Cartel Unrest Disrupts Travel in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara as US Issues Shelter-in-Place Alert

Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other cities in Mexico saw significant unrest on Sunday, including fires, explosions, and visible panic at airports. Authorities in the state of Jalisco and the governments of the United States and Canada ordered tourists and residents to shelter in place and suspended public transportation.

The unrest started after Mexican security forces carried out a major operation Sunday in Jalisco targeting Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was wounded during an attempt to capture him near Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died while being flown to Mexico City, according to the Defense Department.

His reported death triggered a violent response: cartel members set up roadblocks with burning vehicles and clashed with security forces in Jalisco and several other states. Officials later said there had been more than 250 cartel roadblocks across 20 states, most of which were cleared by late Sunday, according to SFgate.

Mexico’s Defense Secretariat confirmed the operation and said intelligence cooperation with the United States took place, noting that information “was provided” by US authorities while Mexican forces conducted the mission. President Claudia Sheinbaum said that “in most of the national territory, activities are developing with full normality.” Still, in Jalisco, Governor Pablo Lemus described the situation as “critical hours” and urged residents to remain home while security forces worked to restore order. There is still no announced timeline for lifting shelter-in-place orders.

The US Embassy in Mexico issued a security alert telling US citizens in several states to shelter in place “until further notice”:

• Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, Guadalajara)
• Baja California (Tijuana, Tecate, Ensenada)
• Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)
• Parts of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Oaxaca, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas

There is still no announced timeline for lifting shelter-in-place orders.

Puerto Vallarta experienced the most visible impact for travelers. Roadblocks on highways leading to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) prompted airlines to cancel international departures and many domestic flights on February 22. Reuters reported that Air Canada temporarily suspended operations in Puerto Vallarta and United Airlines canceled its flights there in the immediate aftermath of the unrest, and other carriers reported cancellations or schedule disruptions amid the security situation. Airport officials stated that the airport itself was not damaged, but access routes were affected. Travelers should monitor airline updates closely.

All rideshare services were suspended in the aftermath of the cartel response.

Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital and a major international gateway, also saw roadblocks and vehicle fires in parts of the metro area.

Many flights in and out of Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) were canceled, delayed, or diverted. United Airlines is warning of disruptions for flights to and from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta from Sunday through Wednesday. Delta expects its flights to those cities to be affected through Thursday. Travelers in the city should check with their airline before going to the airport.

The US Consulate General in Guadalajara issued a security alert advising US government employees to follow local authority guidance and shelter in place.

There have been no reports of coordinated unrest tied to this operation in Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Cancun International Airport (CUN) continues operating normally.

Quintana Roo is currently listed as Level 2: “Exercise Increased Caution” by the US Department of State due to crime. While isolated incidents occur, there have been no new security measures or transportation shutdowns related to the Jalisco operation.

Mexico City has not reported related disruptions following the federal operation in Jalisco. Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) continues normal operations.

The capital is also listed as Level 2 under the US advisory system. As in other major cities, officials recommend standard urban precautions. There have been no indications of spillover unrest affecting tourism infrastructure.

For travelers, the situation is regional rather than nationwide. Disruptions have been concentrated in Jalisco, particularly affecting transportation access in Puerto Vallarta and parts of Guadalajara. Major resort areas and international gateways elsewhere in Mexico continue to function as usual.

Travelers should check the advisory level for the specific state they plan to visit, monitor airline notifications, and follow updates from the US Embassy in Mexico. Conditions can change quickly, but at this time there is no indication of nationwide travel shutdowns.