Hesitant but optimistic, Tijuana resident José Hernández reopened his small grocery store on Monday. He had closed it two hours early the previous night as a precaution.
Within walking distance, a convenience store had been set on fire — one of at least 29 such incidents reported in Baja California on Sunday. Similar attacks on vehicles and stores were also reported in other Mexican states and appear to be in response to the killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Several Tijuana stores, including supermarkets and pharmacies, closed early on Sunday after fires erupted in at least five local businesses, which the Tijuana Fire Department quickly controlled.
On Monday, Hernández said that he ran an errand early and noticed movement on the streets.
“It’s like people are going back to normal, but with caution,” he said in Spanish while sitting inside his store.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was killed on Sunday in a targeted operation conducted by the Mexican military in Jalisco, Mexico. The deadly raid prompted U.S. officials to issue a security alert as violence erupted in several Mexican states, including in tourist areas.
Newspapers hang on display for sale in Mexico City, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, a day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Jon Orbach)
Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila said on Monday that at least 25 people had been arrested in connection with nearly 30 incidents across the state. It was unclear what charges the individuals would face.
There were no reported injuries to civilians or law enforcement officers.
Even after the situation had quieted down in Tijuana Monday, an additional incident was reported around noon — a vehicle burned on Avenida Internacional in Tijuana, marking the third burned vehicle seen on this busy corridor near the U.S.-Mexico border fence since Sunday. A person was later arrested.
“The safety of Tijuana families is and will continue to be our priority,” Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño said on social media when confirming the incident, which also resulted in no injuries. “We are not letting our guard down.”
Some Tijuana residents said they were still concerned about Sunday’s events. One woman, who lives just steps away from where a convenience store was burned, said she couldn’t sleep last night.
The woman, who asked not to be identified, said that she was not home when the incident occurred. She said that she felt calmer on Monday but was still somewhat tense.
Vehicles drive past a charred bus the day after the Mexican army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)
Ávila said that public transit is operating regularly and there have been no reports of roadblocks. Major roads are under constant vigilance “to ensure mobility and safety for all,” she said.
On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico listed Baja California among the Mexican states where the situation “has returned to normal” following reported incidents the previous day.
The U.S. Embassy has urged U.S. citizens and government staff to shelter in place until all blockades in Jalisco are cleared, including those in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Ciudad Guzmán, as well as Nayarit.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson praised Mexico’s operation against the cartel.
“This was a major blow to one of the most violent criminal organizations harming our communities. The Mexican people can take pride in the determination shown by their security forces. We must continue with that same resolve. Criminals will be held accountable. Justice will prevail. The United States stands firmly with Mexico as sovereign partners,” he said on X.
A spokesperson with U.S. Customs and Border Protection said that all U.S.-Mexico ports of entry “are open and fully operational,” and that there are no planned closures.
“We have the most secure border in American history, and it will remain closed to illegal entry — just like it has for the past year under President Trump. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is aware of and monitoring the violence in Mexico,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana said its visa and U.S. citizen services offices will reopen Tuesday.