02/23/2026
U.S. ISSUES URGENT SHELTER-IN-PLACE ORDER FOR AMERICANS IN MEXICO 🚨
The U.S. Embassy and State Department have issued an emergency security alert, ordering Americans in multiple Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice. The alert follows a major military operation in Jalisco that resulted in the death of “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The Crisis:
• Violence & Blockades: In response to the killing, cartel members have set fire to vehicles and established over 250 roadblocks across 20 states.
• Travel Disruptions: While airports remain technically open, most domestic and international flights in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have been canceled.
• Suspensions: All taxi and ride-share services in Puerto Vallarta are suspended, and some businesses have temporarily closed.
Affected Areas:
The shelter-in-place directive includes popular tourist hubs: Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and Ensenada.
If You Are in Mexico:
Remain in your hotel or residence, avoid all non-essential movement, and stay away from areas with heavy law enforcement or military activity.
Emergency Contacts:
📞 From Mexico: (55) 8526-2561
📞 From U.S.: +1-844-528-6611
📞 Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747
Source: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico / AP / BBC
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