Most of the current cartel‑related violence being reported is centered in western and central Mexico, especially in and around the state of Jalisco. This wave of attacks was triggered after security forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a raid near Tapalpa, Jalisco, on 22 February 2026.

Main areas affected

  • Tapalpa, Jalisco – Rural, mountainous area where the raid took place; site of initial clashes between CJNG gunmen and the Mexican army.
  • Other parts of Jalisco state – Reports mention attacks, burning vehicles, roadblocks and assaults on security forces in several municipalities across the state following the operation.
  • Guadalajara metro area (including Zapopan) – At least some of the National Guard casualties occurred around Zapopan, part of greater Guadalajara, as violence spread from the initial raid zone into more urban areas.
  • Michoacán state – Authorities have reported additional cartel members killed and related clashes in neighboring Michoacán, showing that the fallout is not confined strictly to Jalisco.
  • Travel advisories mentioning more states – Foreign governments have warned their citizens about unrest and criminal roadblocks in Jalisco and at least a few other states including Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León, advising people to shelter in place and avoid travel where possible.

What this means if you’re there or planning travel

  • Situations like this can change hour by hour , and violence is often very localized (one city or highway can be dangerous while another area in the same state is calm).
  • If you are in Mexico now or have an imminent trip:
    1. Check your country’s latest official travel/security alerts for specific cities and states.
    2. Follow local news and instructions from local authorities about curfews, road closures, and shelter‑in‑place orders.
    3. Avoid protests, military or police operations, and any roadblocks, even if they look “informal”.

If you tell me which city you’re asking about (for example: Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Monterrey, Cancún), I can help contextualize how these events relate to that specific area, keeping in mind that conditions may keep shifting. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.