Tipsheet

These Previous Remarks by Mexican President Sheinbaum Explain Why the Cartel Caused Chaos This Weekend

Amy Curtis
Amy Curtis  |  February 23, 2026 11:00 AM

Over the weekend, six Mexican states descended into chaos after the Mexican military took out Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," the head of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG).

For the past 24 hours, we've seen harrowing video out of Mexico, including tourist resorts like Puerto Vallarta and the airport in Guadalajara as CJNG burns cars, stores, and anything else. 

American citizens and others were ordered to shelter in place, and CJNG threatened to enter homes and hotels to kill innocent civilians if the government didn't meet their demands.

Fortunately, that threat did not come to fruition last night, but the siege still continues and now is a good time to remember that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has previously said she will not use force against the cartels.

"Then, returning to the war against the drug is not an option, not an option," she said in a 2025 press conference.

"First, because it is outside the framework of the law. All those on the right who fill their mouths with the word or words "Rule of Law" and defend the war against drugs, the war against drugs is outside the law, because - as I said or have said on several occasions - it is permission to kill without trial. And that in Mexico, nobody, or very few, are in agreement. It is outside the framework of the law. And second, it served no purpose other than to increase the murders in Mexico and the level of violence," she continued."

The sentiment seems to be that Sheinbaum is beholden to the cartels.

Simply incredible.

Of course, she could change her tune now that she's got an international incident on her hands. Americans aren't the only ones trapped in Mexico and at the mercy of the cartel.

That's a very strong possibility.

So cooked.

This is the only way.

All of this.

Yesterday morning, Sheinbaum posted a call for calm on X.

"The Secretariat of National Defense reported on the operation carried out this morning by federal forces, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions," she wrote. "There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the national territory, activities are proceeding with complete normality. My recognition to the Mexican Army, National Guard, Armed Forces, and Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice, and the well-being of Mexico."

Reports indicate that many of the roadblocks have been removed by the Mexican military, and Sheinbaum said flights are expected to resume later today or tomorrow. 

Remember — these cartel thugs are already in America, and the Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to keep them here. They managed to shut down six states in Mexico, including airports, leaving thousands terrified for their safety and lives. Watch the chaos unfolding in Mexico and be thankful the Trump administration is working to secure the border and deport the illegal immigrants who are here.