Trending Now - Spring Break Travel Concerns Grow Due to Safety Issues in Mexico
WHO:
President Trump, Jared Feldman (owner of Jafeldma Travel), Susan Guthrie (owner of Cruisin' with Susan and More), Carlos De La Cruz (20-year Air Force veteran and congressional candidate), Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (also known as El Mencho, leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación), Paul Tumpowsky (chief revenue officer for Fora Travel), Kent Webber (senior manager at Global Rescue), Mike Ballard (director of intelligence at Global Guardian).
WHAT:
The Iran war began in February 2026, leading to travelers being stranded at hotels and on cruise ships in the Middle East.
El Mencho was killed on February 22, 2026, during a Mexican military operation.
The State Department classifies Mexico at a Level 2 for travel, advising to "exercise increased caution."
Several states in Mexico, including Jalisco and Baja California, are classified as Level 3 ("Reconsider travel") and Level 4 ("Do not travel") due to violence.
TSA lines at major airports are reported to be nearly 3 hours long, causing missed flights and delays.
Viking canceled Egypt departures through March 31, 2026, but later planned to operate scheduled voyages starting on March 12, 2026.
WHERE:
Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara in Jalisco State, Mexico.
Various major airports in the United States.
Egypt.
WHEN:
The Iran war began in February 2026.
El Mencho was killed on February 22, 2026.
TSA officers began working without regular pay in mid-February 2026.
Viking planned to operate scheduled voyages in Egypt starting on March 12, 2026.
WHY:
The unrest in Mexico was a result of El Mencho's death, leading to retaliatory attacks by cartels.
The ongoing cartel conflicts in parts of Mexico prompted heightened U.S. security alerts.
HOW:
The U.S. intelligence assisted in the military operation that led to El Mencho's death.
Travel agencies are advising clients to review current, destination-specific guidance before departure.
(UPDATED March 15, 2026 01:24 UTC)
In a significant development, President Trump and several travel industry leaders met to address the ongoing crisis stemming from the Iran war that began last month, which has left many travelers stranded in the Middle East. The situation has been exacerbated by the death of notorious cartel leader El Mencho on February 22, leading to increased violence in Mexico and prompting the State Department to issue travel advisories for several states, including Jalisco and Baja California. Meanwhile, TSA lines at major U.S. airports have reached nearly three hours, causing widespread delays, as travel agencies urge clients to check updated guidance before their trips.