The Mexican military killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), on Feb. 22. The operation marked a major blow to one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels, which has been linked to murders and drug trafficking operations in the United States and abroad.
Following the operation, violence escalated across parts of Mexico. “You could hear all the explosions, and you could see all the smoke in the city,” sophomore Anders Kaiser said, who was vacationing in Mexico at the time. According to the Associated Press, cartels set fire to cars and buses, killing and injuring civilians while also blocking major roads. Airlines canceled flights, leaving travelers stranded.
The violence reflects ongoing tensions between cartels over power and territory. According to CBS, when a major leader is killed, it often creates a power vacuum and prompts rival groups to compete for control. This disruption in leadership may lead to prolonged instability in the region. According to the U.S. State Department, an updated travel advisory urges U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution or avoid certain areas entirely.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the government is continuing efforts to address cartels. “You can rest assured that peace, security, and normality are being maintained in the country,” she stated in a press conference.
Mexico is known for its beautiful resorts, and it is a popular vacation spot for many Edina families. “We were stuck at our resort for two days, and we had to shelter in place a few times,” Kaiser said. While the killing of El Mencho can be seen as a short-term win for the Mexican authorities, it is difficult to predict the long-term impact on the cartels. The future of vacations to Mexico for seniors going on large spring break trips and other students vacationing with their families remains uncertain. “My family didn’t really care about the violence, and we are still thinking of going back after things die down,” Kaiser said.
This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on April 9, 2026
