US Embassy tells Americans to shelter in place after Mexican army kills cartel leader

The Hill
by Elvia Limon
February 22, 2026
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US Embassy tells Americans to shelter in place after Mexican army kills cartel leader
The U.S. State Department has issued a shelter-in-place warning for American citizens in specific regions of Mexico following security operations and criminal activity linked to the recent killing of a cartel leader by the Mexican army. The advisory affects five states: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon, with warnings in place until further notice. This move reflects ongoing tensions between U.S. and Mexican authorities over cross-border security concerns. The warning comes after Mexican forces targeted a prominent cartel leader, sparking violent reprisals and increased criminal activity in the affected areas. American citizens are advised to remain indoors, avoid non-essential travel, and monitor local updates closely. This advisory underscores the fragile security situation along the U.S.-Mexico border, where drug cartels continue to pose significant threats. This development highlights the interconnected nature of security challenges between the two nations. While the Mexican government has made efforts to combat organized crime
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/22/2026