Mexico’s western region erupted in violence Sunday after special forces killed one of the country’s most powerful cartel leaders, leaving American tourists stranded and causing widespread chaos across multiple states.

The military operation that killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, triggered immediate retaliation. Cartel members set fire to buses, cars, and gas stations in Puerto Vallarta and other cities, while establishing more than 250 roadblocks across several states. The violence left two dozen Mexican troops dead.

“That’s what works, when both countries work together to combat something that is affecting families on both sides of the border,” said Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico in Chicago, praising the military operation despite its violent aftermath.

Among those caught in the turmoil are Americans from the Chicago area, including an Andersonville couple vacationing in Guadalajara. Tonya Pierce and her fiancé Billie Cavallero arrived just one day before the unrest began.

“What’s scary is that, like, you know, the locals are scared. They’re not quite sure of what’s going on. Everyone we talk to, they’re like, this isn’t normal, this isn’t… we don’t know how long it’s gonna last,” Pierce told reporters.

The couple described a situation of uncertainty and conflicting information about safety conditions. While some flights have resumed operations, they remain unsure if traveling to the airport is safe.

“The information is just so all over the place that we want to make the smartest, safest choice to leave, but we don’t know what that is,” Cavallero said. Pierce added, “There’s a lot of bogus information flying around, and it’s hard to filter when you’re in a panic situation, what’s real and what’s not.”

At Guadalajara’s airport on Sunday, panic broke out as travelers scrambled for safety amid the escalating violence. By Monday, the Mexican Navy had arrived in Puerto Vallarta, one of the cities targeted in the cartel’s retaliatory attacks.

El Mencho had built a criminal empire trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine that generated billions in revenue. His organization, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, has grown into one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal groups over the past decade, controlling territory across multiple Mexican states and expanding its operations internationally.

Mexican officials are now warning about misinformation circulating online, some of it deliberately spread by cartel organizations attempting to amplify fear and confusion.

“These organizations want to create fear and confusion and chaos,” Torres explained. “A lot of nonsense information has been flowing on social media, so please go to the official sources of information.”

The timing of the operation comes as President Trump has increased pressure on the Mexican government to take more aggressive action against cartels. The U.S. had previously offered a $10 million reward for information leading to El Mencho’s capture.

The U.S. Embassy continues to advise Americans in affected areas to shelter in place until the security situation stabilizes. Tourism, a crucial economic sector for western Mexico, particularly in coastal destinations like Puerto Vallarta, now faces potential setbacks as images of burning vehicles and roadblocks circulate internationally.

Mexican authorities are working to restore order in the affected regions, but the cartel’s violent response highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the country in its fight against organized crime. While military operations against high-profile cartel leaders demonstrate Mexico’s commitment to dismantling these organizations, they often trigger cycles of violence that impact civilians and tourists.