Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader's death

Monday, February 23, 2026

Written by Sarah Berman Copy Editor, Digital News

Good morning. A popular winter destination for many Canadians erupted into violence on Sunday in the wake of a military operation that killed a powerful cartel leader. Canadian authorities are warning against travel to Mexico after torched cars and buses choked Puerto Vallarta and other cities.

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Canadians urged not to travel to Mexico as violence erupts in wake of drug lord's death

Puerto Vallarta went into lockdown and flights to the coastal city were cancelled Sunday as violence roiled several states across Mexico.

What's happening: Canadians in Puerto Vallarta woke up to the sounds of explosions and gunfire on Sunday as Mexican authorities confirmed that a powerful cartel boss had died following a clash with special forces. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. State officials say 25 people have been arrested, and authorities in Jalisco, Michoacan and Guanajuato reported at least 14 people killed, including seven National Guard troops.

Travel advisories: Global Affairs Canada warned that criminal groups set up roadblocks in several cities, especially in the areas of Jalisco state, which includes Puerto Vallarta; Guerrero state, including Acapulco; and Michoacan state. Canadians in Mexico are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, avoid non-essential travel in several states, monitor media reports and follow orders from local authorities.

Cancelled flights: Air Canada cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta on Monday and issued flight advisories for Tuesday and Wednesday. WestJet also put out a security travel advisory covering Feb. 22-24. Porter Airlines said its passengers are currently being offered complimentary flight changes through Feb. 25.

More on El Mencho: A former police officer, El Mencho was convicted in 1994 of conspiracy to distribute heroin in California and served nearly three years in prison there, before being deported to Mexico. Since 2017, El Mencho has been indicted several times in the U.S. for trafficking-related offences. One U.S. official called his killing a "great development" for Mexico and the world.

Jorge Barrera reports from Mexico

Credit agencies Equifax and TransUnion under fire for 'frustrating' response to fraud

After identity thieves racked up $20,000 in debt in her name, Zoe Lorenz-Boser spent a year and a half trying to convince Equifax and TransUnion the debts weren’t hers. She's not alone, Go Public reports.

What's happening: Canadians are waiting as long as 18 months to repair their credit ratings after discovering fraudulent or inaccurate debt. Lorenz-Bosner told Go Public about her long and frustrating fight to clear her record with Canada's two dominant credit rating agencies.

What's next: Consumer advocate Neil Hartung argues that because Equifax and TransUnion control Canada's credit reporting system, they have little incentive to improve. "It doesn't matter to them whether that information is right or wrong," he said. He would like federal legislation that would automatically award damages if a credit reporting agency fails to take appropriate steps to correct inaccurate data.

Go Public has the story

An Alberta man wanted MAID. Instead, he died waiting to be transferred

William Hume was diagnosed with late-stage cancer and assessed for medical assistance in dying (MAID) last year. He died waiting to be transferred out of a Catholic-run hospital that refused to administer MAID.

What's happening: Hume was admitted to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton. It's run by the publicly funded, Catholic health-care provider Covenant Health. Faith-based providers like Covenant Health are allowed to have policies prohibiting MAID. That means patients who want an assisted death, like Hume, need to be transferred to another facility that allows the procedure.

What else: In 2024, 349 people had to transfer due to a facility’s policy, according to Health Canada’s annual report on MAID. That represents about two per cent of the 16,499 people who received MAID that year. A court challenge to a similar faith-based policy in B.C. is currently underway. Physicians say if this case goes to the Supreme Court of Canada, there could be ramifications for other provinces.

Stephanie Dubois has more

SPORTWATCH

What you missed in Milano Cortina this weekend: Canada's Olympic hockey run came to a devastating end on Sunday, as the U.S. men's team snagged its first gold medal in 46 years thanks to a dramatic overtime goal. Speed skating triple-medallist Valérie Maltais and short-track champion Steven Dubois carried the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies.

Canada's final medal haul is 21: 5