Jamaica confirms no citizens affected by violence in Mexico

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith, has reassured the public that no Jamaicans are reported injured or located in the parts of Mexico currently experiencing unrest.

In a post on Twitter, Johnson Smith cited information from Jamaica’s Ambassador to Mexico, Julia Hyatt, confirming that the Jamaican embassy and its staff in Mexico City have not been affected. The Mexican Foreign Ministry also told officials that no Jamaican citizens have been reported hurt, and that normalcy has largely returned in affected regions.

The violence has been concentrated in multiple Mexican states — including Baja California, the State of Mexico, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Zacatecas — but Mexico City, where the Jamaican mission is based, has remained stable, according to the foreign affairs ministry.

The recent unrest stems from an escalation of violence following a major federal operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican authorities killed El Mencho during a military raid in Jalisco on February 22, which triggered nationwide reprisals and chaotic scenes in many regions.

Across about 20 of Mexico’s 32 states, criminal groups reacted by setting up roadblocks, burning vehicles and attacking infrastructure in protest and retaliation. Federal and local forces responded, and in some areas classes were suspended and public advisories ordered residents to shelter in place.

Officials have deployed thousands of additional soldiers to key states such as Jalisco to stabilize security, and authorities in both Mexico and allied governments have issued travel warnings and heightened alerts as the situation continues to evolve.

Despite the disruption in parts of the country, the Jamaican government’s update underscores that the affected areas do not include Mexico City’s diplomatic missions. Jamaica’s foreign affairs office emphasized that the embassy is in regular contact with Mexican authorities to track developments and provide assistance if needed.