Mexico has experienced a day of intense panic following the capture and death of the country's most wanted drug trafficker, Nemésio "El Mencho." In response, criminal elements have retaliated by causing chaos through roadblocks, fires, and attacks in various regions, resulting in the deaths of more than 60 individuals. This widespread violence has heightened fears among citizens, as they grapple with the ongoing threats posed by organized crime.

Images emerging from the International Airport of Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city and a host for the 2026 World Cup, portray the urgency of the situation. On Sunday, passengers seeking refuge under the threat of armed individuals were met with confusion as it turned out to be a false alarm. However, the turmoil outside was very real, with criminals setting fire to stores, gas stations, and burning buses and cars in 20 out of Mexico's 31 states. The chaos has effectively left over a thousand adults and children stranded overnight in a zoo parking lot due to blocked roads and avenues, and schools were closed the following day, with flight operations suspended.

The fears of the Mexican populace are palpable, as reflected in statements from residents who convey their hesitancy to leave home unless absolutely necessary. This response showcases the broader societal impacts of organized crime in Mexico, as communities are forced to adapt to violent realities brought upon by the struggle for power among drug traffickers. The implications of this unrest not only further complicate Mexico's security challenges but also threaten the stability of local economies and public life at large.