US EditionUS Tourists Stranded in Mexico Amid ‘Really Scary’ Cartel Violence
El Mencho died after a federal special forces operation, triggering roadblocks, fires, and flight cancellations that stranded thousands in Jalisco, officials said.
- On February 22, 2026, explosions and burning vehicles erupted across Puerto Vallarta, prompting shelter-in-place orders and widespread flight cancellations that stranded tourists, including Canadian travellers.
- A special forces operation to capture Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes wounded him and he died en route to Mexico City, the Secretariat of National Defence said; a Pentagon task force supported Mexico's effort.
- From rooftops and balconies, visitors reported seeing burned vehicles and chaotic streets, with Lakewood resident Darin Dean saying `Everything we could see, smoke-wise, is within walking distance`.
- Jalisco's governor suspended public transport and urged people to stay inside; Global Affairs Canada issued a travel advisory noting nearly 19,000 Canadians registered in Mexico, including nearly 5,000 in Jalisco.
- The disruption threatens Puerto Vallarta's tourism recovery, as security experts warn cartel roadblocks could last days and flight tracking data shows some Canada-bound planes turned back mid-flight.
37 Articles
37 Articles
The resort of Puerto Vallarta, in Mexico, awoke “with great calm”, although with strong visible sequels, especially in tourists, after the “kidnapping” lived during the violence due to the death of alias El Mencho, leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación.
Violence erupts in Mexico after cartel leader killing
What Travelers Need to Know as Cartel Violence Rattles Mexico
A wave of violence in Mexico linked to the killing of a top drug-cartel boss has erupted in several cities that are popular with U.S. tourists, prompting flight cancellations, roadblocks, cruise disruptions and “shelter in place” alerts from the U.S. government. The major travel disturbances are unusual in a country where tourists are largely insulated from violence. Mexico welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2025 and is far an…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
