Mexico’s security apparatus scored a major victory by neutralizing El Mencho, the infamous kingpin of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, sending shockwaves through the nation’s underworld. In the aftermath, violent clashes and protests have erupted in several states, leading the Indian Embassy to release a critical advisory for its citizens.
Posting on X, the embassy highlighted the dangers: Security operations are underway, jamming roads and fueling criminal acts. Residents in key hotspots—Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara), Tamaulipas (Reynosa areas), Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon—were told to shelter in place pending further updates.
Practical safety tips included steering clear of police activity zones, maintaining situational awareness, staying homebound, cutting back on unnecessary travel, and tracking developments via local news outlets. ‘Comply with local officials, dial 911 for emergencies, shun crowds, and regularly update loved ones on your status through calls, messages, or social platforms,’ the advisory urged.
Emergency support is available at +52 55 4847 7539 from the Indian Embassy. Paralleling this, the U.S. State Department activated its own warnings, offering helplines: 1-888-407-4747 for North American callers and +1 202-501-4444 for international ones.
This operation underscores America’s persistent campaign against cross-border drug flows, with recent diplomatic pushes for Mexico to ramp up anti-cartel efforts. Despite the pressure, Mexico has firmly opposed any overt U.S. troop deployment. The killing of El Mencho marks a pivotal moment, but the ensuing chaos signals ongoing perils for civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly in volatile regions.