Chicago-Area Travelers Stranded Amid Cartel Violence in Mexico

Burning vehicles, road blockades, and airport chaos disrupt flights to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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New concerns have surfaced for Chicago-area travelers heading to parts of Mexico after cartel-related violence in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara triggered burning vehicles, road blockades, airport chaos, and flight disruptions. Some travelers have reported firsthand experiences of carjackings, gunfire, and flight cancellations, leaving them stranded in Mexico.

Why it matters

The unrest follows a major military operation in Mexico in which authorities said they killed one of the country's most powerful drug cartel leaders, setting off retaliatory violence across parts of Jalisco state. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and risks for travelers in certain regions of Mexico.

The details

Yoni Pizer, a Chicagoan, said he and his husband were carjacked at gunpoint in Puerto Vallarta as cartel members blocked major roads with burning vehicles. Jennifer Keltner, a Brookfield woman, has been stranded in Puerto Vallarta after her flight home was canceled. Former Telemundo Chicago journalist Benjamin Zamora described encountering burning vehicles and armed men while heading to the Guadalajara airport, where panic ensued among travelers.

  • On Monday, new concerns surfaced for Chicago-area travelers heading to parts of Mexico.
  • The unrest follows a major military operation in Mexico in which authorities said they killed one of the country's most powerful drug cartel leaders on an unspecified date.

The players

Yoni Pizer

A Chicagoan who was carjacked at gunpoint in Puerto Vallarta.

Jennifer Keltner

A Brookfield woman who has been stranded in Puerto Vallarta after her flight home was canceled.

Benjamin Zamora

A former Telemundo Chicago journalist and independent reporter who encountered burning vehicles and armed men while heading to the Guadalajara airport.

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What they’re saying

“Being, you know, carjacked at gunpoint, and then having a rental car exploded, bombed in front of us, and then chased through gunfire.”

— Yoni Pizer (nbcchicago.com)

“Supposed to go home today. Flight was canceled… now they're telling me the earliest I can get home is March 2.”

— Jennifer Keltner (nbcchicago.com)

“We realized that there was something wrong when armed, heavily armed men were trying to reach several of the cars there, including ours.”

— Benjamin Zamora, Former Telemundo Chicago journalist and independent reporter (nbcchicago.com)

“It was a scary situation… it was not only affecting one part of the city, it was pretty much the whole city was kind of shut down.”

— Benjamin Zamora, Former Telemundo Chicago journalist and independent reporter (nbcchicago.com)

“People started running. They started taking cover… it became very, very chaotic fast.”

— Benjamin Zamora, Former Telemundo Chicago journalist and independent reporter (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

Airlines have reported cancellations and disruptions to and from Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara amid the unrest. The U.S. State Department is advising Americans in affected areas to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations. Authorities are working to restore order and reopen transportation routes.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and risks for travelers in certain regions of Mexico, where cartel-related violence can disrupt travel plans and leave tourists stranded. It underscores the importance of closely monitoring travel advisories and being prepared for potential disruptions when visiting areas affected by cartel activity.