02/28/2026
us state department alert Mexico The U.S. Mission to Mexico issued its fourth security alert update on February 23, 2026, urging U.S. citizens to shelter in place in several regions due to ongoing military operations and retaliatory violence following the killing of a major cartel leader.
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (.gov)
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (.gov)
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Current Situation (February 28, 2026)
While the immediate "shelter in place" orders have been lifted as of February 25, the U.S. State Department maintains a high level of caution for the region.
El Paso Times
El Paso Times
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Trigger Event: The violence erupted after a military operation in Jalisco resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Previous Restrictions: At the height of the unrest, travelers were told to avoid movements in Jalisco (including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara), Baja California, Nayarit, and several other states due to road blockages and vehicle burnings.
Operational Status:
Airports: Flights at Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta have largely returned to normal, though travelers should still confirm status with their airline.
Staff Curfews: U.S. government personnel in parts of Jalisco remain under nighttime curfews and are restricted to metropolitan areas.
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (.gov)
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (.gov)
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Permanent Advisory Levels
The U.S. State Department continues to categorize Mexican states by risk level on its official travel advisory page:
Level 4 (Do Not Travel): Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.
Level 3 (Reconsider Travel): Jalisco, Baja California, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Morelos, and Sonora.
Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution): Popular tourist zones like Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo).
Instagram
Instagram
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U.S. citizens currently in or traveling to Mexico are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security updates directly from the embassy.
FOX5 Vegas
FOX5 Vegas
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Would you like the specific safety protocols recommended by the embassy for those currently in Level 3 or Level 4 zones?
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Security Alert – Ongoing Security Operations (February 23, 2026)
U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico (.gov)
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