Puerto Vallarta — one of Latin America’s most cherished gay vacation towns — finds itself caught in an unexpected and unsettling moment.
On Sunday, February, 22, Mexican federal forces announced they had killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the elusive leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) during an army operation in the nearby hills of Jalisco state. The fallout was immediate: cartel gunmen set fire to vehicles and barricaded roads in several cities, including Puerto Vallarta. Videos circulating online show thick black smoke rising over the coast’s glittering skyline — a stark contrast to the usual postcard-perfect sunsets.
Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro publicly warned residents of potential violence sprawling across the region. Visitors staying at resorts reported being told to remain inside and delay any non-essential travel within the city. (Mexico News Daily)
Tourists Advised to “Shelter in Place”
The United States and Canadian governments both issued advisories urging their citizens to stay indoors and avoid heading to airports or open streets amid the unrest. Several flights to and from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport were suspended as a precaution. (CityNews Vancouver)
While there have been no confirmed reports of tourists being directly targeted, the tone from local authorities has been cautious. Officials describe the cartels’ response as a classic show of force — roadblocks, burning vehicles, and scattered unrest — rather than organized assaults against visitors.
A Vacation Hotspot with a Complex Reality
For years, Puerto Vallarta has been a jewel of LGBTQ+ travel.
CJNG Cartel Members have launched mass attacks across Mexico after their leader was taken out in a special operation. I edited this compilation together so you can see how bad it really is! pic.twitter.com/UQkhHePnE1
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) February 22, 2026
Drug kingpin Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was reportedly slain by army forces, which unleashed a retaliatory strike, obliterating part of the popular resort town of Puerto Vallarta with assaults also being launched at Guadalajara International Airport and the state of Veracruz, according to local outlets.
Source: OEM
