The U.S. State Department’s crisis hotline has been inundated with calls as many Americans in Mexico seek ways to return home. This surge in inquiries is largely due to flight cancellations and worries about safety following the recent killing of a prominent cartel leader.
On February 22nd, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, head of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, was shot dead during a confrontation with Mexican troops. This military operation was reportedly supported by U.S. intelligence. Violence quickly followed his death; reports indicated that in Jalisco state alone, 25 National Guard soldiers were killed in a series of attacks, with additional casualties among criminal suspects and civilians.
Given these developments, the State Department has updated its travel advisory for several Mexican states. Areas like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas now hold a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning. Meanwhile, other regions, including parts of Baja California and Jalisco, have received a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” notice.
For Americans needing assistance, the State Department has provided contact numbers for their Bureau of Consular Affairs. Additionally, they recommend that U.S. citizens register for their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which aims to facilitate communication between embassies and travelers during emergencies.
In light of the unrest, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have escalated alerts specifically for the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, urging American citizens to remain sheltered due to ongoing roadblocks and rising criminal activity. As of now, it appears not all Mexican airports are affected by the disturbances, with some operating normally. Travelers facing canceled flights are encouraged to explore rescheduling options through other cities, if possible.
