--- title: Global Guardian's Michael Ballard Featured in The New York Times description: Global Guardian’s Mike Ballard discusses the impact of CJNG leader “El Mencho’s” killing on Mexico travel safety in the New York Times. image: https://www.globalguardian.com/hubfs/GG_NYT%20Feature.png --- [+1 (703) 566-9463](tel:+17035669463) | [Emergency Support](https://www.globalguardian.com//emergency-support) [![GG Logo Main White](https://www.globalguardian.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GlobalGuardian_Oct2019/Logos/GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png?width=208&height=45&name=GG%20Logo%20Main%20White.png "GG Logo Main White")](https://globalguardian.com) - [Corporate ](https://www.globalguardian.com/corporate-solutions) - [Personal ](https://www.globalguardian.com/personal-solutions) - [Government](https://www.globalguardian.com/government-solutions) - [Outcomes](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies) - [ Travel Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Traveler%20Security) - [ Executive Protection ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Executive%20Protection%20and%20Transportation) - [ Emergency Response ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Emergency%20Response) - [ Medical Assistance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Medical%20Assistance) - [ Event Security ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Event%20Security) - [ Video Surveillance ](https://www.globalguardian.com/case-studies?topic=Asset%20Security) - Learn - [ Global Digest ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-digest) - [ Newsroom ](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom) - [ Webinars ](https://www.globalguardian.com/media-room#t4) - [ Global Guardian Academy ](https://academy.globalguardian.com/) - [ FAQ ](https://www.globalguardian.com/faq) - Company - [ About Global Guardian ](https://www.globalguardian.com/about-global-guardian) - [ Executive Leadership ](https://www.globalguardian.com/executive-leadership) - [ Menu of Services ](https://www.globalguardian.com/service-menu) - [ Global Coverage ](https://www.globalguardian.com/global-coverage) - [ Contact Us ](https://www.globalguardian.com/contact) - [ Careers ](https://www.globalguardian.com/careers) [![Request Security](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2233164/aecafd49-7abe-4a80-95c2-e37dbbacda44) # Global Guardian's Michael Ballard Featured in The New York Times February 24, 2026 | [Media Coverage](https://www.globalguardian.com/newsroom/topic/media-coverage) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Global%20Guardian%27s%20Michael%20Ballard%20Featured%20in%20The%20New%20York%20Times) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.globalguardian.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fnew-york-times-feb-24-2026%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ##### [IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO RIGHT NOW?](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/travel/mexico-tourism-safety-spring-break.html) "But as we have seen, this can all go sideways quickly, so you want to be paying attention to what is going on before departing." Following cartel-related unrest in Mexico after the killing of CJNG leader “El Mencho,” *The New York Times* turned to Global Guardian’s Director of Intelligence Michael Ballard for expert insight on evolving travel risk conditions. Ballard notes that while major destinations such as Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City remain viable for travel, security dynamics can shift rapidly after high-level cartel enforcement actions. He emphasizes the importance of real-time monitoring, reviewing U.S. State Department advisories, and utilizing secure transportation—reinforcing that informed, proactive decision-making is essential in dynamic threat environments. 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