A federal anti-cartel operation in Jalisco has prompted a state of alert, as authorities monitor potential cartel restructuring and its impact on national stability. While federal highways have been cleared of retaliatory blockades, the event disrupted Mexico’s logistics and trade sectors, which rely on the security of key transport corridors. This shift in the organized crime landscape necessitates strategic risk assessment for stakeholders operating within Mexico’s industrial and investment environments.
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A federal military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, has triggered retaliatory road blockades across several states, resulting in significant interruptions to logistics, retail operations, and national infrastructure. Domestic and international flights to Guadalajara, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta were canceled, while some bus companies also suspended or reprogrammed routes. Some retailers announced temporary closures and others adjusted operating hours to protect employees and clients.
Mexican authorities confirmed Monday the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes “El Mencho,” the leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), following a federal military operation. The event triggered 252 road blockades across 20 states.
The Security Cabinet reported that the Ministry of National Defense and the National Guard led the federal response. Minister of Security Omar García stated that 70 suspected members of organized crime were arrested across seven states. The unrest resulted in the deaths of eight suspects and 25 military personnel. While 90% of road blockades were cleared by Sunday evening, authorities maintained a red code alert in several regions to manage 23 remaining active points of conflict and four partial closures.
Impact on Economic Activity
The National Chamber of Freight Transport (CANACAR) advised operators to suspend movements and prioritize physical integrity, noting that prolonged interruptions could impact the supply of essential goods, reports MBN. Major highway disruptions were concentrated on routes connecting Jalisco with Colima, Morelia, and the Los Altos region. Key affected roadways included the Guadalajara–Morelia and Guadalajara–Atlacomulco highways, the free road between Acatlan de Juarez and Ciudad Guzman, the Lagos de Moreno–Zapotlanejo route, and the Macrolibramiento. Similar incidents involving vehicle arson and partial closures occurred in Michoacán, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Quintana Roo, Hidalgo, and Puebla.
The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) maintained operations, but morning flights to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta were canceled. Several international carriers, including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet, suspended service to Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, and Manzanillo. In the land transport sector, bus companies ADO and Estrella Roja suspended or reprogrammed routes, leaving passengers stranded at various terminals. Local public transportation in Jalisco was also temporarily halted to ensure passenger safety.
Major retail chains announced temporary closures to protect employees and assets. Coppel closed all physical stores in Jalisco until further notice and redirected customers to digital platforms. “We will closely monitor the evolution of the local context to resume operations as soon as the appropriate conditions exist,” reads the company’s statement, stressing that it prioritizes its employees’ and customers’ safety.
El Palacio de Hierro suspended operations at branches in Guadalajara and Leon, as well as a pickup module in Acapulco. Furthermore, Walmart, Bodega Aurrerá, and Sam’s Club adjusted operating hours at various locations across the affected states to account for the security situation.
Schools Suspend Activities
State governments in Jalisco, Nayarit, Michoacan, Colima, Guanajuato, and Queretaro suspended in-person classes across all levels. While the UNAM maintained activities with a call for flexibility, the National Association of Universities and Institutions of Higher Education recommended a shift to virtual modalities where necessary.
Organized Crime and Economic Impact
Jorge Basave, Scholar and former Director of the Institute for Economic Research, UNAM, notes that the economic impact of violence and organized crime represents 3.4% of Mexico’s GDP. This figure accounts for nearly 80% of the national education budget. In specific regions such as Colima, Guerrero, and Morelos, the economic damage exceeds 30% of the state GDP.
Enterprises throughout Mexico allocate between 2% and 10% of their annual budgets to security measures. Basave suggests this spending confirms that criminal activity is present across the entire national territory. Beyond direct security costs, the presence of organized crime leads to a reduction in foreign investment and decreased productivity across all industrial sectors.