Canadians in Puerto Vallarta Ordered to Shelter Amid Cartel Violence After Leader's Death
Canadian citizens in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, are being instructed to shelter in place as violent unrest escalates across Jalisco State following the death of a major cartel leader in a law enforcement raid. Global Affairs Canada has issued urgent warnings, noting that criminal groups have established roadblocks with burning vehicles throughout the region, creating hazardous conditions for residents and tourists alike.
Escalating Violence and Government Warnings
Mexican government officials have declared Jalisco State, which includes the popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta, unsafe for travel at this time. The violence erupted after federal forces conducted a raid in Tapalpa, a town approximately 400 kilometres inland from Puerto Vallarta, on Sunday morning. According to Pablo Lemus Navarro, the governor of Jalisco, this operation led to widespread confrontations across the state.
The Associated Press reports that the raid resulted in the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This cartel is recognized as one of the most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal organizations in Mexico, with the U.S. State Department having offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Cervantes' arrest prior to his demise.
Impact on Canadian Citizens
Global Affairs Canada estimates that there are just under 19,000 Canadians currently in Mexico, with nearly 5,000 residing in Jalisco State. These figures are derived from a voluntary registry of Canadians abroad, so actual numbers may vary. The agency has advised all Canadians in the area to maintain a low profile, shelter in place, and monitor local and international media for updates.
All taxi and ride-share services in the region have been suspended, complicating travel for those attempting to return to their accommodations. Reports indicate shootouts and explosions have occurred, though details on injuries remain unclear at this stage.
Firsthand Accounts from Canadians on the Ground
Melanie Osmack, a Canadian from Vancouver who has been visiting Puerto Vallarta annually for nearly three decades, described the situation as "very unsettling." She was with her children at a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone on Sunday morning, watching the Olympic men's gold-medal hockey game, when she first noticed black smoke billowing into the sky.
"It was very visible, very black sky and you could smell it," Osmack recounted. Shortly after, people at the restaurant began receiving messages and alerts urging them to return to their hotels or residences and shelter inside. Some individuals were unable to reach their lodgings due to road closures caused by the burning vehicles.
Karen Mackenzie, another Canadian staying in the marina neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta, called the empty streets "eerie." She noted, "We're so used to cars and buses going by. Now, it's so quiet. I can look out onto the marina and usually there are so many people, and now there's no one." Mackenzie observed a bus burning on the street in front of her condo building earlier in the day, followed by a military van with armed personnel patrolling the area. While things have calmed slightly in her vicinity, the overall atmosphere remains tense.
Broader Context and Safety Measures
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel's activities have long posed significant security challenges in Mexico. The death of its leader, Cervantes, has triggered retaliatory violence, including the blocking of roads with ignited vehicles, as seen in incidents in Zapopan and other parts of Jalisco State. Videos circulating on social media depict plumes of black smoke rising from multiple sites, corroborating eyewitness accounts.
Global Affairs Canada continues to emphasize the importance of safety precautions for Canadians in the region. Authorities recommend:
- Avoiding non-essential travel within Jalisco State.
- Staying indoors and keeping a low profile.
- Following updates from reliable news sources.
- Registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for emergency alerts.
As the situation develops, Canadian officials are closely monitoring events and providing guidance to ensure the well-being of citizens abroad. The unrest underscores the volatile security landscape in parts of Mexico and the need for heightened vigilance among travelers and expatriates.
