Mexico Violence: US Urges Shelter, Flights Halted

The United States has issued an urgent shelter-in-place warning for its citizens in several Mexican states following violent unrest triggered by a major military operation.

The alert came after a security raid targeted Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. According to Mexico’s defence ministry, Oseguera was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa and later died while being transported to Mexico City.

US Shelter Warning

The US State Department urged American citizens in affected areas to remain indoors until further notice due to ongoing security operations, road blockages and criminal activity.

The advisory specifically mentioned:

• Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara)

• Tamaulipas State

• Other regions facing highway and transport disruptions

Authorities said roadblocks were set up using burning vehicles, a common tactic used by cartels to slow down military forces. Troops reportedly came under fire during the raid. Four individuals were killed at the scene, and three others — including Oseguera — later died from injuries. Three soldiers were wounded. Two suspects were arrested and heavy weapons were seized.

Flights Cancelled and Airport Disruptions

The violence led to major travel disruptions:

• Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines cancelled flights to and from Puerto Vallarta.

• Delta Air Lines issued travel waivers for passengers flying to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

• Air Canada temporarily suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta airport, calling it an ongoing security situation.

Several US and Canadian airlines later confirmed broader cancellations affecting routes to Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara and Manzanillo. Some flights were forced to turn back mid-air due to safety concerns.

Videos shared online showed smoke rising near Puerto Vallarta and passengers running inside airport terminals. Similar unrest was reported in Reynosa near the US border.

Emergency Measures in Jalisco

Jalisco’s governor declared a code red emergency, suspended public transportation and urged residents to stay indoors while security forces worked to control the situation.

In February 2025, US authorities officially designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organisation, citing its involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, migrant smuggling and weapons distribution.

Rising Security Concerns

The killing of the cartel leader has raised fears of retaliatory violence across affected regions. Authorities remain on high alert as tensions continue.

The US government stated that the safety and security of American citizens remains its top priority and advised travelers to closely monitor official updates before making any travel plans to Mexico.