US and Canada Issue Shelter-in-Place Warnings for Parts of Mexico After Cartel Leader’s Killing

The United States and Canada have issued urgent travel advisories for several areas in Mexico following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a clash with Mexican soldiers.

The US State Department’s Consular Affairs section posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday: “Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, US citizens should shelter in place until further notice.”

It added that roadblocks have disrupted airline operations, leading to cancellations of domestic and international flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Canada’s government advised its citizens in Michoacán, Guerrero, and Jalisco states to “keep a low profile and follow advice of local authorities,” citing shootouts with security forces and explosions. Ottawa said it is monitoring the situation closely.

Oseguera — known by his alias “El Mencho” — had a US$15 million bounty placed on him by the United States. Mexican army officials said he was wounded in Tapalpa and died en route to Mexico City for treatment.

Flight Disruptions Several major airlines cancelled flights to affected areas on Sunday:

• US carriers: United, American, Southwest, and Alaska
• Canadian carriers: Air Canada and WestJet/Sunwing

Destinations impacted include Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and Manzanillo. Southwest reported turning back four flights already en route to Puerto Vallarta. The airline said it will send planes to repatriate stranded passengers and crew once conditions improve.

The killing has triggered widespread security operations, roadblocks, and criminal activity in multiple regions, prompting the shelter-in-place alerts.