On Sunday, February 22nd, the Mexican military murdered Jalisco New Generation drug cartel leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” 180 miles east of Puerto Vallarta, in the same state as Jalisco. Cervantes was one of the world’s most wanted cartel bosses and there was a $15 million reward for his capture. Intelligence from Washington D.C. supported this operation. The U.S. has pushed for Mexico to be more aggressive in the fight against groups trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.  In the days after Cervantes’s death, violence and unrest were relentless throughout the country. 

     Within hours of the operation, a string of violence erupted across Mexico, with cartel gunmen blocking major roads, lighting vehicles on fire and lashing out against security forces. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico set a shelter-in-place advisory for the citizens of Mexico as well as tourists. Multiple days of violence took place and about 70 people lost their lives, according to NPR. 

     “Mexico is at peace, calm, and we are working in all the states,” Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement, reiterated by The Guardian. Yet, there were still reports of burning vehicles in Michoacan as well as schools and airports being closed. 

     Most airports in Mexico are now operating normally, the State Department said Monday, February 23rd, says USA Today.

     This eruption of violence raised questions on if World Cup events will still take place in Mexico this year. The World Cup will take place from June 11th to July 19th through multiple cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The city of Jalisco, where Cervantes’murder took place and endured the brunt of the cartel violence, is expected to host a total of 13 World Cup matches this summer. Despite the unrest, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has “complete confidence” that the games will commence.

    “Of course, we are monitoring the situation in Mexico these days, but I want to say from the outset that we have complete confidence in Mexico, in its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and in the authorities, and we are convinced that everything will go as smoothly as possible,” Infantino said on Tuesday while attending an event in Barranquilla, Colombia, reported by ESPN.

     There is still lots of unease throughout the country and there is some prediction of further violence as the cartels battle for power. It’s been advised for people to not travel to Mexico for their safety and for those living in Mexico should continue to shelter.