Popular Mexican resort town under siege after cartel leader killed — as US urges tourists to shelter in place
A major Mexican resort city erupted in chaos Sunday after Mexican authorities killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a military operation.
Tourists in Puerto Vallarta were warned to stay indoors as cartel members went on a violent rampage in retaliation for the death of the notorious drug kingpin.
The US State Department advised Americans in the area to shelter in place. Some travelers reported being trapped amid the violence. “It looked like the whole city was on fire,” said Colorado resident Scott Posilkin, who is stranded in Puerto Vallarta. “We saw a bus in the middle of the road with people running out of it. At first we thought it was an accident, but then a man with a gun told us to go back.”
Posilkin added, “We’re all processing. I think we’re all a little anxious. We’re just waiting to hear what the State Department tells us to do. Right now we’re sheltering in place and just happy to be together and safe.” Another tourist posted online, “We are here at a hotel in the hotel zone. Staying put until we get the all clear. All of the businesses in the area have closed.”
Mexican authorities reported widespread violence throughout the day.
“Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa a few hours ago, which has led to clashes in the area,” Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro wrote on X. He added that cartel members were burning and blocking vehicles to hinder authorities, putting much of Jalisco on a “code red.”
Officials warned residents to remain indoors as the clashes spread across several federal entities. According to El Universal, cartel members set fires and blocked roads in attempts to stop federal forces. In Puerto Vallarta, hotels sheltered tourists while streets filled with burning vehicles and debris.
Reports also emerged of gunfire near Guadalajara International Airport. A video circulating online showed passengers running for cover. The Pacific Airport Group later confirmed that Mexican National Guard forces were deployed but said operations continued normally. “No incidents have been reported inside the facilities, and there is no risk to passengers, staff, or visitors,” the airport statement said.
The unrest has disrupted large portions of western and central Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is the country’s fourth-largest tourism destination, and Guadalajara’s airport handles nearly 19 million passengers annually. Air Canada canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta due to “an ongoing security situation.”
Businesses in Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacan, and Guanajuato closed, and local officials announced school closures and the postponement of large public events until conditions improve. Smoke and roadblocks persisted throughout Sunday, and federal reinforcements have been called in.
@GNocturnaMX @Trafico_ZMG esto es en la Plazita del verde el Salto pic.twitter.com/tkqfFOigpE
— Sergio (@Sergio352276769) February 22, 2026
Oseguera Cervantes, a sixth-grade dropout and former police officer, rose to prominence following the arrest and conviction of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman by US authorities. President Trump last year designated the CJNG as an international terrorist organization and pressed Mexico to intensify efforts against the group. The US had a $15 million bounty on Oseguera Cervantes, who faced multiple indictments in Washington, DC, including a 2022 charge for conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances linked to illegal importation into the US.
The kingpin, 53, was killed in Tapalpa during a raid by Mexican forces. Officials said, “During this operation, military personnel were attacked, so in defense, they repelled the aggression, resulting in four members of the CJNG being killed at the scene and three seriously injured, who died during transport to Mexico City.” Oseguera Cervantes was among those who died during the transfer.
Following his death, CJNG gunmen launched attacks in Jalisco, Michoacan, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, and Veracruz, according to local media reports.
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