Violence spread across Mexico after security forces killed cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes on Feb. 22. Known as “El Mencho,” he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Following the killing, considered the most significant blow to organized crime since the 2014 recapture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, authorities reported cars set on fire and roads blocked in at least 20 states. Residents in Guadalajara were told to stay inside, and schools were canceled in several areas.
For some Richland students, the headlines quickly became personal. Martin Lopez, a 25-year-old Richland student, was in Mexico City when he heard the news. He was attending a three-day music festival. He said his sister called him with updates about unrest in Guadalajara, where his family is from.
“My dad was actually over there at that time,” Lopez said. “I was told that they’re on lockdown, that nobody was allowed to go out, or come in. Cars were being set on fire, everything was kind of a war zone. He was just instructed to stay inside,” Lopez said.
He added that the news changed how he moved during the trip.
“Immediately after my mom told me, I went straight back to the hotel and I told my friend that I don’t think we should go out tonight, Sunday. Maybe if we do, let’s just be precautious about how we’re heading out.”
Other students are also reconsidering travel.
Ana Nojica, a Richland student, said the news of the violence came as a shock.
“I ended up finding out yesterday on the news. We were in the house and then the TV was on and then everything stopped,” Nojica said.
She said the situation feels close to home because of her family connections.
“My sister-in-law. It kind of, like, in a way impacted us,” she said.
Nojica said the violence has already changed her plans. She had considered traveling to Guanajuato with family.
“I actually was going to go with my sister-in-law to where everything’s happening right now,” she said. “I don’t think we are anymore. She has kids and we’re not trying to risk all of that since it’s looking pretty ugly over there.”
Oscar Legea, another Richland student, said the killing was shocking but not entirely surprising given cartel dynamics.
“It was pretty shocking. I never expected someone to just die so simple,” Legea said. “The cartel runs everything. It’s not the president. It’s not the military police.”
He said the situation emphasizes the broader danger civilians face.
“People are getting murdered. A lot of innocent people are dying, and it’s sad,” he said.
The long-term impact of Oseguera Cervantes’ death is still unclear, but the recent violence has made students more cautious about travel and more concerned for family members living in affected areas. Lopez said he would not recommend traveling to Mexico right now unless it is necessary.
“It’s not worth risking your life just to have a little vacation. Unless you’re wanting to visit family, I guess … but it’s better for your family to just stay inside than to go out.”
