Puerto Vallarta’s international airport has closed and American and Canadian tourists have been ordered to shelter in place as violence escalates across the Mexican state of Jalisco, following the reported death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an alert on February 22, 2026, advising U.S. Citizens in Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, to shelter in place until further notice due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.
The escalating violence began after a federal military operation in Tapalpa, southeast of Puerto Vallarta, targeted Cervantes, resulting in his death, according to reports. In retaliation, organized crime members have reportedly set commercial vehicles, buses, and cars on fire to create roadblocks across major highways, disrupting travel and creating visible smoke clouds over Puerto Vallarta. The U.S. Embassy alert cited “Red Code” activation, indicating an immediate threat.
American Airlines has issued travel alerts for Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, stating that impacted passengers will have change fees waived. The airline indicated it will reach out to affected travelers via email and app notifications, but did not specify the extent of flight cancellations or delays.
Reports indicate the Costco in Puerto Vallarta was fully engulfed in flames on February 22, 2026, though the cause remains unconfirmed. The widespread disruption has impacted at least five states, with Jalisco experiencing the most significant effects.
The U.S. Mission to Mexico released a security alert on February 22, 2026, detailing ongoing security operations, but has not provided an estimated timeframe for when the shelter-in-place order will be lifted.
