Mexican special forces killed El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a Feb. 22, 2026 operation. The assassination triggered widespread violence, including arson blockades in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. U.S. citizens were urged to shelter in place in Jalisco, Michoacán, and other states, with airlines cancelling flights to affected airports. Three members of the military were killed near Guadalajara during the chaos.

The DEA views the Jalisco cartel as a major threat, rivaling Sinaloa in cocaine and fentanyl production, though weakened by infighting after the arrests of El Chapo and El Mayo. President Sheinbaum acknowledged the military's action while urging calm, noting cartel violence often escalates after leader takedowns.