A Prosecutor’s Office officer stands guard near a burning bus set ablaze by organized crime groups after a federal operation in Jalisco state, Mexico, on Feb. 22, 2026. Ulises Ruiz/AFP/Getty Images
Relative calm was gradually returning to Mexico on Feb. 25 after a wave of cartel violence in response to the killing of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” which paralyzed highways, grounded flights, and sent residents and tourists scrambling for safety.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a Feb. 24 briefing that authorities were working to restore order following the Feb. 22 military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, that left the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader dead after a shootout.
