Violent clashes broke out in parts of western Mexico on Sunday during a military operation that killed the leader of Jalisco’s new generation drug cartel, sparking widespread security concerns across the region.
The Mexican Defense Ministry said in a statement on X that Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (also known as “El Mencho”) during an operation in the western state of Jalisco. He was wounded during a raid in the town of Tapalpa and died en route to Mexico City.
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also confirmed the death of the drug cartel leader, calling him “one of the bloodiest and most brutal drug lords.”
“This is a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he said on X.
The operation came after hours of roadblocks with burning vehicles set up in Jalisco and other states. Cartels often use this tactic to thwart military operations.
On a main street in Zapopan, Jalisco state, Mexico, on February 22, 2026, a member of the prosecutor’s office stood guard near a bus that was set on fire by an organized crime gang in response to the arrest of a high-priority security target in Jalisco state. /Photo credit: Ulises Ruiz/AFP, Getty Images
(Ulysses Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemuz Navarro launched “Code Red,” a protocol for a state of emergency or security crisis, in response to conflicts. In a post on X, he said public transportation in Jalisco has been suspended and urged people in the area to stay home until the situation is under control.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing over Jalisco’s main city of Puerto Vallarta and panicked people rushing through the state capital’s airport.
A similar situation unfolded at the airport in the Mexican border city of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, local sources and family members in the city told CBS News’ Nydia Cavazos. They said roads to and from the airport had been blocked by cartel members. Reynosa borders McAllen, Texas, and is usually crowded with Americans traveling back and forth. While the international bridge remains open, the main street leading to the bridge is blocked.
The U.S. State Department issued a security alert, advising U.S. citizens in several Mexican states including Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to shelter in place until further notice.
Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations at Puerto Vallarta Airport due to what it said was an “ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta” affecting the airport.
“We are monitoring the situation and liaising with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue,” the airline said.
On February 22, 2026, in Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico, a man put out a truck that was set on fire by an organized crime gang. /Photo credit: Ulises RUIZ /AFP via Getty Images
Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines confirmed Sunday cancellations of flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, while Delta Air Lines issued travel exemptions to passengers flying in and out of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports.
“The safety of our customers and crew members always comes first, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the region. We have taken steps to adjust our operations accordingly and are working to communicate with affected customers,” Delta said in a statement.
The U.S. State Department is offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest of El Mencho.
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In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel a foreign terrorist organization, saying that in addition to trafficking in fentanyl, it “engages in racketeering, smuggling of immigrants, theft of oil and minerals, and the arms trade.”
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