Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday that unrest sparked by the death of a major drug cartel leader has largely eased, with order gradually restored across the country following efforts by security forces.
Nemecio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," the founder and leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of the most powerful criminal organizations in Mexico, was killed on Saturday during a military operation, triggering riots in Jalisco state and nearby areas.
In response, authorities stepped up security in the capital Mexico City, where armed police were deployed along major thoroughfares and in central districts, while patrol vehicles increased their presence. Apart from the visible security measures, daily life in the capital has remained largely unaffected.
Two American tourists in Mexico City said they had no safety concerns. They were in Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco and one of the areas most affected by the unrest, when the disturbances broke out.
"We're in Mexico City Today, we were in Guadalajara two days ago when the whole thing happened. It was just a lot of uncertainty that one day only, and then we flew out of the airport the next day. Airport was operating normally. Safety wise, no worries. We saw the police presence. It was just that first night that there was the uncertainty and the next day things normalized," said Calvin, one of the tourists.
A Belgian tourist also described Mexico City as secure.
"Here, no safety problem. Everything is sure here. We went everywhere in the city, and this is a very secure place," he said.
Local residents echoed that despite the fierce riots two days ago, Mexico City is largely safe by now.
"The situation that just happened two days ago was a bad situation, but I'm a Mexican and I've been living here for 21 years. I can tell you that I can feel really safe here in Mexico City," said Excel, a Mexico City resident.
Mexico unrest largely eased, order restored: president
Mexico unrest largely eased, order restored: president
