Amidst the ongoing violent clashes in Mexico, India has also issued an advisory for its citizens living there. On Sunday (22 February 2026), the Indian Embassy in Mexico City issued a statement advising all Indian citizens to remain alert, take shelter in a safe place and stay away from crowded areas.

The embassy said in a statement released on the social media platform Indian citizens present in these areas have been advised to remain at their places till 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),…

— India in Mexico (@IndEmbMexico) February 22, 2026

Some important precautions for Indian citizens

The Indian Embassy has also issued some important precautions for the citizens. In these, it has been said to stay away from areas with law-enforcement activities, keep an eye on the surrounding environment, avoid unnecessary movement, keep taking updates from local media and follow the instructions of the local administration. It is advised to call 911 in case of emergency. Apart from this, people have been asked to stay away from the crowd and keep their family and friends informed about their condition through phone, message or social media. For any assistance or information, Indian citizens can contact the Indian Embassy on +52 55 4847 7539.

Death of notorious drug mafia leader

Violence erupted in Mexico when notorious drug mafia leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes alias El Mencho was killed in an army operation. He was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). According to Mexico’s Defense Ministry, he was seriously injured in the encounter in Jalisco and died while being taken to Mexico City.

CJNG’s spread network

According to reports, CJNG is considered one of the most aggressive and powerful cartels in Mexico, which has also been notorious for attacks on the military. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), CJNG is considered as influential as the Sinaloa Cartel and its network extends to all 50 states of America. In view of the current situation, Indian citizens have been appealed to be extremely cautious and strictly follow the instructions of the Embassy.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, one of Mexico’s biggest drug traffickers, known as El Mencho, was killed. Mexico’s Defense Ministry said he was injured in a military operation in the western state of Jalisco. He was being taken to Mexico City by air ambulance, but he died on the way.

According to Reuters report, violence spread in many states after the news of El Mencho’s death. In many places including Jalisco, vehicles were set on fire and armed people closed the roads. In a viral video on social media, scenes of smoke and stampede were seen in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Burning vehicles were also seen on the roads in Guadalajara. During this time, Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro appealed to people to stay in their homes.

El Mencho was the leader of CJNG

El Mencho was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In the last ten years, this cartel had become the most powerful criminal gang in Mexico. This gang used to smuggle drugs like cocaine, meth and fentanyl to America. America had announced a reward of 15 million dollars for the arrest of El Mencho. Last year, the Trump administration had declared CJNG a foreign terrorist organization.

America’s response

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau called El Mencho’s death a major achievement for the US, Mexico and Latin America. In view of the violence, America has advised its citizens in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to stay in their homes. Canada has also asked its citizens to be cautious.

Mexican government was under pressure

This military action took place at a time when Mexico was under pressure from the US to take strict action against drug trafficking. Under the leadership of El Mencho, CJNG had traveled from a regional gang to an international network. This gang was notorious for heavy weapons and open violence. After his death, the question is now arising whether the cartel will weaken or violence may increase further under the new leadership.