Sheinbaum calls for ‘calm’ after violence in Mexico following death of ‘El Mencho’

Mexico City, (EFE).- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged on Sunday the population to remain «calm» following the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias «El Mencho,» leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The death of the notorious drug lord sparked various road blockades and other violent reactions across the country.

The president affirmed in an X post that there is «absolute coordination with governments of all states» and assured that, despite the blockades and violent demonstrations, activities in the «majority of the national territory» are proceeding with «complete normality.»

«We must stay informed and remain calm,» Sheinbaum stressed.

The president indicated that the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) reported on the operation carried out by the Army and the National Guard, which led to the various blockades and other reactions. She also noted that the official networks of the Security Cabinet would provide continuous updates on the situation.

Furthermore, she expressed her recognition for the actions of the Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and the Security Cabinet.

Sheinbaum’s comments referred to the federal operation that culminated in the death of El Mencho. This action was supported by complementary information provided by United States’ authorities, according to Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense.

Oseguera Cervantes was killed during an operation in Tapalpa, 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco. Alias El Mencho, 59, was one of the most-wanted criminals by both Mexican and US authorities, with a multimillion-dollar reward offered for information leading to his capture.

In a statement, SEDENA confirmed the killing of «El Mencho.» It indicated that during the operation, «four members of the criminal group ‘CJNG’ died at the scene and three were seriously wounded, who lost their lives during their air transfer to Mexico City; Ruben ‘N’ (a) Mencho is among the latter.»

Security alerts

Following the operation, the criminal group responded with various blockades and the burning of vehicles and businesses in Jalisco and other states across the country, including Michoacán, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, and Baja California.

As a result, alarm reactions have been issued by Canada and the United States, suggesting their citizens remain in their homes or shelters until further notice.

The US Embassy in Mexico explained that due to the “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, US citizens in the named locations should shelter in place until further notice.”

The Canadian government also stated that it is «deeply alarmed» by the situation. In a statement posted on social media, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand affirmed that Ottawa is closely monitoring the «serious and rapidly evolving security situation in Jalisco state.»

«We are deeply alarmed by reports of violence following a major security operation, including armed clashes, roadblocks, and vehicles set on fire in multiple areas. We are aware that local authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders in some locations, and the situation remains fluid,» Anand added.

The violence in Jalisco forced the Pacific Airports Group (GAP) to cancel all international and most national operations at Manzanillo International Airport.

In a statement, the GAP specified that the violent events registered in several areas of Jalisco did not impact internal operations or security within the air terminal, which is under the protection of elements of the National Guard and the Secretariat of National Defense.

However, the suspension of flights was due to a decision by the airlines, the note pointed out.

«Due to a decision by the airlines, today, Sunday, February 22, 2026, all international operations and most national operations are canceled,» the statement read. EFE

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