Cartel violence in Mexico has intensified following a government operation, leaving many students and families with ties to the country feeling anxious, concerned and scared.

The violence is a result of the death of cartel leader Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho” on Feb. 22, 2026.

El Mencho was killed in Jalisco, Mexico, by government forces. After news spread about the death of the cartel leader, members of the cartel began to terrorize stores, bus stations and block off major roadways. In the state, at least 25 military officials have been killed under these attacks.

El Mencho had risen to the top of the cartel ranks and forged a new cartel, known as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The CJNG had unleashed terror on Mexican police, rival cartel members, innocent civilians and even public officials from 2009 to the present day.

While the conflict is unfolding hundreds of miles away, for some students at Stan State, the crisis feels much closer to home.

Adrianna Carrillo (Senior, Nursing) said she immediately thought of her close relatives back at home amid the chaos.

“When I first heard of the violence in Mexico, I was frightened, especially since they are targeting large cities like Puerto Vallarta,” Carrillo said. “I have family there and nearby, so seeing all the violence had me worried for their safety, considering hospitals are not safe and gas stations are being burnt down.”

Carrillo and her family are raising concerns about access to medical care during this period of uncertainty

“I talked to my cousin, who stated she couldn’t even think about anything else going on because of the stress of being there. Her dad fell ill in January, and she’s extremely worried about her father’s health and having to stay sheltered in their home with no access to healthcare, even if they needed it,” she said.

For her, a nursing student, hearing that hospitals may not be safe is difficult for her because of her desire to help.

“Healthcare is supposed to be a safe place,” she said.

Genesis Rodriguez Plascencia (Sophomore, Pre-Nursing) said she felt extremely heartbroken learning about the recent tragedy.

“After hearing about the recent violence, I was extremely heartbroken to know that many of our families, friends and loved ones were living in constant fear. It made me sad knowing that innocent people are paying the price for violence they had no part in,” Plascencia said.

Plascencia has several family members in the affected area, one of them being her grandmother.

“I spoke to my grandma when I heard about the news, and she mentioned that nobody could leave their houses, they were on lockdown. The cartels were burning cars, buses, stores and banks. To this day, my grandma is still afraid to step outside her home and continues to live with that fear,” she said.

She also expressed how this situation hits very close to home for her.

“This situation, as a Mexican American, feels personal to me because there are so many of us who have loved ones in Mexico, fearing for their life every day. It’s personal to me because this isn’t just something I see on the news, it’s something my family lives with,” she said.

Plascencia said the crisis has interfered with her overall spirit, causing anxiety while trying to balance her studies.

“This situation has caused me anxiety as a student because my heart is in two different places. Part of me is here trying to focus on school, but my family is in Mexico and I constantly worry about their safety,” she said.

She continued by voicing her frustration with how Mexico is often portrayed and wishes people would see beyond the cartel headlines.

“I wish people saw Mexico for what it really is. It’s more than tourist spots or what you see on the news. It’s family. It’s a community. It’s appreciating the small moments and being together,” she said. “Mexico isn’t rich because of money. It’s rich because of its people and the love they have for one another. It’s where my family comes from, and because of them, I am who I am today.”

Members of the community have also voiced their anguish and fear surrounding the crisis

Gloria Plascencia De Haro, who has immediate family in Mexico, said she became worried as soon as she heard the news.

“Last Sunday, the same day it happened. I became very worried about my mom and my siblings who live there. They said they feared for their lives,” Plascencia De Haro said. “They stayed inside their homes because stores and banks were being burned down. There were many armed cartel members at the entrances of towns, burning buses and cars.”

The violence has prevented her from aiding her family during this time.

“I want to visit my mom and help, but I can’t because it’s very dangerous to go. I’m afraid to travel since they are still burning and robbing cars on the highway from Puerto Vallarta to Nayarit,” she said.

She also spoke on the positive aspects of her home country, while also acknowledging the unfortunate reality it faces.

“Mexico is very beautiful, its beaches, its people, its food, and its nature. The only thing is that nowadays the government is controlled by the cartels, and there is really no law,” she said.

While the future remains uncertain, students and members of the community band together to keep their heads and spirits held high for their family and loved ones back at home.