The Mexican government has declared that the security conditions in the western state of Jalisco have “stabilized” following a surge of cartel-related violence triggered by the death of drug lord Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho.”
According to the Embassy of Mexico in the United States, federal and state officials are working to restore normalcy after the disturbances, reopening transportation routes and bringing public services back online after conducting specific operations.
This announcement coincides with an active State Department travel advisory urging heightened caution, as flight cancellations and transport issues left numerous travelers stuck in popular locations like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Hundreds of U.S. citizens were stranded in Mexico in the wake of the unrest.
“The security situation has now stabilized following targeted operations in Jalisco,” the embassy stated in a social media post. “Federal and state authorities are proceeding to reopen transit corridors and restore public services smoothly.”
The embassy indicated that airline services were resuming normal operations, with international carriers restarting their flights. The statement confirmed that Puerto Vallarta International Airport has reopened for domestic travel.
“If traveling through Jalisco, some local security measures remain in place, while authorities are restoring services to full capacity,” the embassy further noted.
Officials stated they are collaborating with international allies “to ensure safety and stability at all transit hubs and tourist destinations.”
The embassy characterized these actions as part of “a broader national effort that has produced a sustained decrease in violence across Mexico in recent months.”
Per the official U.S. government travel advisory, Mexico is currently rated at Level 2, advising travelers to “Exercise Increased Caution” due to threats such as crime and kidnapping. The advisory warns that violent crime and organized criminal actions continue to be a risk for U.S. nationals visiting the country.
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Some Mexican states are assessed with higher threat levels, with certain zones rated Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” or Level 4 “Do Not Travel,” based on local circumstances. Jalisco—the site of the recent violence—has been previously identified as a state with a raised advisory level, though the guidance mentions that risk can differ by area.
The advisory recommends U.S. citizens observe precautions akin to those for U.S. government personnel, such as refraining from intercity nighttime travel, utilizing official taxi services, and staying alert to potentially limited emergency response capabilities in certain regions.
The State Department reported receiving hundreds of calls to its 24/7 emergency line as Americans requested help after the violence.
Mexican officials reported that Oseguera Cervantes was killed on Sunday during an intelligence operation.
In response to his death, cartel members ignited vehicles and established roadblocks across Guadalajara, the state’s capital. The city’s international airport functioned with reduced capacity as the violence spread.
Previously, the U.S. State Department had announced a reward of up to $15 million for information resulting in his capture or conviction, labeling him “one of the most wanted fugitives in Mexico.”