With just a week left in March, one thing is clear: spring is here, and with it comes much-anticipated spring travel. Colleges across the nation are pausing their busy schedules for a week off, with breaks ranging from early March to mid-April. SMCC’s spring break began on March 9^th, and while our official break is behind us, travelers will continue to make plans well into the warmer days ahead.  

SMCC students’ plans span everything from relaxing staycations to wild parties, often summed up by the motto, “what happens here stays here.” For many, these adventures lead them beyond the U.S., with Mexico remaining one of the top spring break destinations. However, recent news may have you rethinking the safety of your travel plans.  

According to the New York Times on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho” and head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in Jalisco State, sparking widespread unrest. In response, Mexican officials have arrested or killed over one hundred suspected cartel members. Tragically, twenty-five members of the National Guard have also been reported dead. While most “shelter in place” advisories have now been lifted, travelers are still urged to use caution.  

Travelers with plans to visit certain parts of Mexico have faced significant disruptions, including flight cancellations and hotel lockdowns. Some tourists have even encountered fires, shut-down businesses, and blocked roadways. Fortunately, the situation has begun to stabilize in recent days. Nevertheless, officials continue to urge travelers to check advisories for their specific destinations.  

According to the U.S. State Department, some Mexican states, such as Yucatán and Campeche, have only level one advisory warnings. In other regions, like Sinaloa and Zacatecas, the level is four, meaning “do not travel.” Popular tourist spots like Mexico City are at level two, advising visitors to exercise increased caution. Fortunately, Mexico’s most visited destinations, including Cancun and nearby Cozumel, are currently considered safe and remain outside the Jalisco Cartel’s areas of violence.  

While this situation is specific to certain parts of Mexico and not all spring breakers are headed there, it serves as a reminder to SMCC students and everyday travels alike, to stay vigilant, no matter where your travels take you. Always check the U.S. State Department’s advisories before planning a trip. Additional safety tips include organizing important documents, purchasing travel insurance, leaving valuables at home, investing in an anti-theft bag, and staying aware of your surroundings. Consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and most importantly, trust your instincts: if something feels off, it probably is.