Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico After Recent Cartel Violence?

A wave of unrest followed the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in Jalisco State, producing gunfights, fires and roadblocks. Flights were canceled and U.S. shelter-in-place notices were issued for Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Ciudad Guzman as authorities moved to restore order; Mexican officials said about 70 people were arrested, 34 suspected cartel members were killed and 25 members of the National Guard died, and nearly 10,000 troops were deployed.

Travelers reported canceled flights, hotel lockdowns and videos of fires at supermarkets, and many businesses were temporarily closed. Historically tourists have often been left alone by cartels, but experts warn that fragmentation of criminal organizations makes the environment more unpredictable and elevates incidental risk.

Security varies widely across Mexico.

Mexico, Jalisco; Guadalajara; Puerto Vallarta; Ciudad Guzman

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