Travellers are increasingly questioning whether it is safe to visitMexicoafter a major military operation and the reported killing of a powerful cartel leader sparked unrest in parts of the country. The situation intensified after Mexican forces announced that Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, was killed on February 22. His reported death triggered violence, roadblocks, and panic in key tourist areas, including Puerto Vallarta, and caused disruptions at airports in Guadalajara.
Both tourists and residents were forced to shelter in place as buses were set on fire and major roads were blocked. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later said the situation had “calmed down,” and authorities confirmed that most airports across the country had resumed normal operations.
Security experts caution that the death of a cartel leader can lead to greater instability rather than immediate calm. Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, a professor at George Mason University, told USA Today that these criminal organisations often function as decentralised networks, allowing them to continue operating even after losing a top leader.
“It’s more like a franchise model, based on how I’ve studied the organisation,” she said, explaining that removing a leader does not automatically end violence and can instead trigger internal power struggles. Experts warn that such leadership vacuums often lead rival factions to compete for control, raising the risk of further violent incidents.
Despite the unrest, security analysts say major resort areas have not been directly affected so far. Mike Ballard, director of intelligence at security firm Global Guardian, said popular destinations such as Cancun and Mexico City have remained largely untouched.
“For the most part, the actual resort areas and hotels have been relatively spared,” he said. However, he advised that travellers planning trips in the immediate aftermath may want to reconsider or delay their plans until the situation fully stabilises.
Some security experts strongly discourage travel, warning that cartel-related violence can be unpredictable. Others say the level of risk varies by region and ultimately depends on a traveller’s destination and personal risk tolerance.
Former intelligence officials noted that large parts of Mexico remain under moderate travel advisories, meaning visitors are urged to exercise caution rather than automatically cancel their plans. Doug Patteson, a former intelligence officer, said travel decisions should be guided by careful judgment rather than fear.
“It depends on how much risk you’re willing to take,” he said.
Megha Rawat is an Assistant News Editor at Times Now, where she drives the national news narrative with sharp political reporting, election coverage a...View More
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