Americans in Puerto Vallarta Unfazed by Cartel Violence

Expats say recent cartel attacks were 'performative' and that the city remains safe.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Despite recent cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, American expats living in the coastal city say they feel safe and have no plans to leave. Charity Palmatier and Karen Davis-Farage, who have lived in the area for years, described the cartel's actions as 'performative' and said no citizens were harmed. While the violence was unsettling, the expats say Puerto Vallarta remains a safe and vibrant community.

Why it matters

The recent cartel violence in Puerto Vallarta highlights the complex security situation in parts of Mexico, even as the country remains a popular destination for American expats and tourists. The incident raises questions about the ability of the Mexican government to maintain order and protect citizens, as well as the risks faced by foreigners living in areas with cartel activity.

The details

On Sunday, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel went on a rampage in Puerto Vallarta, torching buses and cars to protest the killing of their leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, aka 'El Mencho.' While the attacks caused property damage and disruption, the expats said no one was injured or killed. The State Department has since lifted its shelter-in-place warning for U.S. citizens in the region.

  • On Sunday, the cartel attacks occurred in Puerto Vallarta.
  • On Tuesday, the State Department lifted its shelter-in-place warning for the region.

The players

Charity Palmatier

A 57-year-old American who has lived in the Puerto Vallarta area for nearly a decade.

Karen Davis-Farage

A 70-year-old American who divides her time between homes in Puerto Vallarta, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes

Also known as 'El Mencho,' he was the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. market.

Alvaro Orozco

A Houston-based real estate agent who counts expats in Mexico as his customers and previously lived in Puerto Vallarta for three years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The cartels like to make statements. They have temper tantrums when one of their big guys gets captured or killed.”

— Charity Palmatier (nbcnews.com)

“It's not the Wild West down here. It's much more safe than you would think.”

— Charity Palmatier (nbcnews.com)

“Everybody is safe and sound.”

— Karen Davis-Farage (nbcnews.com)

“No doubt what happened was scary, but generally it's very safe over there. A lot of the time, what happens in Mexico feels more dramatic in the United States.”

— Alvaro Orozco, Houston-based real estate agent (nbcnews.com)

“I just hope people don't stay away from Vallarta because of this.”

— Karen Davis-Farage (nbcnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the complex security situation in parts of Mexico, even as the country remains a popular destination for American expats and tourists. While the cartel violence was unsettling, the expats in Puerto Vallarta say the city remains a safe and vibrant community, and they have no plans to leave.