Californians have found themselves trapped in Mexico as cartel violence has escalated in a popular tourist city and spilled towards the US border. Americans in Puerto Vallarta were urged to stay indoors as narco gangs went on a bloody rampage following the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, in a military raid on Sunday.
The violence quickly spread up the west coast of Mexico, with reports of attacks getting closer to the States in Baja California. Gunfire erupted at Guadalajara International Airport, and cars and businesses were set on fire in Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun on the east side of the country.
Among those trapped in Puerto Vallarta was Katy Holloman, who had to stay in her hotel as the roads were closed due to cartel activities. She described the situation as unprecedented and hoped to make it home safely the next day. Similarly, Daniel Smith and James Stephens shared terrifying footage of chaos and violence unfolding in the city, with buildings ablaze and streets blocked.
Puerto Vallarta is a major tourist destination for Californians, with over three million international travelers flying into the city each year. The US State Department urged Americans to shelter in place in the city, as reports of violence in other Mexican states like Baja California, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Guerrero, Nayarit, and Colima surfaced.
The violence erupted after Mexican forces took out drug kingpin Oseguera Cervantes, sparking a violent uprising by cartel gangs. Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a “code red” in Jalisco and urged residents to stay indoors as clashes continued in various parts of the region.
Authorities have called in federal forces to combat the violence, with schools closed and large community events postponed until the situation stabilizes. Oseguera Cervantes, who was living illegally in California in the 1990s, became one of Mexico’s most feared cartel bosses. President Trump had declared the cartel an international terrorist organization and pressured Mexico to crack down on the violence.
The situation in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico remains tense, with residents and tourists caught in the crossfire of cartel violence. The US government continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts are made to restore peace and security in the region.
