Mexico hit by widespread unrest after cartel leader killed in army operation

Analysts described the capture and the violence that followed as a turning point in President Sheinbaum's security strategy, both in her confrontation with organised crime and in managing expectations from the White House. / CC / Diego Fernández

FacebookTwitterLinkedInTelegramFlipboardFeedly

By bne IntelliNews February 23, 2026

For over a decade, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho", was the most wanted man in Mexico, a former police officer who built the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) into one of the country's most formidable criminal organisations. On February 22, a military operation in the quiet highland town of Tapalpa, Jalisco, finally caught up with him. He died of serious injuries sustained in the clashes. Within hours, Mexico was reminded of just how powerful the organisation he leaves behind remains.

The response from CJNG members has been swift. Burning vehicles blocked roads across at least a dozen states, around 250 roadblocks in total, 65 of them in Jalisco alone. Some 20 bank branches were attacked and looting broke out in several areas. By the time authorities issued their latest update, four blockades remained active and 25 people had been arrested — 11 for alleged violent acts, 14 for alleged looting.

Four CJNG members were killed during the Tapalpa operation, and three army personnel injured. Mexico's defence ministry said the mission was "planned and executed" by special forces, with US intelligence playing an assisting role. Washington had previously offered a $15mn reward for information on El Mencho's whereabouts.

The turmoil landed hardest in Jalisco. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red, suspending public transport, mass events and in-person classes. In Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort town that drew over six million tourists in 2025 and is a scheduled FIFA World Cup host city, smoke rose over the waterfront and visitors described widespread disruption to Reuters. Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines all cancelled flights to the state.

President Claudia Sheinbaum sought to steady nerves, saying federal and state authorities were fully coordinated and that most of the country remained unaffected.

According to AP, David Mora, Mexico analyst for International Crisis Group, described the capture and the violence that followed as a turning point in Sheinbaum's security strategy, both in her confrontation with organised crime and in managing expectations from the White House.
That pressure has come largely from President Donald Trump, who has threatened additional tariffs or unilateral military action unless Mexico demonstrates concrete progress in stemming the flow of fentanyl across the border.

Initial signs suggest the operation was welcomed in Washington. US Ambassador Ron Johnson issued a statement late on February 22 praising the performance of Mexican troops and acknowledging the costs they bore, adding that "under the leadership of President Trump and President Sheinbaum, bilateral cooperation has reached unprecedented levels."

The analyst also pointed to a sharp shift in the Mexican military's posture since Sheinbaum took office. "Ever since President Sheinbaum has been in power, the army has been way more confrontational, combative against criminal groups in Mexico," Mora told AP. "This is signalling to the US that if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it, we don't need US troops on Mexican soil."

The US has advised citizens to shelter in place across Jalisco, Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León. The UK government has urged visitors to Jalisco to exercise extreme caution and follow local authority guidance. The situation remains fluid and travellers should monitor official advisories and airline updates closely.