US Embassy urges Americans to shelter in place amid cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta region

By THE ALASKA STORY

US citizens up and down Mexico’s southern Pacific coast and inlands are being urged to shelter in place following violent unrest in and around Puerto Vallarta — one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations and a frequent winter retreat for Alaskans.

The US Embassy in Mexico issued an alert Sunday morning directing American citizens currently in Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, as well as Tamaulipas, parts of Michoacán, Guerrero, and Nuevo León, to “shelter in place until further notice.”

Many Alaska residents spend weeks or months in the region during the winter season. At the same time, Alaska Airlines flights in and out of Puerto Vallarta International Airport and Manzanillo Airport were reported canceled, delayed, or diverted Sunday as security conditions deteriorated.

Videos circulating on social media and posted by local journalists show black smoke rising from burning vehicles and reports of roadways blocked by car fires in parts of Jalisco. Authorities say the unrest is tied to a major military operation targeting a powerful cartel leader.

According to reporting from the Associated Press, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a military operation Sunday.

Oseguera Cervantes was reportedly wounded during an operation to capture him in Tapalpa, Jalisco, approximately two hours southwest of Guadalajara. Mexico’s Defense Department said he died while being flown to Mexico City.

Following news of his death, cartel members allegedly launched coordinated roadblocks using burning vehicles, a tactic commonly employed to disrupt military movements and create chaos during security operations.

The Embassy advisory applies to:

• Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara)

• Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities)

• Parts of Michoacán State

• Parts of Guerrero State

• Nuevo León State

The advisory cites “ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity” as the reason for the shelter-in-place order.

The Embassy is advising U.S. citizens in affected areas to:

• Avoid areas around law enforcement activity

• Be aware of surroundings

• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movement

• Avoid crowds

• Monitor local media for updates

• Follow directions of local authorities

• Call 911 in case of emergency

• Keep family and friends informed of their location and well-being

For assistance, Americans may contact:

• From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561

• From the United States: +1-844-528-6611

• U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Puerto Vallarta is a major winter destination for Alaskans seeking warmer temperatures. With flight disruptions reported Sunday, travelers are urged to check directly with Alaska Airlines regarding itinerary changes and potential delays. Many Alaskans are currently trapped in the area due to the chaos.

While the unrest appears centered around cartel retaliation against security forces, officials are warning that conditions can shift rapidly. The Embassy’s guidance remains in effect “until further notice.”