A Californian is caught in Mexico as cartel violence disrupts the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, extending its reach towards the U.S. border.
Americans currently in Puerto Vallarta have been advised to remain indoors as drug gangs unleash chaos following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the Jalisco New Generation cartel leader, who was killed during a military operation on Sunday.
The violence began to spread along the western coast of Mexico, with incidents reported closer to the U.S. in Baja California, and gunfire at Guadalajara International Airport. Cities like Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun experienced similar outbreaks of destruction, with cars and businesses set ablaze.
Among those ensnared in the chaos was Katie Holloman, who had been heading to the airport when she was redirected to seek shelter in her hotel. “We were told to evacuate right now. We have to stay in a hotel. It’s safer here, but it’s not safe to go to the airport,” said the makeup artist from El Dorado Hills.
“The roads are closed because of the cartels. There are no flights from the airport to America. We’ve had to change our plans for tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, we can get back home safely,” she added, noting the unprecedented nature of the violence even according to hotel staff.
Feeling adventurous, she humorously mentioned, “I think it’s time to unpack my suitcase and put on my swimsuit again.”
Another tourist, Daniel Smith from Palm Springs, shared distressing footage of the unrest, capturing a frantic evacuation after a propane tank explosion. “We’re praying the building doesn’t catch on fire,” he remarked in a video. His brother Richard posted clips showing burning vehicles in the streets of Puerto Vallarta, calling for prayers for Daniel. “He can’t get out; all the roads are blocked,” he said.
James Stevens from San Diego also found himself trapped. He posted a video of a Costco engulfed in flames and expressed disbelief at the situation. “We’re stuck in Puerto Vallarta because the cartels are trying to take over the city. The whole city is shut down. We can’t get out. Are we crazy? We’re safe,” he noted.
Puerto Vallarta attracts over three million international visitors every year, many from California. The U.S. State Department advised Americans to take cover in the city, while reports of escalating violence emerged from states including Baja California, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Guerrero, Nayarit, and Colima.
Panic spread further as gunfire erupted at Guadalajara International Airport, prompting the evacuation of passengers. Oseguera Cervantes was arrested earlier that day, provoking violent retaliation from cartel members especially in Puerto Vallarta.
Local authorities have described the situation as being under “code red,” further advising residents to stay at home amid ongoing conflicts with federal agencies. Fires were set across Jalisco state to hinder federal troops’ operations, as officials reported.
As fear gripped the city, merchants were forced to close, and events postponed. Schools would shut down on Monday in response to the unrest. Authorities are even requesting federal troop assistance to tackle the escalating violence.
Oseguera Cervantes, who had previously lived in California, had a troubling history, becoming notorious in the cartel world following the downfall of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. His indictment for several drug-related charges since 2017 highlights the ongoing battle against cartel activities that fuel drug trafficking into the United States.
