Cartel Kingpin Killed—Tourists Trapped

America’s most wanted cartel kingpin falls, but his death unleashes chaos that traps U.S. tourists in burning streets and grounded flights—right before the World Cup kicks off.

Story Snapshot

Mexican army kills El Mencho, CJNG leader, in Jalisco operation with U.S. intel support on February 22, 2026.
Cartel retaliation blocks roads with burning vehicles, sparks shootings, and disrupts Guadalajara airport.
U.S. State Department orders Americans in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León to shelter in place.
Major airlines suspend flights; schools close; Puerto Vallarta tourists stranded amid ongoing violence.

Mexican Army Eliminates El Mencho in Tapalpa Raid

Mexican army forces launched an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on February 22, 2026, killing Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, and at least six cartel members. U.S. intelligence supported the raid, targeting the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). El Mencho faced a $15 million U.S. bounty since 2024 and indictments for fentanyl trafficking since 2017. National Guard transported his body to Mexico City that afternoon. This strike dismantled CJNG’s top command in its Jalisco stronghold.

Cartel Retaliation Grips Tourist Hotspots

CJNG fighters responded Sunday afternoon by burning cars and trucks to block roads in Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Armed groups shot out tires in Guadalajara, causing chaos at the international airport as crowds fled. Violence spread to Puerto Vallarta, a prime U.S. tourist destination, with buildings and vehicles set ablaze. By Monday, February 23, airlines including Air Canada, United, Aeromexico, and American halted flights. Schools canceled classes across affected states, stranding locals and visitors alike.

U.S. State Department Issues Urgent Shelter Alert

U.S. Embassy posted a shelter-in-place order Sunday evening for Americans in Jalisco—including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara—Tamaulipas (Reynosa), Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. Officials advised avoiding law enforcement areas and monitoring updates. Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau called El Mencho’s death a great development against the bloodiest kingpin. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed U.S. intel aided the op, killing El Mencho plus three, wounding three, and arresting two.

Stakes Rise Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Puerto Vallarta lies in CJNG’s core territory, making tourist zones prime retaliation targets. Recent U.S. sanctions hit local timeshare scams tied to the cartel. The Trump administration’s terrorist designation last year underscored CJNG’s fentanyl role in U.S. deaths. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claimed most areas remained normal, downplaying scope. Facts support U.S. officials’ view: strong intel-sharing yields results, aligning with conservative priorities of border security and dismantling drug terror networks through decisive action.

Short-term chaos strands tourists and disrupts aviation, but long-term, CJNG’s power vacuum could spark infighting or curb fentanyl flows to America. Tourism suffers pre-World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, U.S., and Canada. Locals face fear and closures; resorts like sanctioned Kovay Gardens highlight cartel infiltration. U.S.-Mexico cooperation proves effective, though risks persist without sustained pressure.