Havana, February 25 (RHC) – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed risks for those visiting Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, during the World Cup, following acts of violence committed by organized crime.
“All guarantees are in place. No risk whatsoever (for visitors),” he asserted in response to a question about what guarantees exist for holding the World Cup in this city, following the events surrounding the death of Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The Army carried out an operation on Sunday in Tapalpa, in the western state of Jalisco, to capture “El Mencho,” who was seriously wounded and died during his air transport to a medical center.
The death of the man, one of the most wanted drug traffickers in Mexico and the United States, sparked a reaction from organized crime, including road blockades, vehicle fires, and attacks on businesses and law enforcement in Jalisco and other states.
“Because it was a person of the importance we know, this situation arose on Sunday. It was much less severe yesterday, and today we expect all activity to return to normal,” the president said at another point in the press conference.
From the National Palace, she also alluded to a greater presence of federal forces, particularly in Jalisco and some areas of Michoacán.
We are “working every day for the security and peace of our country,” she stated.
Last night, the governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, announced the reactivation of economic activities starting this Tuesday and the return to classes tomorrow, and affirmed that they would consider lifting the Red Code today, which was activated on the 22nd to “ensure the safety of citizens and the productive sector.”
On Sunday, Jalisco saw the highest number of roadblocks, while other states experienced isolated incidents and disruptions, all of which were addressed immediately, Security Secretary Omar García noted on Monday. He also reported that 70 people had been arrested in seven states.
The cartel’s brutality also resulted in 27 attacks against law enforcement officers that day, leaving more than 60 dead in Jalisco and Michoacán, including 25 members of the National Guard and 34 members of organized crime, in addition to 15 officers wounded.
Yesterday, Sheinbaum conveyed special recognition to the Ministry of Defense, its head, Ricardo Trevilla, the Army, the National Guard, and the Air Force, which participated directly in the operation, considered the biggest blow to drug trafficking during the current administration.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held from June 11 to July 19, will be the first with 48 teams and will be hosted by 16 cities in North America: three in Mexico (this capital, Guadalajara and Monterrey), 11 in the United States and two in Canada.
