On February 23, 2023, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the nation in her regular morning press conference from the National Palace, just a day after the death of infamous drug trafficker Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho'. His death occurred during a law enforcement operation in Tapalpa, during which he was injured and later succumbed to his wounds while being transported for urgent medical attention. This incident has intensified the scrutiny on the Mexican government's strategies to combat organized crime and the operational details surrounding the event.

Following El Mencho's death, various states, including Jalisco, Michoacán, and Guanajuato experienced significant narcobloqueos, which are violent road blockades commonly orchestrated by drug trafficking groups in response to law enforcement actions. The governor of Jalisco, Pablo Lemus, declared a 'Código Rojo', indicating a crisis due to the unrest that ensued. The situation reflects the ongoing challenges the Mexican government faces in managing organized crime and public safety, especially in the wake of the high-profile deaths of drug lords.

The press conference served as a platform for Sheinbaum to address the nation amid these tensions and to outline the government's position on security in the aftermath of violent events triggered by the drug cartels. The timely keeping of her scheduled press conference, despite the chaos, emphasizes the need for the government to maintain communication with the public regarding security measures and the overarching fight against drug-related violence in Mexico.