Following the recent violent clashes in Mexico triggered by the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” by the Mexican army, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., is advising spring breakers to cancel their trips to the country. The senator emphasized the volatility of the situation in Mexico and urged caution.
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Mullin shared that his chiropractor was still planning to visit Cancún, a popular tourist destination in Mexico. Concerned by this decision, Mullin expressed his disbelief and urged individuals to reconsider their travel plans to Mexico.
Mexican troops conducted operations in Tapalpa, Jalisco, targeting El Mencho, the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States. El Mencho, who carried a $15 million US bounty, had risen to power after the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The cartel has expanded over the years, becoming a global trafficking organization based in Jalisco.
The Mexican Defense Department confirmed that the operation was conducted in collaboration with US authorities, who provided intelligence that led to El Mencho’s death. Following his killing, cartel members engaged in violent activities, including burning cars and blocking roads in various Mexican states.
Mexican authorities later reassured the public that the security situation had been stabilized. The Mexican Embassy in the U.S. provided updates on the reopening of transit corridors, restoration of public services, and the resumption of airline operations in affected areas.
While the US State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains in place, the shelter-in-place order for Americans in Mexico has been lifted. The Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, with an estimated 19,000 members operating in 21 states, is considered the most powerful cartel in Mexico and was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.
Sen. Mullin sees the recent developments as an opportunity to eliminate drug trafficking in collaboration with Mexico. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he remains optimistic about the possibility of making progress in combating these criminal organizations.
