U.S. Issues Shelter-in-Place Alert for Parts of Mexico After Cartel Leader Killed—Everything We Know

The U.S. Department of State has issued a security alert urging Americans in parts of Mexico to shelter in place after a major cartel leader was killed. Officials are warning Americans to remain indoors and avoid all travel as concerns about violence and unrest swirl.

What To Know About the U.S. Shelter-In-Place Alert, Including Where It Applies in Mexico

Mexico: UPDATE - Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity in many areas of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice. Roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with some domestic & int’l flights… pic.twitter.com/SIxMGKwGny

— TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 22, 2026

On February 22, 2026, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued an ongoing shelter-in-place advisory for Americans in parts of Mexico. The warning currently states that due to security operations, related road blockages, and criminal activity, those in the following states should stay inside until further notice:

"Widespread, including Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas States"

The advisory recommended that U.S. citizens in the affected areas:

• Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
• Avoid crowds.
• Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.

It is worth noting that the United States is far from the only country giving its citizens that kind of guidance. For example, Canada issued a very similar warning on the same day.

The Status of Travel To and From Mexico Right Now

Anyone seeking to travel between the U.S. and Mexico will need to keep an eye on the airports as the status of flights, especially in the affected areas, remains unpredictable. Travel disruptions are currently focused on airports traveling to and from Jalisco. For example, the Dallas Express reported on February 22, 2026, that airlines had canceled flights to the Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara areas of Jalisco. It is unclear when service to the region will resume or if cancellations will spread.

Why the U.S. Issued the Shelter-in-Place Alert

A CBS News report has detailed what led to violence erupting in parts of western Mexico on February 22, 2026. The chaos began after Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," who the outlet described as the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Mexican authorities say that he was wounded during a raid and died as he was being flown to Mexico City.

In response, roadblocks of burning vehicles were set up in Jalisco, Mexico, prompting Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro to declare a "code red" state of emergency. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo acknowledged the blockages on X, while also stressing, "In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality." Social media videos have captured panic as smoke was seen in parts of Jalisco that are slated to host some World Cup matches over the summer. There have also been reports of arson attacks, clashes with security forces, and other criminal activity.