The killing of Mexican cartel kingpin Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes also known as “El Mencho”, has sparked a wave of violence across parts of Mexico, raising concerns for Americans vacationing in tourist hotspots.

Escalating conflicts between the cartel and Mexican military forces left multiple dead following El Mencho’s alleged death. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking cartels in the world, had been led by El Mencho and is heavily rooted across western Mexico. His death has started a power struggle among cartels, sparking shootouts and instability in regions that include tourist cities.

The U.S. State Department has repeatedly warned Americans about travel risks in Jalisco. The state department has issued a warning that urges travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping concerns, noting that cartel violence can be unpredictable. 

Even though most resorts often maintain heavy security, cartel conflicts have frequently extended urban areas and nearby towns where US tourists still travel. (RELATED: Elmbrook School Board Approves $500,000 Brookfield Elementary Library Renovation)

The CJNG is described as one of Mexico’s most militarized criminal groups, known for direct conflicts with government military and public violence. CJNG has built a reputation for open militant tactics. They frequently use ambushes, blockades, and other coordinated attacks. 

Resort areas are not be immune to spillover from cartel conflicts. The cartel leadership disruptions often trigger short-term violence and chaos as rival factions compete for control. This leads to sudden spikes in violence that affect residents and travelers. Given the group’s reputation for aggressive retaliation and territorial warfare, U.S. tourists are strongly suggested to make immediate plans to return.

On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order for the State Department to designate several cartels and international criminal groups as “foreign terrorist organizations” (FTO).  This  allowed for military-grade surveillance and “material support” prosecutions. One of the lesser known groups, CJNG was one of the groups designated an FTO by the administration.

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