Veteran-Led Rescue Group Evacuates Americans Trapped in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence

Grey Bull Rescue launches 'Operation: CONDOR REACH' to extract U.S. citizens from dangerous areas

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit organization, has launched 'Operation: CONDOR REACH' to evacuate American citizens trapped in Mexico following a surge in violence linked to the Jalisco New Generation cartel. The escalation in violence has left hundreds of Americans stranded, with civilian transit routes becoming increasingly dangerous. Grey Bull Rescue is operating on the ground in Mexico, utilizing air, land, and sea routes to evacuate Americans and allied nationals.

Why it matters

The situation in Mexico has become 'war-zone level' due to the cartels' use of sophisticated tactics and unhinged brutality. With the U.S. State Department issuing shelter-in-place orders and airlines canceling flights, Americans find themselves unable to leave even luxury resort areas. This operation by Grey Bull Rescue aims to provide a lifeline for those stranded and seeking to escape the escalating conflict.

The details

Grey Bull Rescue, a veteran-led nonprofit organization, has launched 'Operation: CONDOR REACH' to evacuate American citizens trapped in Mexico. The operation began on Monday in response to the escalation of violence linked to the Jalisco New Generation cartel, following the reported targeting of senior cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho.' The resulting unrest has left hundreds of Americans stranded, with civilian transit routes becoming increasingly dangerous and unpredictable. Grey Bull Rescue is operating on the ground in Mexico, utilizing air, land, and sea routes to evacuate Americans and allied nationals.

  • The operation began on Monday, February 23, 2026.
  • The escalation in violence follows the reported targeting of senior cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho.'

The players

Grey Bull Rescue

A veteran-led nonprofit organization specializing in high-risk humanitarian operations.

Bryan Stern

The founder of Grey Bull Rescue and a multiple-tour combat veteran.

Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes

Also known as 'El Mencho,' he is a senior cartel leader whose reported targeting has led to the escalation of violence.

Wendee Puccetti

A tourist from Wisconsin who was informed that 'no one's leaving' their resort in Punta Mita near Puerto Vallarta, as the airport was shut down and transportation was unavailable.

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What they’re saying

“When the cartels embrace asymmetric warfare tactics blended with unhinged brutality – coordinated disruption, territorial control and murder – Americans can quickly find themselves in extreme danger. Operation: CONDOR REACH is about speed, structure, and decisive action to evacuate Americans out of harm's way away from the cartel war zone.”

— Bryan Stern, Founder, Grey Bull Rescue (newsdirectory3.com)

“These are not punk kids with face tattoos. The cartels are extremely organized, very well-resourced and very prepared. They have eyes and ears on the street.”

— Bryan Stern, Founder, Grey Bull Rescue (newsdirectory3.com)

“In war, the answer to peace generally is a political solution. The cartels are a business as much as they are an army, and the violence is entirely in their control.”

— Bryan Stern, Founder, Grey Bull Rescue (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Grey Bull Rescue is actively working to provide a lifeline for those stranded and seeking to escape the escalating conflict in Mexico.

The takeaway

This operation by Grey Bull Rescue highlights the growing threat of cartel violence in Mexico and the need for sophisticated, veteran-led rescue efforts to protect American citizens caught in the crossfire. It also underscores the complex political dynamics involved in addressing the cartel problem, which requires a multifaceted approach beyond just military action.