Violence erupts after arrest of CJNG leader El Mencho, locals and tourists report burning cars
Feb 24th 2026
After Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, aka El Mencho, was killed during an arrest operation, towns including Puerto Vallarta saw widespread arson, travel disruption and residents told to stay inside.
- El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, was killed during a security operation to arrest him.
- A wave of violence followed with vehicles set on fire and roads blocked across several states, according to residents and visitors.
- Puerto Vallarta and nearby resort towns reported dozens to hundreds of cars burning and heavy smoke visible across cities.
- Residents said they received little information from authorities and that security forces arrived late in some neighborhoods.
- Community members helped put out fires and aided stranded tourists as first responders and firefighters were reported overwhelmed.
- Flights were canceled and many tourists were stranded while governments urged caution and consular services reported a surge in requests, with airlines signaling phased resumptions of service.