The United States has issued a shelter-in-place warning for Americans in several parts of Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, one of the world’s most wanted drug lords. In a security alert, the US State Department said: “Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice.”
The advisory applies to Jalisco State — including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara — as well as Tamaulipas State, including Reynosa and other municipalities, areas of Michoacán State, Guerrero State and Nuevo León State.
Officials urged travellers and residents to remain indoors and stay alert as authorities monitor developments.
Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed that Oseguera Cervantes was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on the morning of 22 February.
The 59-year-old was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which in recent years grew into one of Mexico’s most powerful and feared criminal organisations.
Born on 17 July 1966 in Aguililla, Michoacán, Oseguera Cervantes went on to found the CJNG in 2009. The cartel became one of the country’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking groups.
He was among the most wanted fugitives globally, with both Mexico and the United States offering substantial rewards for information leading to his capture. In the US, the State Department had offered a reward of up to $15m.
Under his leadership, authorities say the cartel was responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. The group was also linked to killings, attacks on rival cartels, assaults on law enforcement officers and assassination attempts targeting government officials.
The US warning comes amid reports of road blockages and criminal activity in parts of western Mexico following the operation.
