Americans in Mexico Flood State Department Hotline Amid Cartel Violence

The U.S. State Department has received hundreds of calls on its 24/7 crisis hotline as Americans in Mexico desperately seek ways to return home following violent upheaval across the country. The surge in calls comes in the wake of the February 22 killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

Most callers are inquiring about flight cancellations and expressing concerns about their ability to travel safely back to the United States, according to State Department sources.

The violence erupted after Mexican military forces, supported by U.S. intelligence, attempted to capture El Mencho at his residence. The operation resulted in a shootout that left the cartel kingpin dead and triggered widespread retaliation across multiple Mexican states.

Mexico Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that 25 Mexican National Guard troops were killed in six separate attacks following El Mencho’s death. The death toll also includes approximately 30 criminal suspects killed in Jalisco, four in Michoacan, a prison guard, an agent from the state prosecutor’s office, and one civilian.

The turmoil has led to significant transportation disruptions across the region, with roadblocks appearing on major highways and some flight cancellations affecting tourist areas. In response, the State Department has updated its travel advisories for several Mexican states.

Currently, six Mexican states—Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas—are under the most severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory. Seven additional states—Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora—carry a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” warning.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued an updated security alert on Tuesday specifically for Jalisco State—including popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara—and Nayarit State, including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta. The alert noted that U.S. government personnel in several locations were sheltering in place due to road blockages and criminal activity, and advised American citizens to do the same until the blockades are cleared.

Despite the concerning situation, officials noted that “all airports in Mexico are open, and most airports are operating normally.” The embassy suggested that travelers whose flights to the U.S. had been canceled might be able to book connecting flights through other Mexican cities less affected by the disruptions.

Americans in Mexico requiring assistance have been advised to call the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs at +1-202-501-4444 from outside the U.S. or +1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. or Canada. Officials also recommend that U.S. citizens enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or follow the “U.S. Department of State – Security Updates for U.S. Citizens” WhatsApp channel for safety updates.

STEP registration allows U.S. embassies and consulates to contact travelers or their emergency contacts if necessary—a particularly valuable service during rapidly evolving security situations like the current unrest.

The death of El Mencho marks a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug cartels. The Jalisco New Generation cartel has been one of the country’s most violent criminal organizations in recent years, with operations spanning multiple states and international drug trafficking networks reaching into the United States and beyond.

The current wave of violence represents one of the most significant security challenges for Americans traveling in Mexico since the cartel wars intensified over the past decade, highlighting the volatile security situation that continues to affect parts of a country that remains one of the top international destinations for U.S. tourists.