The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens in several Mexican states after two U.S. Embassy personnel were killed in what officials described as an “accident” in Mexico.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss
of two U.S. Embassy
personnel, the Director of Chihuahua’s State Investigation Agency (AEI), and an AEI officer in this accident. We honor their dedication and tireless efforts to confront one of the greatest challenges of our time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones,” U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson announced.
The ambassador also said that the tragedy underscores the risks officials face while carrying out their duties.
“This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those Mexican and U.S. officials who are dedicated to protecting our communities,” he said. “It strengthens our resolve to continue their mission and advance our shared commitment to security and justice, to protect our people.”
Details remain unclear, including what happened, where it happened, and whether the people involved were U.S. citizens.
On Sunday, Mexican officials said that several officers, including people from the U.S. Embassy, died after coming back from a big operation over the weekend to shut down “clandestine drug laboratories” in Morelos.
“The Attorney General of State, Cesar Jáuregui Moreno, mourned this morning the death of elements of the State Investigation Agency, as well as two instructing officers of the United States Embassy, who died in an accident when returning from the operation of destroying clandestine laboratories in the Municipality of Morelos,” the Chihuahua State Attorney General’s Office said.
After three months of investigation, people from several agencies reportedly carried out the operation on April 17 and 18, breaking up six large-scale synthetic drug production sites.
Moreno said in a statement that one of the places was “one of the largest found in the country,” where methamphetamine and other chemical drugs were made.
Authorities said they seized a large amount of industrial equipment, such as ovens and gas cylinders, and thousands of liters of chemical precursors. They also confiscated a camp used for housing workers.
The State Prosecutor’s Office identified the deceased AEI
director as Mtro. Pedro
Roman Oseguera Cervantes and the AEI agent as Lic. Manuel Genaro Mendez Montes, adding that Montes “unfortunately lost his life in an accident in the line of his duty.”
The U.S. issued a similar alert last month following violent unrest after Mexican security forces killed one of the country’s most powerful cartel leaders, officials said.
Witnesses and tourists in Puerto Vallarta described scenes of stores being ransacked and pharmacies being burned as cartel members and other armed groups reacted to news of the operation. Some travelers reported being unable to leave the area amid heightened security and chaos.
Videos circulated on social media showed smoke rising over streets and vehicles on fire across the city. Some visitors said they were directed by local authorities to remain at their hotels or other secure locations as violence continued.
Mexican authorities said Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on Feb. 22. The cartel has been linked to widespread drug trafficking and criminal activity in Mexico and abroad.
The areas noted by the State Department include Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), parts of Michoacán State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo León State.
In the aftermath of the operation, roadblocks, burning vehicles, and other retaliatory actions were reported in Jalisco and other states, leading to increased insecurity in major cities and tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara.
The U.S. Embassy’s advisory urged U.S. citizens in the affected areas — including parts of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León — to remain in their residences or hotels, avoid crowds and law enforcement activity, and minimize travel until conditions stabilize.
