Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence.

On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho. 

In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.

According to authorities at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians. 

Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place.

Guest:


Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she’s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City.

Related stories:
Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT
What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Stability appears to have returned in Mexico after days of violence.
On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho.&nbsp;
In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.
According to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/23/world/mexico-cartel-el-mencho">authorities </a>at least 62 people have died since Sunday - including cartel members, security officers, and civilians.&nbsp;
Flights to and from Seatac to various airports in Mexico were cancelled, as the US government recommended that all US citizens and residents shelter in place.
Guest:
<ul>
<li>
Vanessa Freije is an Associate Professor of International Studies, and she&rsquo;s the chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at the University of Washington. She's currently based in Mexico City.
</li>
</ul>
Related stories:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/americas/trump-sheinbaum-us-mexico-cartel.html">Mexico Is Caught Between Trump and the Cartels - NYT</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/americas/mexico-cartels-leaders-el-mencho.html">What to Know About the Cartels Operating in Mexico - NYT</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

On Sunday a Mexican military raid killed cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, more commonly known as El Mencho.   In response, members of his Jalisco New Generation Cartel created havoc throughout the nation - lighting cars and buildings on fire, ransacking businesses, and setting up blockades along major roadways throughout the country.