BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Roadblocks and burning vehicles were some of the chaos seen in different parts of Mexico after violence erupted following the Mexican army’s killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday.
This wanted poster released on Dec. 4, 2024 on the U.S. State Department website shows leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (U.S. State Department via AP)
The U.S. Department of State issued a shelter-in-place alert for Americans in the area as the situation unfolded.
Sandra, a Bakersfield resident who was in Guadalajara attending a beauty conference when the violence broke out, said she could hear the danger outside.
“We can hear the ambulance and we can hear gun shots and everything just being present,” Sandra said.
GUADALAJARA, MEXICO – FEBRUARY 22: A view of a window with a hole at a shopping center on February 22, 2026 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Road blockades and burnt vehicles have been reported in several parts of Mexico since early morning. The Secretariat of National Defense of Mexico has confirmed that during a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as ‘El Mencho’ leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel was killed, along with four other members. Three Mexican soldiers were wounded during the operation. (Photo by Carlos Zepeda/Getty Images)
She said she was in shock as she watched people around her react.
“I was just so observing everybody’s reaction, and everyone’s just built with so much fright. I can just see it in their eyes, and I’ve never been in a room full of people that were just so anxious and scared for their life,” she said.
Sandra said they sheltered in place for several hours. Back home, she said her family was closely monitoring what was happening and reaching out to her.
“My family was so scared and they were messaging me. They were like are you ok? Are you in a safe place?” she said.
A soldier stands guard by a charred vehicle that was set on fire in Cointzio, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, amid reports the Mexican Army killed Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Armando Solis)
She described Monday as feeling like a “ghost town,” with businesses closed and people staying indoors.
“It was kind of like a COVID lockdown,” she said.
By Tuesday and Wednesday, more businesses reopened, but she said the fear remains.
“Everything is silenced right now,” she said.
Although she plans to return home soon, Sandra said the experience has changed her perspective.
“This is someone’s reality,” she said. “This is what the people that I love have to deal with.”
A charred vehicle sits at a damaged supermarket in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Alejandra Leyva)
Amid the chaos, several flights were delayed or canceled. The State Department later lifted its shelter-in-place alert, advising Americans in Mexico to resume normal travel precautions. Most flight schedules have since returned to normal.
With spring break around the corner, some travelers are still worried about safety. Local travel agent Cathie Lentz Fryer, owner and president of CTA Travel and Kern Travel, said some clients have been calling with questions.
“They want to know that we’re taking care of them, which we are. We are keeping in touch with our suppliers, keeping our guests informed of what their action is, so we can be very proactive if anything changes,” Fryer said.
Despite the concerns, Fryer said they have not seen cancellations to Mexico so far.