Windsor Tourists Trapped in Mexico Amid Cartel Violence After Leader's Death
From his condo balcony in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica neighborhood on Sunday, Windsor resident Rob Donaldson witnessed a terrifying scene unfold. Columns of thick black smoke rose ominously above the city, accompanied by the sounds of explosions and gunfire echoing through the streets.
His cellphone quickly flooded with concerned messages from family and friends back home in Canada, all asking the same urgent question: "Are you safe?"
Violence Erupts After Cartel Leader's Death
The chaos began after Mexican security forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This criminal organization is widely regarded as one of Mexico's most formidable and rapidly expanding drug trafficking networks.
The operation that eliminated El Mencho triggered an immediate explosion of retaliatory violence across Jalisco region and other states. Dozens of security forces were among those killed in the ensuing clashes.
Global Affairs Canada reported that cartel members blocked roads, burned vehicles, torched businesses, and engaged in fierce confrontations with security forces. In Puerto Vallarta along Mexico's Pacific coast, tourists received urgent instructions to shelter in place.
Tourists Describe Harrowing Experience
"It was all black smoke all the way around the condo area," Donaldson told reporters on Monday. He has been staying in Puerto Vallarta with his husband and friends since December.
"Our condo has been in lockdown since yesterday around probably eight o'clock, and they're telling us not to walk the street," he explained. "The air was horrible. I only stayed up on the pool level for about 45 minutes because of the fumes from all the fires."
Throughout the day, helicopters circled ominously overhead. At times, Donaldson could hear distant explosions and gunshots. "They circled around four or five times," he said, "and you could see a person holding a gun hanging out on each side of the helicopter."
Cartel's Criminal Operations
The CJNG has been linked to extensive criminal activities including:
- Large-scale drug trafficking operations involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine
- Extortion schemes targeting businesses and individuals
- Kidnappings for ransom
- Targeted assassinations of rivals and officials
- Brazen attacks on police and military forces
The cartel has expanded aggressively in recent years, battling rival groups for territory and control of lucrative trafficking routes throughout Mexico and beyond.
Canadian Government Response
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand urged Canadians in Mexico to follow local guidelines and remain sheltered in place. The government emphasized the importance of heeding official warnings and avoiding unnecessary movement in affected areas.
Another Windsor Resident's Experience
Meanwhile, across Puerto Vallarta at a beachside resort, another Windsor resident was watching events unfold from a different perspective.
"When I woke up, I went to the lobby and we were trying to plan our excursions," John Merginio told reporters on Monday. "There were a lot of people in the lobby, but I figured it was Sunday and people were just checking in or leaving the resort. I didn't make too much of it. And then I heard a lot of people on their phones, taking videos."
Merginio described seeing dark clouds over what should have been paradise, with columns of black smoke rising above Puerto Vallarta from his resort condo on that fateful Sunday.
The situation remains tense as tourists from Windsor and other Canadian cities continue to shelter in place, awaiting updates on when it might be safe to resume normal activities or consider returning home.
