US Tourists Stranded in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence After Drug Lord's Killing

Widespread unrest and attacks on tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and other areas following the death of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The killing of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes on Sunday set off a wave of retaliatory violence from his gunmen, affecting areas popular with foreign tourists such as Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. Several US airlines suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, stranding many tourists who were desperate to escape the violence and return home. CNN spoke to a number of affected American tourists who described scenes of chaos, with carjackings, vehicles set on fire, and roads blocked by the cartel members.

Why it matters

The outbreak of cartel violence in popular tourist destinations in Mexico highlights the ongoing security challenges and risks faced by visitors to the country. This incident raises concerns about the Mexican government's ability to maintain order and protect tourists, potentially impacting the country's vital tourism industry.

The details

In multiple incidents, American tourists in Puerto Vallarta described being attacked by armed cartel members. Yoni Pizer said his car was hijacked, set on fire, and used to block a road. Other tourists reported seeing taxis and buses burned, roads blocked, and people being dragged from their vehicles. The unrest forced airlines to suspend flights to Puerto Vallarta, stranding visitors who were desperate to return home.

  • The violence erupted on Sunday, February 23, 2026, following the killing of cartel leader Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes.
  • On Monday, February 24, 2026, the US State Department advised that more areas of Mexico had 'returned to normal' but cautioned US citizens in certain areas to continue to shelter in place.

The players

Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes

The leader of a Mexican cartel whose killing on Sunday, February 23, 2026, sparked the wave of retaliatory violence affecting tourist areas.

Yoni Pizer

An American living in Puerto Vallarta who was attacked by cartel gunmen, with his car being hijacked, set on fire, and used to block a road.

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What they’re saying

“A young man came running with a gun pointed at our windshield to us, screaming in Spanish: Get out of the car! Get out of the car!”

— Yoni Pizer (CNN)

“It was such a complete shocker and it almost felt like being in the twilight zone. We've been to PV before and thought that this would be a no brainer place to come and do a quick, easy beach vacation.”

— Adryan Moorefield, Dallas resident (CNN)

What’s next

The US State Department is closely monitoring the situation in Mexico and advising US citizens to exercise caution and shelter in place in affected areas. Airlines have suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, and it remains unclear when normal operations will resume.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and risks faced by tourists in parts of Mexico, even in popular vacation destinations. It raises questions about the Mexican government's ability to maintain order and protect visitors, potentially impacting the country's vital tourism industry.