Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The United States said Sunday that it “stands firmly with Mexican authorities” after the killing of cartel members. On Sunday morning, seven CJNG cartel members were confirmed killed during a federal operation.
The military operation took place in the state of Jalisco where Mexico’s National Defense confirmed the deaths during an exchange of gunfire.
Shortly after the news, Ronald Johnson, the United States ambassador to Mexico posted, “The United States stands firmly with Mexican authorities in our shared responsibility to stop the violence that threatens and poisons our people on both sides of the border.
“I have the utmost respect for the Mexican officials who serve honorably, so that others may live in peace.
“I salute the GabSeguridadMX, Defensamx, ComandanteFAM, SEMAR_mx, SSPCMexico, GN_MEXICO and FGRMexico officers who confront criminal organizations with courage and professionalism. May God bless and protect them.”
Since the deaths, Mexico’s Ministry of National Defense reported on the operation that left a total of seven cartel members dead.
“It is hereby made known to the public that, with central military intelligence work, the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO), Special Forces of the Mexican Army planned and executed an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, in which various aircraft of the Air Force and the Special Immediate Reaction Force of the National Guard intervened to achieve the arrest of Ruben “N” (a) Mencho.
“During this operation, military personnel were attacked and in defense of their integrity they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the “CJNG” criminal group being killed at the scene.
“Three were seriously wounded, who lost their lives during their transfer by air to Mexico City. Among the latter is Ruben “N” (a) Mencho, however, the corresponding authorities will be in charge of the forensic activities for his identification.
“In addition to the above, two other members of this criminal organization were arrested and various weapons and armored vehicles were seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.
“Unfortunately, during this military action, three members of the institution were injured, who were also transferred to health facilities in Mexico City for emergency medical attention.
“It should be mentioned that, for the execution of this operation, in addition to the central military intelligence work, within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the USA, complementary information was obtained from authorities of that country.
“At this time, elements of the National Guard and Army troops from the central part of the country and states surrounding Jalisco are concentrating to reinforce the security of this federal entity.
“With these actions, the Ministry of National Defense reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the strengthening of Mexico’s security.”
On Sunday, the gang violence from the CJNG cartel member deaths in the state of Jalisco spilled over into Quintana Roo. Cars and businesses were set on fire, however, there were no major injuries reported and zero deaths.
State officials clarify that Quintana Roo is stable and operating normally.
Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama addressed the state Sunday saying “Quintana Roo residents: We want to clearly inform you of the actual situation in our state: order and stability are being maintained in Quintana Roo, despite recent events in the country and the information circulating on social media.
“We are working in full coordination with federal forces (Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection), as well as with state and municipal security agencies.
“Airports, ADO bus lines, the Maya Train, and public transportation are operating normally. Educational activities are continuing as usual. (CLASSES ARE NOT SUSPENDED).
“Avoid rumors and misinformation. Get your information only from official sources.
We recognize the work of the Armed Forces and the Security Cabinet, and we reiterate our collaboration with the national strategy led by Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. We will continue to provide updates.”
As the gang violence around Mexico continued, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert.
“Ongoing Security Operations – U.S. Mission Mexico (February 22, 2026)
“Locations: Widespread, including Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Baja California State (including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada), Quintana Roo State (including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum), Nayarit State (including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerta Vallarta), Sinaloa (including Mazatlan) and areas of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas States
“Event: Due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity, U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place. U.S. government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), Cancun (Quintana Roo), Playa del Carmen (Quintana Roo), Cozumel (Quintana Roo), Reynosa (Tamaulipas state), Tijuana (Baja California), and Michoacan will shelter in place and work remotely on Monday, February 23, and U.S. citizens should do the same.
“All U.S. government staff at Consulate General Monterrey have been directed to remain in the Monterrey metropolitan area, and U.S. government staff have been directed not to travel to Mazatlan through Wednesday, February 25.
“While no airports have been closed, roadblocks have impacted airline operations, with most domestic and international flights cancelled in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. All ride shares are suspended in Puerto Vallarta. Some businesses have suspended operations.
“Mexican authorities announced late February 22 that operations will be temporarily curtailed on toll roads in Puebla, Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Nayarit, San Luis Potosi, Tijuana, Queretaro, Veracruz, and Mazatlan due to blockades that have affected motorists.”
The government of Belize also issued a notice to its residents in Mexico.
“The Government of Belize advises all Belizean nationals residing in or transiting through Mexico to exercise a high degree of caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
“Belizeans are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the following states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León. Belizeans, particularly in Mérida and northern Quintana Roo, should exercise caution and monitor local advisories and official forums.
“This advisory is the result of a major counter-narcotics operation conducted by the Mexican government and retaliatory actions by drug traffickers in Mexico.
“The Government of Belize continues to monitor the situation, which currently has no direct impact on Belize, and will update the public accordingly.”
The federal operation Sunday in Jalisco came three days after the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Kovay Gardens in Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit for known CJNG cartel ties.
