This story is developing and will be updated as we learn more.
Authorities in the state of Jalisco have declared a statewide “Code Red” after a high-profile law enforcement operation in the town of Tapalpa during the early hours of Sunday, in which Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was reported killed.
El Mencho was the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most formidable drug cartels.
Latest updates:
Guadalajara:
Statement by Jalisco state authorities:
- Root cause: Federal forces conducted an operation in Tapalpa, leading to armed confrontations there and retaliatory blockades statewide.
- Arrests: Six people detained across multiple incidents; one perpetrator killed at Av. Lázaro Cárdenas & Fuelle.
- Vehicles seized: At least three vehicles were confiscated by authorities.
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL): Operating normally, no cancellations. Protected by National Guard and SEDENA troops.
- Schools: In-person classes cancelled Monday, Feb. 23, statewide.
- Mass events: Suspended for the remainder of Sunday, statewide.
- Public transit: Temporarily suspended in affected zones.
- Neighboring states also affected: Aguascalientes, Colima, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán and Zacatecas all reported security incidents.
Puerto Vallarta
The Puerto Vallarta municipal government is strongly urging residents and visitors to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel as multiple roadblocks and vehicle fires continue to disrupt the city.
Officials report that public transportation services are temporarily suspended, and drivers are advised to avoid roadways. Businesses are asked to consider temporarily closing for safety, and hotels are advising guests to stay on site.
What happened in Jalisco?
In a post to social media site X, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro announced: “Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to confrontations in the area. Also as a result of this operation, in various points of that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles to hinder the action of the authorities.”
“I have given the instruction to immediately set up the security committee with authorities from all three levels of government and to activate the red code in order to prevent acts against the population.”
Roadblocks have been reported across the state capital, Guadalajara. All flights are being diverted from Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and Guadalajara (GDL) until further notice. Buses across the country have been cancelled.
In Puerto Vallarta, thick columns of black smoke are rising from the city, where more than 10 vehicles have reportedly been set on fire at various points throughout the area.
Public transportation services in the Pacific resort city have ceased operations as a precaution. Hotels across Puerto Vallarta are reportedly advising guests to remain indoors, while some businesses are temporarily closing.
Residents throughout Jalisco are receiving informal warnings through neighborhood chat groups urging them to stay inside and avoid non-essential travel. Security forces are maintaining a visible presence across the state, although detailed operational information remains limited.
Governor of neighboring state Michoacán, Alfredo Bedolla, also reported that 13 municipalities were experiencing similar unrest throughout the state. The newspaper Milenio reported further unrest in the states of Veracruz, Guanajuato, Colima, Tamaulipas, Aguascalientes and Guerrero.
Mexico’s federal Security Ministry has announced measures to quell the unrest and said its priority is to “ensure the security and protection of citizens.”
Locations: Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State
Event: Due to ongoing security operations in multiple states and… pic.twitter.com/71gKVQ9ec1
— Embajada de EE.UU. en México (@USEmbassyMEX) February 22, 2026
The U.S. Embassy has also published the following advice for citizens who find themselves in affected areas:
Actions to take:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid areas around law enforcement activity
- Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements.
- Monitor local media for updates. Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Avoid crowds. Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text and social media.
With reporting from Milenio
This article also includes reporting by Chris Havler-Barrett
