Impact of Cartel Violence on Californians with Ties to Jalisco

The recent death of Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), has triggered a wave of violence across Mexico, particularly affecting families with ties to Jalisco living in California. Following his death on February 22, 2026, Mexican armed forces faced violent retaliation from the cartel, resulting in blocked highways, burned vehicles, and the deaths of 25 members of the Mexican national guard. This upheaval has left many Angelenos, particularly those of Jalisco descent, anxiously monitoring the safety of their relatives back home.

Gladdys Uribe, a resident of Los Angeles, expressed her fears for her parents who were in Jalisco during the violence. “In the short term, I do think that things will grow more violent,” she stated, reflecting a broader sentiment among families with connections to the region. Alex Martinez, another community member, noted that relatives in Zapopan are afraid to go outside, highlighting the pervasive fear within the community. The violence has exacerbated the challenges faced by mixed-status families, many of whom are concerned about deportation under the Trump administration's stricter immigration policies.

The migration from Jalisco to California has deep historical roots, dating back to the late 1800s. Over the years, many have fled violence, including during the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War. The CJNG, formed around 2009, has since become notorious for its violent tactics and has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government. The cartel's activities, including drug trafficking and extortion, have significantly impacted the safety and stability of Jalisco.

In response to the violence, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has attempted to reassure the public, stating, “There is no risk,” and emphasizing efforts to ensure security during upcoming events like the World Cup. However, many community members, including Uribe and Martinez, remain skeptical of government assurances, fearing that officials prioritize tourism interests over public safety. Uribe criticized the quick declarations of normalcy, stating, “I felt like we couldn’t trust what they were saying.”

As families in California grapple with the implications of cartel violence, the emotional toll is significant. Uribe has canceled a planned family trip to Mexico, reflecting a shift in how many view their homeland. “We’re not safe there and we’re not safe here,” she remarked, underscoring the dual fears faced by those connected to Jalisco. The situation remains fluid, with many in the community bracing for further violence as rival factions vie for power in the wake of Oseguera's death.

• “In the short term, I do think that things will grow more violent,” — Gladdys Uribe, Los Angeles Resident

• “It’s like that saying: If you cut the head of a serpent, then more heads will grow,” — Alex Martinez, Community Member

• “Everybody was scared and still sheltering in place, and I felt anger too because I felt like we couldn’t trust what they were saying, like they’re trying to protect their tourism interests and they’re trying to protect the World Cup.” — Gladdys Uribe, Los Angeles Resident

• “Many people who are being deported currently have lived in the United States for 10 to 20 years,” — Ingrid Eagly, Law Professor at UCLA

The ongoing violence and its repercussions continue to shape the lives of those with ties to Jalisco, highlighting the complex interplay between local safety and international migration policies.