Potential H-2A Arrival Delays Due to Civil Unrest in Mexico

Date: February 24, 2026

Dear Members,

We are writing to alert you to significant civil unrest currently unfolding in several regions of Mexico, most notably in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. This situation may impact the travel schedules and arrival dates of some H-2A workers destined for your farms.

Current Situation in Mexico

A major military operation on February 22, 2026, in Jalisco has triggered widespread retaliation by cartel groups. 

Impact on H-2A Arrivals

While the situation is fluid, please be prepared for the following:

Delayed Departures:  Workers currently in affected zones are being advised to shelter in place until blockades are cleared, which will inevitably delay their transit to processing centers or charter bus boarding sites.

Consular Delays: U.S. government staffs at several consulates have been directed to shelter in place, which may temporarily stall visa processing for workers not yet cleared.

Critical "Date of Need" Shifts: We understand that even 24–48 hour delays are critical for NCGA membership. We are monitoring these timelines closely.

Recommended Actions for Growers

Verify worker arrival status: If you are responsible for local transport from your designated pickup location, please verify the arrival statuses through our NCGA office in Vass before departing to pick up workers.

We expect things to resume to normal within the next few days. We are in contact with our partners on the ground in Mexico and will provide further updates as soon as the security situation stabilizes and travel resumes.