Mexican Banks Close Branches Amid Violence Fears After Drug Lord's Capture

Mexican banks are closing branches nationwide following the capture of a major drug lord. The government fears cartel retaliation before the World Cup, while the president assures the public that order and security have been fully restored.

Several Mexican banks, including Santander, BBVA, Scotiabank, Banorte, HSBC, BanBajío, and BX+, have closed branches across multiple states such as Jalisco, Colima, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Zacatecas, and Chiapas. These actions come amid a surge of violence following the takedown of El Mencho, the leader of the Sinaloa cartel. The Mexican government fears cartel retaliation ahead of the upcoming World Cup. President Claudia Sheinbaum assured the public that the situation is under control, all roadblocks have been cleared, and full security has been restored. "You can rest assured that peace and security are being safeguarded," she stated. While there are no official reports of damage to bank properties, the financial sector remains on high alert, with institutions analyzing potential risks and impacts.

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