Mexico Travel Update: Safe to Visit as Shelter-in-Place Ends

The United States has removed shelter-in-place directives for its citizens in Mexico, which were implemented due to the instability that arose after the death of a drug cartel leader, although a security analyst has statedMathHotels.comthere might be additional violence in the weeks ahead.

U.S. Embassy and Consular Offices in Mexicoissued the alertafter violent clashes occurred on Sunday following a Mexicanmilitary operation that killedNemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), also referred to as “El Mencho.”

The United States issued stay-at-home orders for cities, including popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Cozumel, and Tijuana, leading many U.S. citizens to reach out to the U.S. State Department and their representatives.for guidance on departing Mexico.

The U.S. mission in Mexico stated in astatementOn Tuesday, it was stated that American citizens were no longer advised to stay indoors. Flights from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have resumed normal operations, the statement noted.

Nevertheless, U.S. government employees in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Ciudad Guzmán, and Tijuana are required to follow a nighttime curfew. U.S. government personnel in Jalisco state and Monterrey have been instructed to stay within their respective metropolitan areas.

Is It Wise to Visit Mexico at This Time?

Mexican law enforcement officials killed Cervantes in an operation in Tapalpa, located in Jalisco state, on Sunday, alongside other members of the CJNG, leading to conflicts and retaliatory measures by the criminal group across the nation.

These involved roadblocks and fires set against businesses in at least 20 states, indicating the cartel’s widespread operations, according to Sandra Pellegrini, a senior analyst for Latin America at ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data).

Conflicts between the cartel and security forces have resulted in the deaths of numerous officers, highlighting the increasing and more dangerous deployment of drone-borne explosives by criminal organizations in Mexico, according to Pellegrini. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Tuesday that the situation has eased, but there are worries about whether this stability will endure.

“The cartel’s ability to attack security infrastructure indicates a strong organization that might result in an increase of violent confrontations with government forces in the near future,” Pellegrini stated.

Security measures have been intensified since Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, leading to a 26% rise in conflicts between Mexican authorities and non-state armed groups in 2025 compared to the prior year.

Mexico’s security initiatives are shaped by U.S. demands to reduce drug trafficking and migration, with the threat of tariffs and military action looming, while Sheinbaum has highlighted working closely with the U.S. instead of opposing it. According to reports, the U.S.contributed to the operationsupporting Cervantes by supplying information.

Pellegrini stated that Cervantes’ death increases the chances of a power conflict within CJNG’s leadership, which could lead to increased violence.

Rival groups might also attempt to take advantage of any seen instability within the cartel to push for control over territory, she said, particularly in states that are heavily contested by the CJNG and other criminal organizations, such as Michoacan, Guanajuato, and Guerrero.

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