Intensified Conflict Erupts Between Mexican Cartels and Military Forces

This past Sunday, we brought you the unfolding crisis in Mexico, where the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta has entered lockdown. Travelers have been cautioned to remain within the confines of resorts and to shelter in place. Initial reports suggested that the unrest was sparked by the Mexican military’s operation resulting in the death of a notorious cartel figure, Ruben “Nemesio” Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This information has since been confirmed.

Overnight, the situation has escalated with Mexico now embroiled in a fierce conflict between the government forces and powerful cartels. The military is once again engaged, and troubling signs suggest that these criminal organizations may possess superior firepower.

The revelation that cartels are now equipped with surface-to-air missiles is particularly alarming, raising concerns about the extent of their arsenal and capabilities.

The events of Sunday, which we reported on earlier, have triggered a significant and aggressive response from these cartels.

The cartels appear to be on the offensive, intensifying the already volatile situation.

The assault marked a turning point in how Mexican authorities viewed the group’s capabilities.

During Sunday’s raid, officials said security forces were attacked and returned fire, deploying aircraft and specialized units to carry out the operation. Authorities said troops seized armored vehicles and heavy weapons, equipment more commonly associated with armed conflict than routine law enforcement.

So, the cartels are now fielding surface-to-air missiles? That’s a really horrible sign, which makes one wonder what other hardware they may have at their disposal.

Sunday’s raid, which I reported on earlier, has now prompted a vigorous response from the cartels.

Now, the cartels are on the warpath.

CARTEL CHAOS: Major Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation Sunday morning, the country’s Defense Department announced, marking one of Mexico’s most significant blows to organized crime amid pressure from President Trump to… pic.twitter.com/bgpkMMx7ez

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 22, 2026

The post continues:

…marking one of Mexico’s most significant blows to organized crime amid pressure from President Trump to intensify the crackdown on drug cartels.

The death triggered widespread violence in Mexico as armed groups set vehicles ablaze and authorities reported clashes in Jalisco, prompting U.S. Embassy shelter-in-place advisories amid the unrest.

There’s no way that’s a good sign.

The cartels have been growing in power and influence for decades, and it is looking now like they are well-armed and well-equipped enough to take on the Mexican military in what’s nearly a peer-to-peer fight. The cartels have been maintaining a presence along the southern border of the United States, as well. My colleague Rusty Weiss reported on one relevant incident earlier this month.

The United States is now in the interesting position of having a failed narco-state on our southern border, wherein the cartels, enriched by drugs and human trafficking, are directly taking on the Mexican military and the Mexican government. They appear to have set the civil authorities back on their heels, and now the Mexican military is involved. The country has descended into chaos. The cartels have some serious military hardware to bring to bear, and it would be shocking if they don’t have some former military in their ranks – or, worse, current military. 

The question is this: What will President Trump do now?

This is a developing story. We will bring you updates as events warrant.

Editor’s Note: ICE and CBP continue to put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect America’s sovereignty and to keep our streets safe.