Just months before Guadalajara is supposed to host the World Cup, acts of violence across Mexico, specifically in the state of Jalisco, have erupted. As fear spreads amongst locals and tourists alike, streets are filling with gang members, burning vehicles, and crumbling buildings. 

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in Tapalpa during a Mexican military operation, aided by U.S. intelligence. 

For years, Mexican forces pursued El Mencho, and a few days before the raid, the forces received a tip about the drug lord’s whereabouts. The information supposedly came from a man in close contact with one of El Mencho’s lovers. 

Consequently, gang members flooded the streets, especially in Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort city, common amongst tourists. Violence arose through acts of retaliation and efforts to dominate lucrative routes used frequently for drug smuggling. With a high-ranking leader dead, it created a power vacuum that rival gangs took advantage of.

While many tourists were affected during the violence outbreaks, the members did not necessarily target them. The gangs attacked infrastructure that generated the most money, which happened to be hotels and restaurants. 

Tourists are also having difficulty obtaining food this week as shops are shut down and people are scared to leave the confines of their homes or hotels. A shelter-in-place was established in the days following El Mencho’s death, but it has already been lifted.

Along with the difficulty getting food, many flights to and from Mexico were shut down, leaving tourists stranded. As of Tuesday the 24th, some companies resumed flying while others waited until Wednesday or Thursday. 

In addition, many troops and officers were sent out to patrol Guadalajara and other cities in order to bring a sense of safety, but instead, a new wave of unease swept Mexico. Few people occupy the streets, as the majority stay locked inside.

One business in particular, however, stayed open despite the terror outside it’s windows. The Severo café owner, Anwar Montoya, kept his shop open to the public as a way to give a place of peace and to provide a “secure area for a lot of friends.”

However, recent events do not only mean harm to Mexico and its citizens, it could also result in a domino effect in Latin American countries, particularly Ecuador and Colombia. The two countries play major roles in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s cocaine network, whether that be through transportation or production. For example, competition amongst cartels may intensify as leadership crumbles and fighting for positions commences. 

Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, spoke of the return of peace to the country this past Monday, but many find it hard to believe due to the frequency of this type of scenario, especially over the last 20 years. The only difference is the scale of violence.

Due to El Mencho’s status as a high-ranking member, the violence was more potent than usual. More than 60 funerals were prepared after this week’s violence.

Problems with the government’s focus on this issue have surfaced over the years. Instead of centering attention on the environment of violence and poverty that allows and enables the gangs and, therefore, the recruitment of new members, the government targets high-profile leaders. There’s a fear that this will create a never-ending cycle of violence. Deborah Bonello, a drug war expert, had some strong opinions on the matter.

“The execution of the kingpin strategy in Mexico over the last two decades – the extraction or the killing of major leaders like El Mencho – has always resulted in the same thing: more violence.”

Over the last couple of years, tens of thousands have been reported missing, most either forcibly recruited or killed for their resistance. So it only begs the question if the government’s approach to the gangs is the right one. 

Students from HHS were asked about the recent death of El Mencho and cartels in general. While many had no idea of the impact of the cartels in Mexico, or even the recent brutality of the last week, most had at least a simple understanding of illegal drug smuggling across countries, most notably the Mexico-United States border.

Anna Galvin, a sophomore at Hingham, said, “I have heard of the immense amount of violence erupting following the death of a significant cartel leader. There have been many articles and videos circulating online.” 

Unlike Anna Galvin but more similar to other students, Dee Sweeney remarked, “This is the first time I’ve heard of the recent violence, but it’s definitely saddening to see the effects of the gangs on citizens, especially children and families.” 

As the state attempts to rebuild and grow after the events of the last week, there are many lingering questions regarding the safety of the country and cities like Guadalajara, as well as the effectiveness of the government’s approach. There lie more questions than answers right now, but the world hangs in suspense as yet another tragedy plagues society.