Several cities across Mexico were paralyzed by violence Sunday following the killing of Cartel Jalisco New Generation leader Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” with criminal activity reaching Tijuana and other parts of Baja California.
Mexico’s National Defense said U.S. authorities cooperated bilaterally in the operation to capture Oseguera by providing information. The U.S. Embassy issued a shelter-in-place order for American citizens in 10 Mexican states, including Baja California.
According to officials, Oseguera was killed Sunday morning near Guadalajara in the municipality of Tapalpa, Jalisco State.
In the aftermath, authorities reported burned cars and blocked highways in Tijuana and across Baja California. Mexico’s National Guard alerted of vehicles set on fire and road closures along highways connecting Tijuana, Mexicali and Ensenada.
Public transportation in Baja California was suspended as a precautionary measure as state, city and federal officials urged the community to remain calm, informed Baja California State officials.
Tourists and commuters described scenes of chaos as violence quickly spread beyond Jalisco.
Southern California native Megan Phelps was in Puerto Vallarta when the unrest began.
“I saw five or six fires spread out along the coastline.”
In Tijuana, some visitors said they cut their trips short after hearing about the violence.
“I was going to go eat but I didn’t. They told me it was a lot of chaos going on in Mexico so I came back,” Alex Lopez said.
Others expressed relief after crossing into the United States.
“Yes, I feel better now that I’m not in the area,” Xochitl Barria said.
Barria said she was glad to have avoided danger while making her way to San Diego.
Daily commuters also reported heightened security at the border.
“They’re checking cars more, for car bombs, or that type of stuff,” Kelvin Figueroa said.
Figueroa said he noticed the Ready Lane at the border was at a complete stop and believed Customs and Border Protection officers may have been checking vehicles more thoroughly for potential security threats.
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar said the state’s security department is meeting in permanent session and expanding city, state and federal patrols at checkpoints along major roads.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.