Mexican resort town, airport under siege
Mexican resort town, airport under siege

A wave of violence erupted across one of Mexico’s most popular tourist regions this weekend after the country’s military reported killing Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), triggering chaos in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta and major nearby airports.

On February 22, 2026, federal forces conducted a high-stakes operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, where they engaged cartel members in intense combat that resulted in the deaths of Oseguera Cervantes and at least six others. Mexican defense officials confirmed the operation as one of the most significant blows to organized crime in recent memory, though clashes and unrest immediately followed.

Read more: U.S. Citizens in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence: Travel Alerts, Flight Cancellations and Safety Updates

Violence and Retaliation in Puerto Vallarta

Within hours of the military announcement, armed CJNG affiliates responded with violent reprisals. Road blockades, burning vehicles, and sporadic gunfire were reported throughout Jalisco and neighboring states, including Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, and Veracruz — spreading fear among residents and visitors alike.

In Puerto Vallarta, black smoke plumed over streets usually busy with tourists on beach vacations, while local authorities urged residents and visitors to stay indoors and refrain from travel. Hotels and businesses shuttered or restricted movement, leaving many travelers stranded without a clear exit plan.

The resort city’s normally bustling avenues turned eerily quiet as emergency orders expanded, and civilians shared footage of burning cars and tense confrontations on social media.Airport Chaos and Travel Disruptions

The security crisis also hit Mexico’s transportation hubs hard. Reports emerged of panic at both Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport and Guadalajara International Airport, where travelers fled or sought shelter amid uncertainty and rumors of violence near terminals.

After ‘El Mencho’ killing, chaos spreads across several Mexican states:

Several major airlines responded by temporarily halting services:

  • Air Canada suspended all flights to and from Puerto Vallarta until conditions stabilize.

  • United Airlines and other carriers canceled flights citing safety and security concerns.

Travelers currently in the region have reported ground transportation interruptions, limited access to airports due to blockades, and widespread confusion over resumed flight operations.Government and Embassy Warnings

In response to escalating unrest, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City issued urgent security advisories for nationals in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, advising people to shelter in place, avoid crowds, and monitor local media updates. Similar advisories came from Canada, stressing caution and restricted movement.

Authorities also activated “Code Red” security status throughout Jalisco, a rare emergency protocol aimed at deterring further violence and protecting key areas, while federal troops and the National Guard were mobilized to stabilize urban centers and major roadways.

Who Was “El Mencho” and Why This Matters

Mexican Resort Town and Airport Under Siege After Death of Cartel Leader
A popular Mexican resort was under siege after Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes was killed in a military raid

Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes had long stood as one of Mexico’s most powerful and elusive criminal kingpins. As head of the CJNG — the country’s most infamous cartel — he oversaw extensive drug trafficking networks stretching into the United States and beyond. U.S. authorities had placed a $15 million reward on his capture for years.

Though many officials hailed his death as a major law-enforcement success, experts warn it may also trigger a violent power struggle within the cartel and among rival groups — potentially prolonging unrest in the coming days and weeks.

Read more: Who Was El Mencho? Mexico’s Most Wanted Cartel Boss Reportedly Killed in Army Raid

Impact on Tourism and Local Life

Mexican Resort Town and Airport Under Siege After Death of Cartel Leader
Mexico has erupted into chaos after CJNG chief El Mencho was killed in a reported joint operation between the U.S. and Mexico

Puerto Vallarta — known globally for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and tourism economy — now faces a dire test. Already reeling from travel cancellations and economic uncertainty, local businesses and hoteliers are bracing for sharp declines in visitor confidence.

Residents and tourists alike are navigating a tense environment where safety precautions remain paramount and situation reports continue to evolve as authorities work to restore order.

Bottom Line

The killing of El Mencho marks a significant moment in Mexico’s long battle against cartel violence, but the immediate and widespread retaliation highlights the fragile security situation in key regions.

Travelers should monitor official advisories and anticipate ongoing disruptions while local authorities press efforts to regain control.