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Central Coast Tourists Safely Return After Mexico Cartel Violence
A local fire chief helped the group get to the airport after they sheltered in place in their hotel.
Published on Feb. 26, 2026
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A group of Santa Barbara residents, including former city council member Gil Garcia, were stranded in Mexico due to cartel violence that erupted after the Mexican army killed the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group was trapped in their hotel in El Grullo, Jalisco, but a local fire chief helped them safely travel to the airport to return home.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and cartel violence that can impact tourists in parts of Mexico, even in popular tourist destinations. It also showcases the importance of having contingency plans and local assistance when traveling abroad during times of unrest.
The details
Garcia and his group, including his wife, sister, and friends, were visiting a health spa in western Mexico when violence broke out after the Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. They were told to shelter in place at their hotel, where they could hear helicopters and machine gun fire. A local fire chief ultimately helped the group safely travel to the airport to return to the U.S.
- On Sunday, the group was preparing to leave for the airport when they were told the roads were blocked by burning vehicles.
- On Sunday night, the hotel where the group was staying was locked down and no one was allowed to leave.
- On Wednesday, the group, including Garcia, his wife, and another member, landed at Los Angeles International Airport and took the Santa Barbara Airbus home.
The players
Gil Garcia
A former Santa Barbara City Council member who was part of the group stranded in Mexico.
Marti Correa de Garcia
Gil Garcia's wife, who was also part of the group stranded in Mexico.
Jalisco New Generation Cartel
A Mexican drug trafficking cartel whose leader, Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, was killed by the Mexican army, sparking the violence that stranded the group.
Local fire chief
A fire chief in Mexico who helped ensure the roads were clear for Garcia's group to safely travel to the airport.
What they’re saying
“(The driver) said the highway was blocked with burning vehicles of all kinds. Buses, cars, trucks,”
— Gil Garcia, Former Santa Barbara City Council member (Noozhawk)
“It's a little scary, but when we get together, we seem to relax a bit and share concerns about our families.”
— Gil Garcia, Former Santa Barbara City Council member (Noozhawk)
“The panic did not last very long here, if 'panic' is the right word.”
— Janice Keller (Noozhawk)
What’s next
The group that was still in Mexico plans to return to the U.S. later this week.
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder for travelers to Mexico to stay vigilant, have contingency plans, and heed local authorities' guidance during times of cartel-related unrest, even in popular tourist areas.
