Multiple vehicles were set on fire, barricades appeared on the roads, and some businesses were targeted in Tijuana on Monday, following the reported death of a notorious drug lord in a Mexican special forces operation. These developments, right on the border, have officials from both sides closely monitoring the situation in the gateway region to California.
Vehicles Burned Near Border Fence
Images recorded on International Avenue and border-parallel highways showed burning vehicles, plumes of smoke, and security forces cordoning off the scenes. Some videos showed Mexican soldiers standing next to incinerated vehicles just meters from the U.S.-Mexico border fence.
Journalist Jorge Ventura reported that many vehicles were burned within sight of the border wall. Local police announced the arrest of approximately 25 suspects since Sunday in connection with vehicle arsons, establishing roadblocks, and attacking stores.
Context Following the Operation in Jalisco
The violence erupted after an operation in the town of Tapalpa (Jalisco state) targeting Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco cartel. Mexican Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla stated that intelligence forces tracked him to a secluded compound where he was hiding. Clashes occurred when special forces advanced.
Officials reported that four gunmen died at the scene; three others succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital, including Oseguera Cervantes.
U.S. Border Crossings Remain Operational
Tijuana is a major crossing point between Mexico and California, with approximately 200,000 crossings daily at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa (roughly 50 million annually). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that Southwestern border crossings remain "open and operating normally," with no plans for closure.
Authorities continue to assess the security impact in the border area while investigating the incidents in Tijuana.
