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Puerto Vallarta is experiencing a surge in violence following the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The Mexican Army confirmed El Mencho’s death on February 23, 2026, triggering widespread unrest and prompting travel warnings for tourists, including those from Canada. The situation has left many visitors, particularly those from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), scrambling to navigate a rapidly deteriorating security landscape.

The escalating violence is disrupting daily life in the popular resort city and raising concerns about the potential for further instability. Reports indicate that cartel members are enacting retaliatory measures, leading to clashes with security forces and creating a climate of fear among residents and tourists alike. The U.S. Government has urged American citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place, a sign of the seriousness of the situation. This disruption to travel plans and safety is impacting Canadians currently in the region, as well as those considering a visit.

Cartel Leader’s Death Sparks Retaliation

El Mencho, a former police officer who co-founded the CJNG, was a key figure in Mexico’s drug trade. The cartel, known for its extreme violence and growing influence, has been a major target for Mexican authorities for years. CBS News reported on the violence erupting after the military operation that resulted in his death.

The immediate aftermath of El Mencho’s death has been marked by widespread blockades, vehicle fires, and armed confrontations in several areas of Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta. CNN is providing live updates on the situation, detailing the challenges faced by tourists attempting to leave the area.

Impact on Tourists and Travel Advisories

Canadians currently in Puerto Vallarta are facing significant disruptions. Reports from GTA residents indicate a sense of unease and difficulty in securing transportation. The Canadian government has issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to certain parts of Mexico, including Jalisco state. The situation is particularly concerning for those with pre-booked vacations and limited options for immediate departure.

Airlines are responding to the escalating violence by suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta. Fortune reports that this decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The disruption to air travel is exacerbating the difficulties faced by tourists seeking to leave the region.

The Legacy of El Mencho and the CJNG

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, rose to prominence as the leader of the CJNG, a cartel that has challenged the dominance of other major drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. Mexico News Daily details the cartel’s history and its impact on the country’s security landscape. The CJNG has been involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence against rival cartels and government forces.

The death of El Mencho represents a significant blow to the CJNG, but experts caution that it is unlikely to dismantle the organization entirely. The cartel has a decentralized structure and a network of loyal followers, suggesting that it will likely continue to operate even without its leader. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of El Mencho’s death on Mexico’s security situation.

The situation remains fluid, and further violence is anticipated as the CJNG adjusts to the loss of its leader. Authorities are bracing for potential retaliatory attacks and are working to maintain order in affected areas. Travelers are strongly advised to heed government warnings and exercise extreme caution if they must travel to Mexico. The focus now shifts to assessing the full extent of the disruption and preventing further escalation of violence.

If you are a Canadian citizen currently in Mexico, or have family traveling there, please consult the Government of Canada’s travel advice website for the latest updates and guidance. Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below.

Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a 15% global tariff on all imported goods, a move swiftly following a Supreme Court decision regarding tariff authority and prompting immediate criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The announcement, made on Saturday, signals a potential shift in U.S. Trade policy and has raised concerns about economic repercussions, including potential impacts on interest rate cuts.

The Supreme Court ruling, while not explicitly siding with Trump on all points, provided a degree of legal leeway for the former president to pursue his trade agenda. The decision centered around the scope of presidential authority in setting tariffs, and justices reportedly engaged in a contentious debate over whether to treat Trump and the current Biden administration differently in the case, according to NBC News. The ruling has been described as a “gift in disguise” for the Republican party by some observers, while others see it as a setback for the current administration’s trade policies, as reported by CNN.

Trump revealed his “modern hero” Supreme Court justice following the ruling, though he did not name the individual, according to Fox News. The increase from the previously discussed 10% tariff rate to 15% was announced shortly after the court’s decision, signaling Trump’s intent to swiftly capitalize on the outcome. The BBC reported that Trump framed the tariffs as a means to protect American jobs and industries.

