By Reshelle Bihasa, Staff Writer 

Recent conflicts in Mexico have drawn international attention and affected their own citizens and the United States.  

The tensions were sparked by a Mexican military operation, with the help of United States intelligence, to take down a notorious drug trafficker and leader of the cartel Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. 

Under the cartel leadership of “El Mencho,” the cartel has overwhelmingly taken over territorial control, access to markets, increased kidnappings, drug trafficking and violence all over Mexico. Consequently, the United States has also been affected as the cartel’s trafficking is responsible for many drug overdose deaths in the U.S. from the transport of large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine and especially fentanyl, according to the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities believed removing the cartel leader “El Mencho” could weaken the organization and stop the import of drugs into the U.S.  

While in theory, this law enforcement action was initiated for long-term effects to restore order, improve security and weaken the cartel, current violence and tensions have increased within Mexico as a response to “El Mencho’s” death. Many members of the cartel have responded with widespread violent attacks, highway blockades, burning cars and buildings, causing many fatalities on both sides.  

Additionally, flights in Puerto Vallarta, which is a popular tourist destination, have been suspended in the meantime, leaving many people trapped. American citizens in Mexico have been informed by the U.S. government to stay, take shelter and hide.

Guadalajara, a city close to Puerto Vallarta and within the Mexican state of Jalisco, has also been set to host an upcoming FIFA World Cup match this summer which continues to cause concern for safety. 

Several Xavier students have been impacted by the conflict in Mexico forcing them to change their spring break plans and proceed with caution. 

“We booked a trip to Playa del Carmen. We are hopeful to still go on the trip but are playing it by ear and monitoring the situation to make sure it is safe. Our resort is on the complete opposite coast of Puerta Vallarta, so we are optimistic, but we’ll see,” junior biomedical sciences major Olivia Kirk said.  

Despite the ongoing violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claims order is slowly returning in the country as there have been a significant absence of roadblocks. As the conflict continues, it is up to the Mexican government to take control of national security before cartel organizations take over as the fight for power carries on.