Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is grappling with widespread disruption and violence following the reported killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). What began as a targeted military operation has spiraled into a wave of unrest, leaving American tourists stranded and raising concerns about security ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will be partially hosted in Guadalajara, a city within Jalisco state.
The Mexican Army’s Special Forces carried out the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, on , resulting in El Mencho’s death. The operation was reportedly aided by US intelligence, according to multiple reports. The immediate aftermath saw suspected cartel members retaliating by torching vehicles and clashing with security forces across the region.
The violence has severely impacted travel. Airlines, including Air Canada, Delta, American, and Alaska, have cancelled or diverted flights to Puerto Vallarta, and Guadalajara. As of , hundreds of American citizens were reportedly sheltering in place in Jalisco state, including in Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, following a US State Department advisory. The department’s 24/7 crisis hotline has been inundated with calls from stranded travelers. Air Canada has announced it will resume flights on .
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of escalating chaos. Eugene Marchenko, a tourist from Charleston, South Carolina, staying in an Airbnb near a main road, described waking up to the sound of blaring horns and witnessing six cars engulfed in flames outside his balcony. He recounted seeing individuals believed to be cartel members forcing people from their vehicles before setting them ablaze. Another witness reported seeing a fuel tanker also set on fire, raising fears of an explosion. Tourists have been forced to evacuate hotels, manage with limited food supplies, and venture out in search of meals while awaiting instructions from Mexican authorities.
The unrest extends beyond transportation disruptions. Reports indicate stores were ransacked by looters, and major roads were blocked by suspected cartel members, creating a sense of a city descending into a state of war. Videos circulating on social media show scenes of panic at Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara airports, with travelers scrambling for safety behind chairs and desks.
While cartel violence is not unprecedented in Mexico, security analysts note a growing cartel presence in popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. Chris Dalby, a senior analyst for Dyami Security Intelligence, highlighted this shift, stating that the response to El Mencho’s death comes at a particularly sensitive time. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is in her first year of administration, and the country is preparing to host matches for the FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara in the coming months.
The CJNG, under El Mencho’s leadership, has risen to become one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations. Its ascent has been marked by a willingness to engage in brazen acts of violence and a sophisticated ability to adapt and expand its operations. El Mencho’s death represents a significant blow to the cartel, but experts caution that it does not necessarily guarantee an immediate end to the violence. Cartel structures are often decentralized, and rival factions may attempt to exploit the power vacuum created by his demise.
The Mexican government has stated that it is working to restore “peace, security and normalcy” across the country. President Sheinbaum has asserted that security forces are maintaining control, but the situation on the ground remains fluid and unpredictable. The US State Department continues to urge American citizens to shelter in place in affected areas, while acknowledging that other parts of the country are returning to normal.
The unfolding events raise questions about the long-term implications for tourism in Mexico and the country’s ability to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike. The proximity of the violence to a major World Cup host city also adds a layer of complexity, prompting concerns about the potential for further disruptions and security challenges in the lead-up to the tournament. The situation is being closely monitored by international observers, who are assessing the potential impact on regional stability and the broader fight against transnational organized crime.
For those stranded in Puerto Vallarta or other affected areas, the US State Department advises contacting its 24/7 crisis hotline for assistance. Travelers with upcoming flights are urged to check with their airlines for the latest updates and potential cancellations. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are expected in the coming days.