Congressional Response and Economic Concerns

The announcement has already drawn sharp criticism from within Congress. Lawmakers are vowing to explore legislative options to counter the new tariffs, describing them as “chaotic” and potentially damaging to the U.S. Economy. The potential for a trade war escalation is a significant concern, with experts warning that it could undermine hopes for substantial interest rate cuts, as noted by Al Jazeera. The Guardian reported that Trump’s trade war risks undermining his hopes of hefty U.S. Interest rate cuts.

The Atlantic argues that the Supreme Court ruling, while seemingly favorable to Trump, ultimately puts him on notice regarding the limits of presidential power in trade matters.

What to Watch Next

The coming weeks will be critical as Congress considers its response to the new tariffs. Legislative efforts to limit the scope of the tariffs or reassert congressional authority over trade policy are expected. The economic impact of the tariffs will also be closely monitored, particularly its effect on inflation and consumer spending. The Biden administration’s strategy for navigating this new trade landscape remains to be seen, and further developments are anticipated as the situation unfolds.

What are your thoughts on the new tariffs? Share your opinions in the comments below.

Toronto police are investigating after a man arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound Friday night, an incident believed to be connected to a shooting at an apartment building in Scarborough. The initial call regarding the injured man came in around 9:24 p.m., according to police, who stated his injuries are non-life-threatening. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence in the Greater Toronto Area and prompts questions about public safety in residential neighborhoods.

Following the report of the man seeking medical attention, officers responded to a separate call at approximately 10 p.m. Concerning gunshots heard within an apartment building located on Antrim Crescent and Kennedy Road. Investigators quickly determined a potential link between the two events, suggesting the man at the hospital was a victim of the shooting at the apartment complex. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information related to either incident.

The Toronto Police Service has not released details about the victim’s age or any potential motives for the shooting. Officers remain on scene at the Antrim Crescent location, continuing their investigation and gathering evidence. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police. The incident occurred amidst a broader discussion about public safety and the availability of resources for addressing gun violence in urban centers.

Details of the Incident

According to a post on X (formerly Twitter), police were initially alerted to the situation when the injured man presented himself at a Toronto hospital. The Star reports that his condition was assessed as non-life-threatening. Shortly after, reports of gunshots at an apartment building in the Antrim Crescent and Kennedy Road area prompted a secondary investigation. CP24 confirmed that police are currently searching for a suspect in connection with the shooting at the apartment building.

Investigators believe the two incidents are linked, with the man who walked into the hospital being the victim of the shooting at the apartment building. CityNews reported that the gunshot was heard inside the apartment building itself. As of Saturday, February 21, 2026, no suspect description has been released to the public.

Broader Context of Gun Violence in Toronto

While details surrounding this specific incident remain under investigation, it occurs within a larger context of gun violence concerns in Toronto and across Canada. Although Canada has stricter gun control laws than the United States, incidents of gun violence, particularly in major urban centers, continue to be a concern for law enforcement and policymakers. The Toronto Police Service regularly releases data on firearm-related incidents, and community safety initiatives are ongoing to address the root causes of violence.

The incident also comes after a period of heightened scrutiny regarding public safety in Scarborough, a diverse and densely populated area of Toronto. Local community groups have been advocating for increased investment in social programs and mental health services to address the underlying factors that contribute to violence. The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.

The investigation remains active, and police are asking anyone with information to contact them. The Toronto Police Service has not released any further details regarding potential suspects or motives at this time. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided to the public. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to gun violence and the importance of community collaboration in promoting public safety.

What comes next will likely involve a thorough forensic examination of the apartment building, continued canvassing of the neighborhood for witnesses, and analysis of any available surveillance footage. The police investigation will aim to identify the perpetrator and establish a clear motive for the shooting. The outcome of this investigation could influence future policing strategies and resource allocation in the Scarborough area.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below. If you have any information that could assist the police investigation, please contact the Toronto Police Service directly.