The recent demise of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, a figure notorious for his leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has ignited fears of escalating violence in Mexico, a nation pivotal to U.S. trade and tourism. Experts warn that his death could plunge the country into a state of “total war.”

Widespread unrest has erupted across at least 20 of Mexico’s 31 states following the fatal incident on Sunday. Cervantes, commonly known as “El Mencho,” was a key figure in orchestrating violence and criminal activities throughout the region.

Security specialist David Saucedo has expressed concerns that this development may provoke a severe backlash against the Mexican government. “It appears this operation was not merely aimed at capturing ‘El Mencho’ but eliminating him entirely,” Saucedo explained to CNN. “Such decisive actions are seldom forgiven in the criminal world, leading to the current wave of narco-terrorism, roadblocks, and arson in various grocery stores across the country.”

The events unfolded in Tapalpa, Jalisco state, where Cervantes succumbed in custody after a confrontation with security forces, culminating in a shootout with his bodyguards. This high-profile incident has left many apprehensive about the potential for further violence and instability in Mexico’s future.

“In the criminal underworld, such actions are not simply overlooked. The reaction is what we’re seeing now: narco-terrorism, blockades, and fires in grocery stores across Mexico,” he added.

Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” died in custody after security forces captured him in the wake of a shootout with his bodyguards on Sunday in Tapalpa, Jalisco state.

On Sunday, cartel fighters brought Mexico’s second-largest city, Jalisco’s state capital Guadalajara, to a standstill, with road blocks closing off much of the city and cancelling flights.

The current violence is intended to paralyze economic activity and impose a national and international image cost on the government of leftist President Claudia Scheinbaum, Saucedo said.

At least 30 people are believed to have died so far in the fighting, which has affected some two-thirds of Mexico.