The United States Department of State has issued a security alert for Americans in Mexico. The message is simple: shelter in place. Do not go outside. Wait for more instructions.
The warning comes after the killing of Mexico’s most-wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” His cartel is fighting back. Highways are blocked. Vehicles are burning. At least 25 National Guard members are dead.
And the violence is spreading to places Americans love to visit.
Which Areas of Mexico Are Advised to Avoid?
The State Department has named specific states and cities where Americans must take immediate precautions. Here is the full list.
Jalisco State
This is ground zero. El Mencho was killed here. His cartel is based here. And now it is burning here. The advisory includes:
- Puerto Vallarta — A popular beach resort where tourists described scenes of armed men in masks and gunfire near the coastline. Flights are disrupted. Visitors are confined to their rooms.
- Chapala — A lakeside town popular with American retirees and expats.
- Guadalajara — Mexico’s second-largest city and a major business hub. Some flights are departing, but not all. If your flight is cancelled, officials suggest trying to book a connection through another Mexican city.
Baja California State
This is the border region. Americans cross here every day. The advisory includes:
- Tijuana — The busiest land border crossing in the world.
- Tecate — A smaller border town east of Tijuana.
- Ensenada — A coastal city south of the border, famous for wine and seafood.
Nayarit State
This is the Pacific coast, just north of Puerto Vallarta. The advisory includes:
- Nuevo Nayarit — Also called Nuevo Vallarta. A stretch of beach resorts popular with American families.
Other States with Active Advisories
The State Department has also warned Americans in parts of these states to shelter in place:
- Colima
- Guanajuato
- Guerrero
- Estado de Mexico
- Michoacan
- Nuevo Leon
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Queretaro
- San Luis Potosi
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
What Does “Shelter in Place” Actually Mean?
It means stay inside. Do not go out unless absolutely necessary.
For US government staff, the rules are even stricter. All personnel at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area. They are also banned from traveling to Mazatlan through Wednesday.
The embassy says it is in close contact with airlines. Most airports across Mexico are operating normally. But Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are seeing disruptions due to crew availability.
If you are traveling, check with your airline. Confirm your flight status. And if you are in one of the affected areas, stay put.
Why Did This Violence Start?
It started with a bullet. Mexican special forces tracked El Mencho to a hideout in Tapalpa, a small town in Jalisco. They were following one of his romantic partners. When they moved in, El Mencho and two bodyguards fled into a wooded area.
A firefight broke out. All three were seriously wounded. They were taken into custody but died while being transported to Mexico City.
That was Sunday. By Monday, his cartel was taking revenge.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
A: The State Department has issued shelter-in-place orders for multiple states. If you are already there, stay inside. If you are planning to go, check the latest alerts before booking anything.
Q: Which airports are affected?
A: Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are seeing flight disruptions. Most other airports are operating normally, but always check with your airline.
Q: How long will this last?
A: The State Department will update its alert as the situation changes. The Monterrey staff restrictions are in place through Wednesday at least.
Q: Was El Mencho really killed?
A: Yes. Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla confirmed his death. He was wounded in a firefight and died while being transported to Mexico City.
Q: Should I cancel my trip to Mexico?
A: That is a personal decision. But if your destination is on the advisory list, you should think carefully and monitor official updates.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
