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The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a military operation triggered a wave of violence and highway blockades across Mexico on Sunday, February 22, 2026, in what authorities consider a reaction by the criminal group that has forced the suspension of public activities in several states.
The epicenter of the violence took place in Jalisco (western Mexico), where a federal operation in Tapalpa, a small town south of Guadalajara, which culminated in the death of the criminal leader, triggered road blockades and torched vehicles in various parts of the state, which have continued throughout the day.
Subsequently, the so-called “narco-blockades” spread to neighboring states. In Michoacán and Colima (west) there were reports of units crossing federal roads, while in Guanajuato (center) images of burned businesses circulated.
Incidents were also recorded in Nayarit (west), Aguascalientes (central Mexico), Tamaulipas, Baja California (north), Guerrero, Chiapas, and Quintana Roo (south), according to EFE correspondents and official reports.
Amid the unrest, the Secretariat of National Defense officially confirmed the death of the CJNG leader during the Tapalpa operation and reported that the action involved intelligence work and cooperation with the United States.
Red Alert activated
In response to the escalation of violence, the Government of Jalisco activated a “red code” and reinforced the deployment of the National Guard and the Army. It also announced the temporary suspension of mass events, public transportation, and in-person classes on Monday the 23rd as a preventive measure.
In-person classes were also officially suspended Monday in the states of Nayarit, Michoacán, Colima (west), Veracruz, and some areas of Oaxaca (south).
In Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco), airlines canceled all international operations and most domestic flights, while Guadalajara Airport reported that it continues operating normally under heavy federal security.
The violence also led to the cancellation of a concert by US artist Kali Uchis, scheduled for Sunday in Guadalajara, the state capital, and Liga MX rescheduled two soccer matches in the state.
The situation has also had international repercussions, as the United States urged its citizens to remain in their homes in Jalisco and in areas of Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Guerrero due to the blockades, while Canada said it was “deeply alarmed” by the clashes and advised people to avoid going out, especially in Puerto Vallarta.
By Sunday afternoon, Mexican authorities said operations were ongoing to restore traffic flow on at least 21 roads affected in Jalisco.
Operation with US assistance
So far, no civilian casualties from the blockades have been reported, although authorities maintain the security deployment amid possible new reactions.
For her part, Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, called on citizens to remain “informed and calm” following the operation that led to multiple highway blockades and other violent reactions.
Oseguera Cervantes was killed in Tapalpa, 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital, during an operation led by federal forces with U.S. intelligence support.
According to the Mexican Army, troops repelled an attack that left four alleged CJNG members dead at the scene and three more seriously wounded, who died while being airlifted to Mexico City. Among the latter was the cartel leader himself.
“El Mencho,” 59, was one of the most wanted criminals by Mexican and US authorities, with a multimillion-dollar reward offered for information leading to his capture.
