The Embassy of India in Mexico on Monday advised Indian nationals to exercise caution and remain indoors amid escalating violence following the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation on Sunday.
The advisory comes as security operations, road blockages, and clashes between organised crime groups and authorities have spread across several Mexican states, prompting local officials to suspend public transport and urge residents to avoid highways.
In a post on X, the Embassy said Indian nationals in Jalisco State, particularly in “Puerto Vallarta, Chapala and Guadalajara”, as well as in “Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice”.
“Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico: There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State should shelter in place until further notice,” the Embassy said.
It further outlined precautions: “Actions to Take: Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Be aware of your surroundings. Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements outside your shelter. 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.”
Dear all Indian nationals in Mexico:
There are ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, Indian nationals in Jalisco State (areas of Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (areas of Reynosa and other municipalities),…
— India in México (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026
What triggered the advisory
The advisory follows the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes in an operation led by Mexico’s military in the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco.
Security forces from several federal branches carried out the operation, during which CJNG members traded fire with government forces, Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defence said. Four gang members were killed at the scene.
Oseguera and two others were seriously injured and died while being transported by aircraft to Mexico City, according to the secretariat. Three Mexican military personnel were also injured and shifted to a hospital in Mexico City for treatment.
El Mencho, a former police officer, led the CJNG as it grew into one of the “most powerful and ruthless criminal organisations” inside Mexico, according to the US Drug Enforcement Agency, CNN reported.
Violence spreads across multiple states
The military operation set off a series of violent incidents across Jalisco, which is scheduled to host four matches of the 2026 World Cup in June, before unrest spread to other states, including Michoacan and Guanajuato.
Suspected members of organised crime groups set buses on fire, blocked roads and clashed with authorities, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro reported.
During the operation, Lemus urged residents to remain indoors and announced that public transportation services in Jalisco would be suspended “until the situation is under control.” He later said the violence had spread to at least five states and advised the public to avoid travelling on highways.
Oseguera was wanted by US authorities, who had offered a reward of up to USD 15 million for information leading to his arrest, CNN reported. The US Justice Department charged him in 2022 with managing efforts to produce and supply fentanyl for importation into the United States.
A Justice Department indictment said his organisation was active in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima and Veracruz, and had a presence elsewhere.