El Mencho cartel leader killed sparks violent unrest while number on beach named in Mexico
Following an operation that killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” a revolt broke out in Mexico by cartel members — causing chaos across popular tourist areas in the country Sunday.
The U.S. State Department has issued shelter in place orders while airlines have canceled flights due to ongoing unrest.
As the violent unrest plays out, Tripadvisor recently announced the “2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches” — naming the top beach in Mexico.
US OFFICIALS WARN SNOWBIRDS OF ‘VIOLENT CRIME’ IN WINTER DESTINATION HOT SPOT
Isla Pasion beach in Cozumel, Mexico, took the No. 1 spot after the firm analyzed millions of traveler reviews from last year. It released the news about the beach Feb. 17.
The beach was touted for being a private island oasis and offering crystal-clear waters, marine life encounters and snorkeling opportunities.
The travel guidance platform noted the best time to visit the island is between November and April.
Isla Pasion has unique features such as protected coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites — and is an exclusive day-trip destination.
“U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place.”
Other beaches named in the top five were Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece; Balos Lagoon in Kissamos, Greece; Eagle Beach in Eagle Beach, Aruba; and Praia da Falésia in Algarve, Portugal.
TOURISTS TRAPPED IN PUERTO VALLARTA RECOUNT CARTEL RETALIATION AFTER EL MENCHO KILLED
Isla Pasion is located in the state of Quintana Roo — listed in a slew of travel alerts issued by the U.S. State Department on Sunday, which cited “ongoing security operations.”
“U.S. citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place,” the latest alert read.
Tripadvisor recently named Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico, the world’s best beach for 2026. (iStock)
Cartel members are terrorizing many regions by setting fire to businesses and opening gunfire in public areas.
The latest travel advisories in Mexico marked the country as a “Level 2 – Exercise increased caution” — with other areas marked as a “Level 3 – Reconsider travel” and “Level 4 – Do not travel” on Aug. 12, 2025.
The advisory levels remain unchanged.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
“Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping,” the advisory says.
Crimes listed in Mexico include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, robbery and terrorist violence.
Cartel members are terrorizing many regions of Mexico by setting fire to businesses and using gunfire in public areas. (Michelle Freyria/Reuters)
“There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. Shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders,” reads the advisory.
Travelmation travel advisor Brady Alumbaugh told Fox News Digital that tourists taking trips to Mexico should “be aware of [their] surroundings and trust [their] instincts.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
He added, “If you’re getting a strange gut feeling, pay attention to that and react accordingly.”
Alumbaugh also suggested traveling in groups of two or more. “The more people, the better,” he said.
“If you’re getting a strange gut feeling, pay attention to that and react accordingly,” said a travel expert. (iStock)
“If you are a U.S. citizen or national, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and register your trip,” he also said.
“The STEP program is free and allows the Department of State to contact you in the case of an emergency. It also helps them keep track of citizens that are abroad.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
He added that travelers should stay connected.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
“If your cellular plan does not include coverage in Mexico, look into day-pass E-SIM options to ensure you can contact authorities, family and friends while out of range of WiFi. In Mexico, the ‘911’ of the US is 065 for ambulance, 068 for fire and 060 for police,” said Alumbaugh.
Discover more from stock updates now
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
