Drug Lord’s Death Sparks Tourism Fears Ahead of World Cup in Mexico

The killing of Mexico's most powerful cartel leader has triggered violent reprisals across western Mexico, raising concerns about tourist safety. Business owners and visitors worry the bloodshed will hurt tourism, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching.

TAPALPA, Mexico — For decades, Maria Dolores Aguirre’s family has operated a corner shop in the picturesque mountain town of Tapalpa, relying on the steady stream of visitors drawn to its cobblestone streets in Jalisco state.

But everything changed when gunfire broke out and military helicopters circled overhead as Mexican forces killed the nation’s top drug kingpin just miles from her doorstep.

The 50-year-old shop owner now fears the violence will devastate her business and transform communities throughout western Mexico — from coastal resort areas to Guadalajara, which is set to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games this June.

“It’s going to affect us. It’s collateral damage,” Aguirre said. “The government is going to have to have a lot of security. … The entire world just saw what happened and, of course, people are going to think twice about coming.”

Battles between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Mexican military forces continued across multiple states Monday, intensifying concerns among residents like Aguirre about future violence.

Officials reported Monday that more than 70 people perished during the operation to apprehend Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes and the subsequent retaliation. The criminal boss, nicknamed “El Mencho,” headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, among Mexico’s most rapidly expanding drug organizations responsible for smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the United States while launching bold assaults on Mexican authorities.

The White House acknowledged providing intelligence assistance for the mission to capture the cartel chief and praised Mexico’s military for eliminating one of both nations’ most sought-after fugitives. U.S. officials had posted a $15 million bounty for information leading to “El Mencho’s” capture.

Oseguera Cervantes’ elimination occurred as Mexico’s administration has intensified its campaign against drug cartels to satisfy demands from U.S. President Donald Trump for a crackdown on criminal organizations, with Trump threatening additional tariffs or unilateral military intervention without visible progress.

Mexican officials hoped eliminating one of the world’s largest fentanyl suppliers would reduce that pressure, though many citizens remained anxious about the powerful cartel’s potential response.

The drug lord was killed following a gun battle with Mexican troops Sunday. Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla explained Monday that authorities had traced one of his girlfriends to his hiding place in Tapalpa. The cartel leader and two guards escaped into nearby woods where they sustained severe injuries during the firefight. They were captured and died while being transported to Mexico City, Trevilla reported.

Following the operation, anxiety spread throughout tourist destinations.

The Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta also suffered from cartel revenge attacks, alarming vacationers.

Steve Perkins, 57, was vacationing in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Gayle and friends when explosions and dark smoke began appearing across the city Sunday morning from their hotel balcony.

Their departure to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was postponed when their Monday flight was cancelled and rescheduled for March 1.

Perkins and his spouse have made yearly trips to Puerto Vallarta since 2012 and previously felt secure, but not anymore. He stated they won’t be returning to Mexico.

“There’s a lot of Americans trapped here,” Perkins said.

In Tapalpa, Aguirre continued working alongside her son at the small neighborhood store her family has operated for five decades. The 15-year-old’s school was closed because of the violence.

Aguirre said it remained uncertain whether the military or the cartel controlled the surrounding region. She also wondered if this was an isolated incident or if more bloodshed would follow.

“We don’t know if these people (cartel leaders) are permanently here or not,” she said. “If they really did kill this leader, it could be that they fight between each other to win control or see who will lead it.”