Travelers Return to Chicago from Mexico After Cartel Violence Stranding

Flights between western Mexico and Chicago have resumed, with the first arrivals landing Monday night.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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After widespread unrest in western Mexico following the killing of a powerful cartel leader, some flights between the region and Chicago have resumed, with the first travelers arriving back in the city on Monday night. The U.S. Department of State said many areas have returned to normal, but Americans in certain cities were still being told to shelter in place. Travelers described a chaotic situation with roadblocks and panic at airports, but were ultimately able to depart and return safely to Chicago.

Why it matters

The cartel violence and unrest in Mexico disrupted travel plans for many Americans, highlighting the risks and unpredictability that can arise from conflicts between security forces and organized crime groups. The situation underscores the importance of travel safety and preparedness, as well as the need for clear communication and coordination between authorities and travelers.

The details

On Sunday, Mexican special forces killed a powerful cartel leader known as "El Mencho", prompting a violent response from cartels. They set cars, buses, and gas stations on fire, and authorities reported more than 250 roadblocks across several states. Panic broke out at the Guadalajara airport as travelers scrambled for safety, but some flights continued to operate, including additional arrivals expected at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday.

  • On Sunday, Mexican special forces killed a powerful cartel leader known as "El Mencho".
  • On Monday night, the first travelers arrived back in Chicago from western Mexico.

The players

U.S. Department of State

The federal agency responsible for international relations and travel advisories.

Daniel Hurst

A traveler who returned to Chicago from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Monday night.

Daniel Martin

A traveler who returned to Chicago from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on Monday night.

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What they’re saying

“It was such an evolving situation where we got on Reddit and could see what was going on. Everyone was posting videos, and it was just like, we didn't know what was going to happen with the flights. No one knew, everyone was locked down.”

— Daniel Martin, Traveler (CBS News Chicago)

“There was like talk online, like, is the cartel going to fight the army, and are we going to be in like sort of a war zone situation for a while, which just seems extreme because everything calmed down so fast? But in the moment, you just don't know what's going to happen.”

— Daniel Martin, Traveler (CBS News Chicago)

“Once we had word that our flight was probably still going to take off, we still didn't have transportation to the airport, so it was kind of just a waiting game to see if A, our incoming plane was going to come at all, and then B, if we would be able to get a taxi or Uber or something, and luckily, everything kind of coalesced at the right time, and then we got really lucky — we made it safely.”

— Daniel Hurst, Traveler (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

The U.S. Embassy is still encouraging Americans in impacted areas to monitor official sources and avoid misinformation. More travelers were expected to arrive back in Chicago from Mexico on Tuesday afternoon.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of travel, especially in regions with ongoing conflicts and cartel violence. It underscores the importance of staying informed, being prepared for disruptions, and following official guidance when traveling to potentially volatile areas.