Puerto Vallarta Violence: Jalisco Cartel Attacks Cause Road Blocks and Fires

Fires and road blocks spread across Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco after a cartel leader was killed. This is much worse than usual.
By Newsroom | Crime, Mexico |

Residents Advised to Shelter Amidst Widespread Unrest

Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Jalisco state in Mexico experienced significant violence on Sunday, prompting advisories for residents and visitors. Visuals of burning vehicles and road blockades emerged across social media platforms. This unrest followed federal operations targeting criminal organizations within the region. Authorities have urged the public to remain indoors and follow the guidance of local officials as security forces work to restore order.

Context of the Disturbances

The violence appears to be a direct consequence of a federal operation in Tapalpa, a popular destination in southern Jalisco. According to state officials, this operation was aimed at dismantling key figures within criminal groups operating in the area.

CARTELS ATTACK PUERTO VALLARTA - 1

  • Timeline: The disturbances escalated on Sunday, with multiple videos surfacing online depicting scenes of chaos.

  • Key Locations: Violence was reported in Puerto Vallarta, Tapalpa, and also affected Guadalajara International Airport. Unrest was also noted in other Mexican states, including Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguescalientes, and Veracruz.

  • Actors: Federal forces were involved in operations, while armed groups engaged in clashes. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has been identified as a central player.

Evidence of Unrest

Multiple sources confirm the widespread nature of the violence through various forms of evidence:

  • Visual Documentation: Numerous videos shared on social media showed burning vehicles, road blockades, and smoke plumes rising over cities like Puerto Vallarta. One video captured travelers running through the Guadalajara airport terminal.

  • Official Statements: The state’s Security Cabinet released a statement. The Mexican federal Security Ministry announced measures to address the unrest, emphasizing citizen protection.

  • Travel Advisories: Canada and the United States (via their respective Embassies) issued updated travel advisories for Jalisco, advising Canadians to maintain a low profile and monitor local media. A "shelter in place order" was reported in Puerto Vallarta, with the suspension of taxi and rideshare services.

  • Witness Accounts: A hotel guest reported seeing corner stores and cars in flames from his hotel roof.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) Operations

The CJNG, identified as one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations, is central to these events.

Read More: Mar-a-Lago intruder Austin Tucker Martin shot dead by Secret Service Sunday

CARTELS ATTACK PUERTO VALLARTA - 2

Cartel Leadership and Operations

The recent federal operations appear linked to actions against CJNG leadership.

  • The U.S. considers the CJNG as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel.

  • Reports indicate that federal forces conducted an operation in Tapalpa targeting key figures within the cartel.

  • The U.S. Treasury Department has previously targeted entities linked to CJNG for illicit activities. For instance, Kovay Gardens, a timeshare resort in Nayarit, was sanctioned for operating as a cartel-run fraud engine, generating victims for call centers that used international wire transfers for payments. This action was the sixth by the Treasury against CJNG-linked timeshare fraud, leading to over 90 designations to date.

Consequences of Federal Actions

Following federal operations, including the reported death of a major CJNG leader, cartel gunmen launched assaults across several states.

CARTELS ATTACK PUERTO VALLARTA - 3

  • Cartel gunmen reportedly launched assaults in Jalisco, Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguescalientes, and Veracruz.

  • The violence directly impacted tourist areas and critical infrastructure like the Guadalajara International Airport.

Official Response and Public Safety Measures

Authorities have initiated measures to contain the violence and protect citizens.

  • Coordination: The Governor of Jalisco ordered immediate coordination between federal, state, and local authorities.

  • Security Presence: Security forces are maintaining a visible presence across Jalisco.

  • Public Guidance: Residents and visitors were advised to stay indoors, minimize unnecessary movements, and avoid areas around law enforcement activity.

Expert Analysis and International Concern

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated the CJNG as a formidable criminal entity, comparing its power to that of the Sinaloa Cartel.

CARTELS ATTACK PUERTO VALLARTA - 4

"The DEA considers this cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico’s most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 US states where it distributes tons of drugs."

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico, through official bulletins, also highlighted the security situation, advising citizens to seek shelter and minimize movements.

Conclusion and Implications

The events in Puerto Vallarta and across Jalisco underscore the ongoing challenge posed by organized crime in Mexico. The violence appears to be a direct retaliation for federal efforts to disrupt cartel operations.

  • Immediate Impact: The unrest caused significant disruption, including the suspension of transportation services and advisories for citizens to remain in their homes.

  • Broader Context: The incident highlights the expansive reach and capacity for retaliation by the CJNG, a cartel the U.S. government views as a major transnational criminal organization. Previous actions by the U.S. Treasury Department targeting CJNG-linked financial schemes, such as the Kovay Gardens timeshare fraud, indicate a sustained focus on dismantling the cartel's economic power.

  • Next Steps: The immediate focus for authorities is the restoration of public safety. Further operational details regarding the federal actions and ongoing security responses remain limited. The situation underscores the complex relationship between cartel activity, government enforcement, and the safety of civilian populations in affected regions.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there violence in Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco on Sunday?
Violence erupted after Mexican federal forces targeted leaders of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This led to cartel members launching attacks, causing fires and road blocks across the region.
Q: What happened during the violence in Puerto Vallarta?
Videos showed burning cars and roads blocked by armed groups in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Jalisco. The Guadalajara International Airport also saw travelers running for safety.
Q: What are officials telling people to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Authorities told residents and visitors to stay inside their homes and avoid going out unless very necessary. Some transport services like taxis were stopped.
Q: Which cartel is involved in the Jalisco violence?
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is the main group involved. The violence started after federal operations against its leaders.
Q: Are other Mexican states affected by this violence?
Yes, the unrest caused by the CJNG's response spread to other states. These include Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Colima, Guanajuato, Aguascalientes, and Veracruz.
Q: What are other countries saying about the violence in Jalisco?
The United States and Canada issued travel warnings. They told their citizens in Jalisco to stay safe, keep a low profile, and watch local news.