Cartel leader’s killing sparks unrest, prompts Koreans to reconsider Mexico trips

Mexico’s security concerns are rising after the killing of a major cartel leader, prompting some Korean missionaries and travelers in Southern California to reconsider their plans.

On February 22, “El Mencho,” identified as the head of Mexico’s largest drug cartel, was killed by Mexican government forces. Since then, retaliatory violence by cartel members has spread across several regions, raising public safety concerns.

According to members of the Korean community in Mexico, armed groups have blocked major roads in multiple states. Reports also describe vehicles and shops set on fire. Videos of the unrest have circulated rapidly on social media.

In Guadalajara, where South Korea’s national soccer team is scheduled to play a World Cup match in June, some flights were temporarily canceled or delayed. Authorities reportedly advised tourists to remain where they were during the height of the unrest.

Although tensions have eased in some areas, uncertainty remains.

In neighboring Southern California, some Korean churches have suspended short-term mission trips to Mexico. Rev. Jaemin Choi, based in Los Angeles, said he regularly traveled to Tijuana to screen films for inmates.

“I was planning to go to Tijuana this week, but a local Korean missionary advised me not to come for now because it could be dangerous,” Choi said. He added that video footage sent by local churches showed restaurants closed and normally busy streets nearly empty, even in Tijuana, which is geographically distant from the main clashes.

Jonghyun Lee, a director of the Mexico chapter of the World Federation of Overseas Korean Traders Associations (World-OKTA), said Mexico City remains relatively stable. He noted that no Korean casualties have been reported so far. However, the Korean Embassy has activated emergency communication channels and is issuing related advisories.

Changsun Lee, head of the Korean Association in Guadalajara, said the federal government has deployed 2,500 additional troops and raised the security alert to its highest level. He added that schools and economic activity are expected to resume starting on February 25.

The U.S. State Department maintained a Level 2 travel advisory — “Exercise Increased Caution” — for Mexico as of the afternoon of February 23.

Eunjoo Lee, 45, of Fullerton, said she had been exploring travel plans to Mexico for the World Cup this summer. “Given the situation, I think we need to wait and see,” she said. “I hope things calm down quickly so major events like the World Cup can proceed without disruption.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico reported that some lockdown measures in affected cities have been partially lifted. Guadalajara’s airport has resumed limited operations, and additional flights are expected at the popular resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, according to an update on February 24. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the situation had stabilized.

Security experts, however, urged caution. Former CIA officer Jason Hanson told USA Today on February 24 that Mexico remains volatile and potentially dangerous. Mike Ballard, chief intelligence officer at the global security firm Global Guardian, advised reconsidering travel plans to Puerto Vallarta or Cancun in the near term.

Although authorities report signs of stabilization, Mexico security concerns continue to influence decisions among Korean missionaries and travelers weighing visits to the country.

BY EUNYOUNG LEE  [lee.eunyoung6@koreadaily.com]