Mexico Travel Warnings Issued for Americans and Canadians After Cartel Leader Death

More than 30 flights to Puerto Vallarta were cancelled or diverted. This shows how serious the travel disruption is in Mexico right now.
By Newsroom | International Travel, Security |

Americans and Canadians Advised to Shelter in Place Amidst Unrest

Unrest in parts of Mexico has prompted the United States and Canada to issue new travel warnings for their citizens. Following the killing of a prominent drug cartel leader, Mexican military operations and subsequent violence have led to flight cancellations and transportation disruptions, particularly in Jalisco State.

  • US State Department urged American citizens to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity.

  • Canadian government advised its citizens to keep a low profile amidst the violence.

  • Several US and Canadian airlines, including United, Southwest, Alaska, Air Canada, and WestJet/Sunwing, cancelled flights to destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo.

  • The UK Foreign Office also issued a warning, advising travelers in southwest Mexico to stay indoors.

Context of the Situation

The recent travel advisories stem from a significant operation conducted by the Mexican military. This operation led to the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," identified as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The US State Department has referred to El Mencho as one of the "bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins." The US has also previously issued a general advisory to "reconsider travel" to Mexico due to risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

The security alert specifically mentions that U.S. citizens in affected locations should shelter in place "due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity." This situation has resulted in passengers being stranded at airports like Guadalajara International Airport.

Read More: Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan Cause Civilian Deaths and Tensions

US, Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico after drug kingpin killing - 1

Evidence of Disruption and Warnings

Multiple sources confirm the immediate impact of the events on travel and the issuance of official warnings:

  • Flight Cancellations: American, Mexican, and Canadian airports reported at least 30 flights bound for Puerto Vallarta were either turned back or diverted.

  • "Shelter in Place" Directives: The US State Department explicitly advised its citizens to "shelter in place until further notice" in named locations due to security operations and resulting disruptions.

  • "Keep a Low Profile" Guidance: Canadian authorities recommended their citizens "keep a low profile" as violence unfolded.

  • General Travel Advisories: The US State Department's travel advisory page for Mexico generally advises to "Reconsider travel due to terrorism and crime," and in some areas, "Reconsider travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping."

Impact on Travelers and Air Services

The immediate aftermath of the military operation saw significant disruption for travelers:

  • Stranded Passengers: Reports indicate passengers were left stranded at Guadalajara International Airport due to flight suspensions and a lack of available transportation in the Tlajomulco area.

  • Airline Responses: Major airlines like United, Southwest, Alaska, Air Canada, and WestJet/Sunwing responded by canceling flights to key tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

  • UK Traveler Warnings: The UK Foreign Office warned travelers in Jalisco to stay indoors, highlighting the escalating situation.

Official Statements and Concerns

Government officials have articulated the reasons behind the advisories:

US, Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico after drug kingpin killing - 2

  • US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau described the killing of El Mencho as a "great development for Mexico, the US, Latin America, and the world," underscoring the significance of the cartel leader's demise.

  • The US State Department's alert directly linked the need to shelter in place to "ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity."

  • The UK Foreign Office advised travelers in Jalisco to "stay alert and follow local security advice" as the situation developed.

Broader Security Landscape in Mexico

The current advisories are situated within a larger context of ongoing security challenges in Mexico:

  • Surge in Cartel Influence: Recent years have seen an increase in cartel activity and gang violence, making crime "no longer hypothetical" for visitors, according to one report.

  • Targeting of Americans: Concerns exist that Americans in Mexico could become targets for ransom, robbery, or as collateral in cartel conflicts.

  • Pre-existing Warnings: The US State Department already advises against travel to many parts of Mexico due to drug-related violence. The UK Foreign Office similarly warns against travel to certain areas.

  • Past Incidents: Other operations have led to the death of cartel figures wanted by the US, such as Pedro Inzunza Coronel, alias "Pichon," who was killed in Sinaloa. The US has previously pressed Mexico to increase efforts against drug trafficking.

Conclusion and Implications

The recent killing of a high-profile cartel leader in Mexico has precipitated a sharp increase in travel warnings from the United States and Canada. These advisories, including directives to "shelter in place" and "keep a low profile," reflect immediate concerns over ongoing security operations, road blockages, and potential criminal activity stemming from the event. The cancellations of flights to major tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara underscore the tangible impact on international travel.

Read More: Kishtwar Operation Trashi-I Kills 3 Jaish-e-Mohammed Terrorists on Feb 22 2026

These events highlight the persistent challenges Mexico faces with cartel-related violence and its implications for foreign visitors. While the US has not imposed a blanket travel ban, the elevated advisories signal a heightened risk environment. Travelers currently in or planning to visit Mexico are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, adhere to local security advice, and consult the latest official guidance from their respective governments. The situation underscores the complex interplay between drug cartel activities, Mexican security forces' operations, and the safety of international citizens.

Primary Sources

  • US, Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico after drug kingpin killing - NZ Herald

  • URL: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/us-canada-issue-travel-warnings-for-mexico-after-drug-kingpin-killing/CZJWLBRWYBB2FHUA5HOSCS3CH4/

  • US issues 'shelter in place' alert for Americans in parts of Mexico - USA Today

  • URL: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/02/22/americans-shelter-in-place-mexico-el-mencho/88814503007/

  • Canadians told to ‘keep a low profile’ as violence erupts in Mexico. Follow live updates. - CTV News

  • URL: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/canadians-warned-as-violence-erupts-in-mexico-follow-for-live-updates/

  • Mexico: UK Foreign Office issues urgent warning as flights are cancelled due to drug cartel violence - Inkl

  • URL: https://www.inkl.com/news/mexico-uk-foreign-office-issues-urgent-warning-as-flights-are-cancelled-due-to-drug-cartel-violence

  • Accused fentanyl kingpin wanted by U.S. killed by Mexican military - CBS News

  • URL: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/accused-fentanyl-kingpin-pichon-wanted-by-us-killed-mexican-military/

  • Mexico Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov - U.S. Department of State

  • URL: https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/mexico.html

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the US and Canada issue travel warnings for Mexico?
The US and Canada issued travel warnings after the Mexican military killed a major drug cartel leader. This led to security operations, road blocks, and violence.
Q: What do the travel warnings tell Americans and Canadians to do in Mexico?
The US told Americans to 'shelter in place' in affected areas. Canada advised its citizens to 'keep a low profile' because of the violence.
Q: How did the violence affect flights to Mexico?
Several airlines like United, Air Canada, and WestJet cancelled or diverted at least 30 flights to places like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
Q: Which parts of Mexico are most affected by these warnings?
The warnings mainly affect Jalisco State, including cities like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Travelers there are told to stay indoors.
Q: Who was the cartel leader killed, and why is he important?
The leader killed was Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was a very dangerous drug kingpin wanted by the US.