El Mencho's death sets Mexico ablaze: roadblocks, burning vehicles, and tension in tourist towns

The death of El Mencho, leader of the powerful CJNG cartel, immediately plunged several regions of Mexico into chaos. Narco roadblocks made up of burning vehicles were reported in at least five states. In Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, thick columns of smoke rose above the beaches. In Guadalajara, host city of the 2026 World Cup, armed men set fire to vehicles in the city center.