As of February 24, 2026, several states are listed as “Do Not Travel” due to crime and violence, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas. Other states, such as Jalisco (where Guadalajara is located) and Baja California, are listed as “Exercise Increased Caution.” The State Department’s website provides detailed information and specific recommendations for each state.
Beyond official advisories, common-sense safety precautions are always advisable when traveling in Mexico. These include avoiding travel at night, sticking to well-traveled routes, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding displays of wealth. It’s also prudent to avoid engaging in illegal activities and to be cautious when interacting with strangers.
Understanding El Mencho’s Influence and the CJNG
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to Wikipedia, El Mencho was born on July 17, 1966, and died on February 22, 2026, from gunshot wounds. He was the most wanted person in Mexico and one of the most wanted in the United States, with rewards of up to $15 million offered by the U.S. Government and 300 million Mexican pesos offered by Mexico for information leading to his arrest. The CJNG, under his leadership, became one of Mexico’s leading criminal organizations, coordinating global drug trafficking operations.
His death is expected to disrupt the cartel’s operations, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee an immediate end to violence. Experts suggest that a power struggle within the CJNG is likely, potentially leading to further instability in the short term. The long-term impact remains to be seen.
The situation remains fluid. For those with immediate travel plans to Mexico, it’s advisable to closely monitor news reports, heed the advice of local authorities, and consider postponing travel if possible. The U.S. State Department will likely continue to update its travel advisories as the situation evolves. The next official update from the Mexican government regarding security measures and the ongoing investigation into the aftermath of El Mencho’s death is expected within the next week.
Please share this information with anyone considering travel to Mexico, and feel free to depart your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
