Cancel Spring Break Plans in Mexico, Says Senator
Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma has advised people planning to visit Mexico for spring break to reconsider due to recent violence in the country. This follows the killing of notorious cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho.”
Mullin expressed his concerns during a CNBC interview, sharing a conversation with his chiropractor who still intended to travel to Cancún. “I told him, ‘Are you crazy? No one should be going down there right now. It’s very unsafe,'” Mullin stated.
The senator’s warnings come after Mexican military forces conducted operations against El Mencho in Jalisco, who is linked to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, identified by U.S. officials as a significant supplier of fentanyl.
El Mencho had a bounty of $15 million on his head and rose to prominence following the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Over the past 15 years, his cartel has evolved into a major drug trafficking organization.
Following his death, there were reports of violence, including burning vehicles and road blockades in various states across Mexico. However, Mexican authorities later indicated that the situation in the region had stabilized and public services were beginning to return to normal.
The Mexican Embassy in the U.S. indicated that airline services were resuming and that they were collaborating with international partners to ensure safety at travel hubs. They reiterated that some security measures were still in place in Jalisco.
While some travel restrictions were lifted, the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains active. Senator Mullin emphasized that this moment could be an opportunity to significantly disrupt the cartels and improve safety in the region, though he acknowledged that complete eradication of drug trafficking is unlikely.
As spring break approaches, travelers to Mexico are urged to stay informed about the security situation and make wise decisions regarding their plans.
