Sen. Mullin urges spring breakers to cancel trips to Mexico amid country’s violence

Safety Concerns Prompt Sen. Markwayne Mullin to Advise Against Spring Break Trips to Mexico

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., recently issued a warning to spring breakers planning trips to Mexico to reconsider their travel plans due to violent clashes in the country following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”

During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Mullin expressed his concerns about the safety of travelers in Mexico, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Cancún. He shared a conversation with his chiropractor who was still intending to visit Mexico, despite the volatile situation.

Following Mexican troops’ operations targeting El Mencho in Tapalpa, Jalisco, violent protests erupted in several Mexican states. El Mencho, the leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, was a major supplier of fentanyl to the United States and carried a $15 million US bounty.

The Mexican Defense Department stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with the US, with US authorities providing intelligence that led to El Mencho’s demise. In response to his death, cartel members engaged in destructive activities, including burning vehicles and blocking roads.

Despite the initial turmoil, Mexican authorities have since announced that the security situation has been stabilized. The Mexican Embassy in the U.S. reassured travelers that transit corridors and public services are being restored, with airline operations returning to normal.

While the US State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico remains in effect, the shelter-in-place order for Americans in Mexico has been lifted. The Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, with an estimated 19,000 members operating in 21 Mexican states, was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration.

Sen. Mullin sees the recent developments as an opportunity to combat drug trafficking more effectively. He believes that the fragmentation of cartels post-El Mencho’s death presents a chance for the US and Mexico to dismantle these criminal organizations.

As travelers navigate the evolving situation in Mexico, vigilance and caution are advised to ensure their safety and well-being.