US tourists stranded after Mexico drug lord’s killing sparks wave of violence

Hundreds of United States tourists are stranded in popular Mexican holiday destinations after the killing of one of the country’s most notorious cartel leaders sparked a sudden and violent backlash, prompting flight cancellations, travel advisories, and shelter‑in‑place orders across major resort areas.
The violence erupted late on 22 February 2026 after Mexican security forces announced they had killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, the head of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, which Mexican officials said involved federal troops operating in Jalisco state, immediately triggered a wave of retaliation from cartel members and affiliates across the region
Violence Spills Into Tourist Hubs
Cities and resort towns across Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other parts of Jalisco state saw roads blocked, vehicles and buildings torched, and fighting spill into surrounding neighborhoods as CJNG members sought revenge and to disrupt government activity. Burning barricades, smoke plumes, and reports of armed confrontations spread fear among both locals and visitors alike.
The turmoil has had immediate consequences for travelers. The U.S. Department of State and several foreign ministries issued urgent warnings telling their citizens to shelter in place, avoid travel to certain states, and follow instructions from local authorities.
In Puerto Vallarta — normally a bustling Pacific resort beloved by American tourists — taxis, ride‑shares and buses were suspended, and many shops and restaurants shut their doors as the situation deteriorated. Videos circulating online showed smoke rising near hotels and near the airport, where services were severely disrupted.
Business Insider
Flights Grounded, Tourists Stranded
Major airlines, including United Airlines, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and other carriers canceled or diverted flights to and from both Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara International Airport, leaving many tourists unable to return home as planned.
San Francisco Chronicle
Travelers caught in the chaos described long nights waiting for updates and scrambling for information amid limited transport options. “We were supposed to fly home Sunday afternoon, but everything has been canceled, and no one is telling us when we’ll leave,” said one U.S. tourist who asked not to be named. Another recounted seeing smoke from burning vehicles while walking near a hotel entrance.
Government Advisories and Safety Measures
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the Canadian Government both issued advisories urging citizens to avoid unnecessary movement, monitor news and security updates, and remain in safe locations such as their hotels or designated shelters until the unrest subsides.
Foreign governments, including New Zealand and India, also released guidance encouraging citizens to stay updated on local conditions and keep emergency contact details handy.
Authorities emphasized that while the violence was largely targeted at government forces and cartel rivals, the unpredictable nature of the clashes — including roadblocks and sporadic fires — made navigation outside secured areas too dangerous for foreigners and locals alike.
Impact Beyond Jalisco
The unrest has had ripple effects across Mexico’s tourism sector. Travel industry officials warned that broader economic consequences could follow if travelers postpone trips or cancel bookings to coastal destinations. The crisis also casts a shadow over other areas that attract tourists, including beaches and cultural regions beyond Jalisco, as authorities weighed whether to extend travel advisories.
Business Insider
The Bigger Picture
Experts note that the spike in violence is a predictable response to the sudden vacuum left by El Mencho’s death. High‑profile cartel leaders often leave behind fragmented power structures that can trigger internal fighting and retaliation against government forces. While historical violence in Mexico has largely been targeted at rival groups, the current unrest has blurred lines, affecting public infrastructure and civilian mobility.
For now, thousands of U.S. and international tourists remain in limbo, trying to stay safe and find a way home amid one of the most sudden spikes in violence the region has seen in recent years.