Tourists Advised to Remain on Resorts in Mexican Seaside City Amid Government Warning of Clashes

Tourists Shelter in Puerto Vallarta as Security Operation Triggers Violence

Tourists in the popular Mexican beach destination of Puerto Vallarta were instructed to remain within their resorts on Sunday as violence erupted across Jalisco state following a federal security operation. Dark smoke could be seen billowing over the city’s skyline as the situation deteriorated throughout the day.

Resort guests reported being advised to stay on property premises without immediate explanation for the security measures. The U.S. State Department later issued an emergency travel warning for multiple regions in Mexico, directing American citizens to shelter in place “due to ongoing security operations and related road blockages and criminal activity.”

The warning covered several areas in Jalisco state, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara, as well as regions in Tamaulipas, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Nuevo Leon states.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro confirmed in a social media post that federal forces had conducted an operation in the town of Tapalpa earlier in the day, which subsequently triggered clashes in the surrounding area.

“As a result of said operation, at various points in that region and in other parts of Jalisco, individuals have burned and blocked vehicles with the aim of hindering the actions of the authorities,” Navarro explained in Spanish on the social platform X.

As the situation evolved, Navarro noted that “violent incidents have spread” and “blockades have shifted,” prompting authorities to implement a “Code Red” emergency protocol to protect the public. “We reiterate the recommendation to avoid leaving your homes,” he advised residents. “The clashes are occurring in several federal entities.”

While government officials did not immediately disclose specific details about the nature of the federal operation, local media outlets have reported it may have involved the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) and potentially targeted one of its most notorious leaders, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. The CJNG is considered one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, with extensive operations throughout Jalisco state.

The sudden outbreak of violence underscores the persistent security challenges in Mexico’s tourism regions, which have generally maintained safety standards for international visitors despite ongoing cartel conflicts in various parts of the country.

Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is one of the nation’s premier tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of international visitors annually. The resort city has traditionally experienced lower levels of cartel violence compared to other regions of Mexico, making Sunday’s events particularly concerning for both the tourism industry and local authorities.

This incident follows previous U.S. government warnings about travel to certain Mexican regions. Earlier this year, U.S. officials had cautioned seasonal travelers, often referred to as “snowbirds,” about violent crime risks in popular winter destination areas in Mexico.

The timing is particularly problematic for Puerto Vallarta’s tourism sector, which relies heavily on visitors from the United States and Canada. Extended security concerns could significantly impact the local economy, which derives substantial revenue from international tourism.

Mexican federal and state authorities are reportedly coordinating efforts to restore stability to the affected areas, though it remains unclear when tourists will be given clearance to resume normal activities. For the time being, visitors are advised to comply with all security directives and remain in secure locations until further notice.