Some Minnesotans Stranded in Mexico After Cartel Violence Erupts

Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta have been canceled as U.S. citizens are told to shelter in place.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 12:10pm

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Violence erupted in Mexico on Sunday after the country's security forces killed a powerful cartel leader known as El Mencho. Members of organized crime groups lit cars on fire, blocked roads, and clashed with police. The U.S. State Department has asked U.S. citizens to shelter in place, and flights to and from Puerto Vallarta have been canceled, stranding some Minnesotans who were on vacation.

Why it matters

The outbreak of cartel violence in Mexico is a serious concern for U.S. citizens traveling there, as it can disrupt travel plans and put people in harm's way. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating powerful and violent drug cartels, and the risks that Americans may face when visiting certain parts of the country.

The details

In the aftermath of the killing of cartel leader El Mencho, members of organized crime groups in Mexico engaged in widespread violence, including setting cars on fire, blocking roads, and clashing with police. This has led the U.S. State Department to advise U.S. citizens to shelter in place and has resulted in the cancellation of flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, stranding some Minnesotans who were on vacation in the area.

  • The violence erupted on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Flights to and from Puerto Vallarta, including those on Delta and Sun Country set to arrive at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, were canceled on Sunday.

The players

Andrea Shapiro

A Minnesotan who was on vacation in Puerto Vallarta with her family when the violence erupted.

Roseanne Hope

A Minneapolis resident who is currently sheltering in place in a condo several miles from Puerto Vallarta.

El Mencho

A powerful cartel leader in Mexico who was killed by the country's security forces, triggering the outbreak of violence.

U.S. State Department

The U.S. government agency that has advised U.S. citizens in Mexico to shelter in place due to the ongoing violence.

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What they’re saying

“A feeling of uncertainty. The whole sky was filled with dark, dark smoke all over.”

— Andrea Shapiro

“Best trip ever, and they all got out yesterday and we decided to extend our vacation for a day and now we are stuck.”

— Andrea Shapiro

“I was going down the street and all of a sudden everything just shut down. I ran to the store and got as much food as I could.”

— Roseanne Hope

“We have lots of love and support with family and friends so we feel really grateful. We just don't know when it's gonna stop.”

— Roseanne Hope

What’s next

The U.S. State Department has advised U.S. citizens to shelter in place until further notice, and it is unclear when the travel disruptions and violence in Mexico will subside.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces in combating powerful and violent drug cartels, and the risks that Americans may face when traveling to certain parts of the country. It serves as a reminder for travelers to closely monitor travel advisories and be prepared for unexpected disruptions when visiting areas affected by cartel violence.