U.S. Lifts All Staff Restrictions in Tijuana & Monterrey After Mexico Cartel Leader's Death – Normal Operations Resume in Most Areas | US Mexico Travel Alert Lifted 2026
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Published: 2026-02-26T12:45+05:30 (IST) Xavio
The U.S. Department of State has officially lifted all remaining security restrictions for American government personnel in Tijuana (Baja California) and Monterrey (Nuevo León) following last weekend's dramatic events in Mexico. In a post on X and an updated security alert published February 24, 2026, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico confirmed:
"U.S. staff in Tijuana and Monterrey are no longer subject to any restrictions tied to the February 22 security events."
The announcement comes after the confirmed death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the long-time leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during a Mexican military operation in Jalisco state on February 22, 2026. The operation triggered widespread security alerts, road blockages, criminal retaliation, and temporary shelter-in-place guidance across multiple regions.
Key Takeaways from the February 24, 2026 Embassy Update
Full lifting of restrictions: U.S. government personnel in Tijuana and Monterrey are no longer required to shelter in place or limit movement due to the February 22 events.
Curfew still active in Jalisco: U.S. staff in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), and Ciudad Guzmán (Jalisco) remain under a nighttime curfew and are prohibited from traveling outside their metropolitan areas.
Transportation status:
Flight schedules at Guadalajara International Airport have returned to normal.
Extra flights were added in Puerto Vallarta on February 24 to accommodate stranded travelers.
No major road closures reported by local authorities, although some highways in Jalisco (including routes between Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta) were not fully reopened as of February 24.
Public safety message: U.S. citizens are no longer urged to shelter in place in most areas, and public transportation and businesses are returning to normal operations.
The Embassy continues to advise all U.S. citizens in Mexico to exercise increased caution, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and monitor local media for updates.
Background: What Triggered the February 22–24 Disruptions?
On February 22, 2026, Mexican security forces killed El Mencho, the elusive leader of the CJNG — one of the most powerful and violent drug cartels in Mexico. The operation sparked immediate retaliation, road blockades, protests, and localized violence, particularly in Jalisco state. The U.S. Embassy issued security alerts for Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Ciudad Guzmán, and other locations, temporarily restricting staff movement and urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place in affected zones.
By February 24, most disruptions had subsided, allowing the State Department to lift the broadest restrictions while maintaining caution in Jalisco
What U.S. Travelers Should Do Now
Enroll in STEP — Register at step.state.gov to receive real-time alerts
Check official sources — Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico website for city-specific updates
Avoid unnecessary travel in Jalisco state, especially at night
Monitor flight & road status — Use airport websites and local traffic apps
Carry valid documents — Ensure passport and visa (if required) are up to date
For the full February 24, 2026 security alert, transportation updates, and ongoing guidance, visit the official U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico Security Alert page.
Planning international travel or business trips? Stay ahead of the curve with real-time safety intel. Visit our dedicated Travel Advisories & Security Alerts hub for the latest official updates from the U.S. State Department, Canada, the UK, Australia, and global authorities. Know before you go.
Mexico is returning to normal — but stay cautious and check before you travel!
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