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U.S. Senator Warns Americans to Avoid Mexico Following Cartel Leader’s Death
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has issued an urgent warning to Americans, particularly spring breakers, to cancel any planned trips to Mexico amid violent unrest following the killing of a powerful cartel leader.
“Anybody that’s planning on going to Mexico for spring break… I mean, my chiropractor called me yesterday and said he’s still planning on going to Cancún, I said, ‘Are you crazy?'” Mullin stated during an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” this week. “No one should be going down there right now, it is very volatile and the United States is laser-focused on watching what’s taking place.”
The warning comes after Mexican troops conducted operations on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco, resulting in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” The operation marked the end of one of the most wanted drug lords in the world, who carried a $15 million bounty from U.S. authorities.
El Mencho was the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which U.S. authorities have identified as a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States. The organization has expanded from a regional criminal group into a global trafficking operation over the past 15 years, filling the power vacuum left by the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former head of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Mexican Defense Department acknowledged that the operation was conducted in cooperation with U.S. authorities, who provided critical intelligence that contributed to El Mencho’s killing. The bilateral coordination highlights the ongoing collaboration between the two countries in combating drug trafficking organizations.
In the aftermath of El Mencho’s death, cartel members launched retaliatory actions across several Mexican states. Violent outbursts included burning vehicles, blocking roads, and engaging in armed confrontations with authorities. These incidents primarily affected western Mexico, creating dangerous conditions for locals and tourists alike.
Mexican authorities have since claimed that the situation has been brought under control. “The security situation has now stabilized following targeted operations in Jalisco,” the Mexican Embassy in the U.S. announced Tuesday. “Federal and State authorities are proceeding to reopen transit corridors and restore public services smoothly. Airline operations are normal, and international carriers are resuming flights today.”
Despite these reassurances, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains in effect. While a previous shelter-in-place order for Americans in Mexico has been lifted, concerns about safety persist, particularly in areas with significant cartel presence.
The CJNG is considered the most powerful cartel in Mexico, with an estimated 19,000 members operating across 21 of the country’s 32 states. During the Trump administration, the organization was designated as a foreign terrorist organization, underscoring its threat to regional security.
Senator Mullin suggested that El Mencho’s death could create internal conflicts within the cartel structure, potentially offering an opportunity for authorities to further dismantle criminal organizations. “Now, are we going to eliminate all the drug trafficking in the world? Absolutely not. But can we get a handle on it again? Absolutely,” he added.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating organized crime and the impact these security concerns have on the country’s tourism industry, which typically welcomes millions of American visitors annually, particularly during spring break season.
For Americans with travel plans to Mexico, particularly to regions like Jalisco or popular tourist destinations that may be affected by cartel violence, officials recommend monitoring State Department advisories closely and considering alternative destinations until the situation fully stabilizes.
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18 Comments
The death of a major cartel leader like ‘El Mencho’ is a significant development, but it often leads to power struggles and more violence in the short term. I understand the Senator’s concern about the potential for further unrest during this volatile period.
That’s a good point. Removing a top cartel leader can create a power vacuum that sparks even more violence as rival factions fight for control. Prudent to avoid travel to Mexico until the situation settles.
Spring break is a popular time for American students to visit Mexico, but the recent violence shows how risky that can be. It’s wise for the Senator to caution people against traveling there for now until the situation stabilizes.
Absolutely. Vacationers shouldn’t take unnecessary chances with their safety, especially when the US government is advising against travel to certain areas of Mexico.
Fentanyl is a major driver of the cartel violence in Mexico, so targeting the CJNG cartel that supplies it to the US is understandable. However, the danger to American tourists is still very real and the Senator’s warning should be heeded.
Agreed. The cartels pose a serious threat, and the US government has to balance addressing the drug trade with protecting its citizens. Caution is warranted when traveling to Mexico right now.
This is a concerning development. Mexico’s ongoing cartel violence is a serious issue that poses risks to American tourists. Senator Mullin’s warning to avoid travel there is prudent, given the volatile situation and the death of a major cartel leader.
I agree, the safety of American citizens should be the top priority. Mexico needs to do more to address the cartel problem and provide a secure environment for tourists.
It’s a shame that the violence has escalated to the point where the US government is advising Americans to cancel their Mexico spring break plans. Hopefully the situation can be brought under control soon so people can visit safely again.
Yes, it’s unfortunate that the cartel violence is disrupting tourism, which is an important part of Mexico’s economy. But the priority has to be ensuring the safety of American travelers.
Senator Mullin’s warning about the dangers of travel to Mexico is well-founded. The death of a major cartel leader like ‘El Mencho’ often leads to power struggles and increased violence, which puts American tourists at serious risk. It’s wise to avoid travel to Mexico for spring break until the situation stabilizes.
Absolutely. When the US government is actively advising against travel to certain areas of Mexico, it’s crucial for people to reconsider their spring break plans and prioritize their safety. Hopefully the security situation can improve soon to allow for safe tourism.
This is a prudent warning from Senator Mullin. The ongoing cartel violence in Mexico poses serious risks, and the death of a major cartel leader is likely to trigger more instability and conflict in the short term. It’s wise for Americans to avoid travel there until the situation stabilizes.
Agreed. With the US government advising against travel to parts of Mexico, it’s important for people to reconsider their spring break plans and prioritize their safety. Hopefully the security situation can improve soon.
The Senator’s warning highlights the complex security challenges in Mexico, particularly in the aftermath of the killing of a major cartel leader. While spring break is a popular time to visit, the risks to American tourists appear to be too high right now. Prudent to heed the government’s advice and avoid travel there until the situation stabilizes.
I concur. The safety of American citizens has to be the top priority, even if it means altering vacation plans. Hopefully the Mexican government can take effective action to curb the cartel violence and restore a secure environment for tourists.
The Senator’s warning highlights the complex and dangerous situation in parts of Mexico. While spring break is a popular time to visit, the risks of traveling there now appear to outweigh the benefits. Safety should be the top concern.
Absolutely. When the US government is actively cautioning against travel to certain areas, it’s best for Americans to heed that advice and reschedule their plans until the security situation improves.