Violence in Mexico has surged recently, following the death of notorious cartel leader Nemesi Oseguera Cervantes, commonly referred to as “El Mencho”. The events that unfolded after his killing have not only rattled the country but have also significantly disrupted travel plans for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Puerto-Vallarta-beach-022226-45e0625c6ac1434bb68cb346c6294c1d.jpg)
On Sunday, February 22, the Mexican government announced that Special Forces had executed a successful operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, resulting in the arrest of Oseguera, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). During the operation, four alleged cartel members were killed, including Oseguera himself. This sparked a wave of violent retaliatory actions from CJNG affiliates, including roadblocks, arson, and clashes with law enforcement operatives, extending the chaos beyond Jalisco to include states such as Michoacán and Guanajuato.
The U.S. Embassy responded swiftly to the escalating violence by issuing a “shelter in place” order for American citizens in Mexico. This directive highlighted growing concerns regarding safety due to rampant criminal activity, including road blockages and potential threats to tourists. Videos circulating on social media depicted the chaos at local airports, with passengers fleeing for safety amidst reports of violent incidents.
As of Tuesday, February 24, the embassy updated its advisory, stating that U.S. citizens are no longer required to remain sheltered in place. However, it cautioned that while public transport and businesses are gradually resuming normal operations, safety remains a considerable concern. The situation continues to evolve, with both travellers and residents on high alert.
The violence has severely affected travel plans, prompting several U.S. airlines, including Alaska, American, Delta, and United, to cancel flights to and from the affected regions. In light of the situation, these airlines have offered to waive change fees for passengers whose flights were disrupted by the unrest. Reports from affected airports, including those in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, indicate significant disruptions as travellers faced chaotic scenes, with many resorting to taking shelter in the terminal.
Cruise lines have also reacted to the unfolding crisis. Notably, vessels such as Holland America’s Zuiderdam, the Norwegian Bliss, and the Royal Princess have cancelled their planned stops in Puerto Vallarta due to safety concerns. In a similar vein, Airbnb has activated its major disruptive events policy for Jalisco and surrounding areas, enabling guests to cancel their reservations with support for refunds.
While the U.S. State Department maintains that Mexico is at a Level 2 travel advisory, indicating that travellers should “exercise increased caution”, some regions have been designated as Level 4, which suggests “do not travel”. This discrepancy highlights varying levels of threat across different states in Mexico.
Notably, Michael Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, pointed out that tourist areas and resorts typically remain insulated from the brunt of such violence. Nevertheless, he advised potential tourists reconsider their immediate travel plans to destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. Given the current volatility, he noted that the situation could either escalate further or improve, making it wise for travellers to remain cautious.
As the situation develops, many Americans might find themselves reassessing their planned visits to Mexico amidst this turbulent period. The impact of the cartel violence serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by organised crime, as well as the ripple effects such incidents can have on international travel and tourism.