Code Red in Jalisco as Cartel Blockades Follow Federal Raid

Guadalajara, Jalisco — A federal security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, early Sunday triggered a wave of cartel blockades and violent incidents across the state, prompting Governor Pablo Lemus to activate a Code Red alert to protect civilians.

Governor Lemus announced on social media that individuals had set fire to vehicles and blocked roads to hinder authorities in Tapalpa and other parts of Jalisco following the operation. “I have ordered the immediate establishment of a security table with authorities from all three levels of government and activated the Code Red to prevent acts against the population,” Lemus said in a post on X.

Where Are Blockades Reported?

Cartel blockades and violence have been reported in municipalities across southern and metropolitan Jalisco. In Puerto Vallarta, assailants burned public transport buses in the city center, leading to motorcycle chases and a shootout in Ixtapa.

In Guadalajara, burning vehicles blocked traffic on Avenida 16 de Septiembre and La Paz, as well as on Periférico and Calzada Independencia. Additional blockades have been reported in Tecolotlán, Tapalpa, Ojo de Agua, Linda Vista, Ayutla, Talpa, the Melaque junction, El Tuito, and the highway to Morelia.

What Happened in Tapalpa?

Authorities linked the violence to a federal operation in Tapalpa, a mountainous tourist town in southern Jalisco. Governor Lemus stated he was leading a permanent security coordination meeting with federal forces. The Security Cabinet also reported coordinated efforts to address the situation.

This follows a prior operation in Tala, where authorities detained Alma Rosa ‘N’, known as ‘La Leona’, a suspected recruiter for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) linked to ‘El Lastra’ and the Rancho Izaguirre case.