Tourists in Mexico's Puerto Vallarta told to 'shelter in place' as cartel violence erupts
Business Insider
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US State Department issued a rare "shelter in place" warning for American tourists in Mexico following an escalation of cartel violence. The surge in violence occurred after Mexican authorities killed Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC). The violence affected popular tourist destinations including Puerto Vallarta, Cancún, and Tulum, with videos showing burning vehicles and smoke plumes in Puerto Vallarta. Flights to the region were grounded, and Air Canada suspended operations to Puerto Vallarta, though airports remained open despite roadblocks disrupting airline services.
The incident highlights the fragile security situation in Mexico's tourism hotspots, particularly Puerto Vallarta, which is a key destination for American and Canadian travelers. The area gained fame from its portrayal in the 1970s-80s TV show *The Love Boat*. The violence was a direct retaliation by the JNGC after the death of their leader, who had long been a target of both Mexican and US authorities. Earlier last week, the State Department had already sanctioned Kovay Gardens, a Puerto Vallarta-based timeshare resort, along with 17 other companies and five individuals linked to the cartel's fraudulent schemes.
Puerto Vallarta's status as a strategic stronghold for the JNGC has made it a focal point in the ongoing conflict between cartels and law enforcement. The State Department also announced a $15 million reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of Cervantes, underscoring the international attention on the cartel's activities. Under Cervantes' leadership, the JNGC has been implicated in numerous violent clashes with rival trafficking groups and law enforcement agencies.
This situation underscores the risks faced by tourists and businesses operating in Mexico's tourism industry. The violence not only disrupts travel plans but also
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/22/2026