PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico — Tens of thousands of Canadian travellers remain under high alert or stranded in the Jalisco region following a weekend of unprecedented violence triggered by the death of one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal figures.
The chaos erupted on Sunday, 22 February 2026, after Mexican security forces confirmed the killing of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The operation, reportedly involving a joint effort with U.S. intelligence, sparked immediate and violent retaliation across several states, with Puerto Vallarta serving as a primary flashpoint.
State of Emergency and “Code Red”
As of 24 February 2026, the state of Jalisco remains under a “Code Red” security advisory. In the immediate aftermath of the kingpin’s death, cartel members engaged in narcobloqueos (narco-blockades), seizing and torching vehicles to obstruct major roadways and airport access. Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisory, urging the estimated 26,000 registered Canadians in the country to exercise extreme caution and “shelter in place” where local authorities deem necessary.
Reports from the ground in Puerto Vallarta describe a city transformed from a tranquil resort destination into a zone of high tension. On Sunday, several hotels, including the Los Arcos Hotel, were reportedly breached by armed individuals, forcing guests to hide in secure rooms and basements until military reinforcements arrived.
Impact on Canadian Travellers
The violence has caused significant disruption to international travel. While some flights have begun to resume, thousands of Canadians remain trapped due to previous cancellations and the lingering danger on roads leading to the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR).
- Shelter Orders: Many resorts in the Romantic Zone and Marina Vallarta have advised guests to remain on hotel grounds and avoid the city centre.
- Prison Breaks: Security concerns were heightened following reports that 23 inmates were sprung from a regional jail during the wave of unrest.
- Consular Assistance: Global Affairs Canada is monitoring the situation closely, though they warn that the ability to provide consular services in active conflict zones may be limited.
Expert Warnings and Local Sentiment
Security experts and former intelligence officials have issued stern warnings, suggesting that the death of “El Mencho” could lead to a protracted power struggle both within the CJNG and against rival factions like the Sinaloa Cartel. “While tourists are not typically the intended targets, the risk of being caught in the crossfire or collateral damage is currently at its highest in years,” noted one security analyst.
Despite the “war zone” descriptions provided by some tourists to Canadian media outlets, some long-term residents and expatriates report a cautious return to normalcy. “The cartel violence isn’t targeting the population or the tourists directly, but the reaction to the kingpin’s death was massive,” a Quebecer living in Puerto Vallarta told the Montreal Gazette. By Tuesday morning, some locals were seen returning to the beaches, though the heavy presence of the Mexican National Guard remains a constant reminder of the volatile situation.
Advice for Canadians: Those currently in Puerto Vallarta are advised to monitor local news, stay in contact with their airlines, and ensure they are registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, and do not attempt to drive through roadblocks or areas where vehicles have been set on fire.