Mexico is grappling with a fast-moving security crisis following the death of a top cartel leader, El Mencho, during a high-risk operation in Jalisco on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
In the hours after the operation, coordinated retaliatory violence spread across parts of western Mexico, including road blockades, vehicle arson, armed attacks, and disruptions to transportation and business activities. Federal authorities have since deployed additional troops to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Security forces have concentrated reinforcements in Jalisco and surrounding states, increasing patrols and checkpoints along major highways and urban corridors. Officials described the unrest as an organized attempt to destabilize daily life and demonstrate cartel strength, echoing patterns seen in previous retaliation campaigns.
The killed cartel leader, El Mencho
Residents and travelers have faced immediate disruptions, including blocked roads—sometimes involving burning vehicles—public transport delays, temporary school closures, and supply chain interruptions due to unsafe trucking routes.
In the Guadalajara metropolitan area and other affected zones, some businesses have adjusted operations or sent workers home amid safety concerns and commuting challenges. Authorities cautioned that while some areas appear calm, flare-ups can occur suddenly as armed groups reposition.
The violence has also drawn attention to security planning ahead of major international events scheduled to take place in Mexico this year. Federal officials have assured the public that incidents are concentrated and not directed at tourists, stressing that airports and key infrastructure remain operational.
For now, the federal government continues to surge personnel into hotspots, urging residents and visitors to monitor official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel through affected corridors as efforts to stabilize the region continue.
