Houston – Reports of cartel-related violence in Mexico are raising concerns for residents and travelers, including people trying to return home to Houston.
Violence broke out after Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes — leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel — was killed during a Mexican military operation.
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Authorities say suspected cartel members responded by setting fire to buses, cars and businesses across multiple areas.
The US State Department urged American nationals in affected regions to “seek shelter and remain in residences or hotels.”
Jim Vawter, an American with permanent residency in Mexico, described a terrifying morning in Puerto Vallarta.
“They ordered the people out of the vehicle at gunpoint,” said Vawter.
Vawter shared videos and pictures with KPRC 2 showing plumes of smoke and cars being set on fire.
Berl Schwartz, who spends several months each year in Puerto Vallarta, says the situation feels deeply unsettling.
“I worry about what might happen after sundown if they were so bold as to do what they did in broad daylight,” said Schwartz.
He said he received a code red advisory to shelter in place.
About five hours south, in Manzanillo, Houston resident Mayrita Cisneros says roadblocks and bus fires prevented her from reaching the airport in time.
“My friend and I crossed the river under the bridge and we saw the burned bus,” said Cisneros.
Cisneros said she visited Manzanillo for a friend’s wedding and was scheduled to go home on Sunday.
Now stuck at the airport, Cisneros said she has no clear timeline for returning home.
“I have four kids. Three of them go to school and they’re waiting on me,” said Cisneros.
Flights from Houston canceled
The unrest is also affecting air travel.
Several airlines have canceled flights from Houston to parts of Mexico, and vice versa.
Below are statements from airlines:
“Southwest Airlines has canceled the four flights we had scheduled to fly into PVR today and the four turns back (including one from Houston Hobby to Puerto Vallarta and one returning from Puerto Vallarta to Houston Hobby). We will set up extra sections to support our Customers affected by today’s cancellations, once it is safe to do so.”
“United Airlines flight operations to PVR (Puerto Vallarta) and GDL (Guadalajara) are cancelled today. We have waivers in place to support customers with options and encourage travelers flying United to visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information.
See here for real time travel alert updates: https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/trip-planning/travel-alerts.html
Additionally, we encourage travelers to download our mobile app and use our Agent on Demand tool, which enables them to bypass a line to speak with agents and get assistance via text, FaceTime or phone call."
“As a result of the situation in Guadalajara (GDL), Mazatlán (MZT) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR), American has canceled flights to and from GDL, MZT and PVR for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22. To provide additional flexibility to customers, we have issued a travel alert allowing those whose travel plans may be affected to rebook without change fees. We will continue to monitor the situation and make any additional changes to our operation as necessary to ensure the safety and security of our customers and team members."
What to do if you’re stranded at the airport
1. Focus on Immediate Safety
If violence or roadblocks are nearby:
Stay inside the airport or another secure building.
Follow official instructions from airport staff / police / military.
2. Preserve Communication & Battery
These situations often become long waits.
Put phone on low power mode.
Carry / borrow a portable charger if possible.
Use Wi-Fi instead of cellular when available.
Send essential updates to family.
3. Contact the Airline Strategically
Instead of waiting in long lines:
Use the airline’s app / website / chat support.
Call international customer service numbers.
Ask specifically for:
- “Irregular operations waiver”
- “Safety disruption rebooking”
- “Hotel / meal voucher eligibility.
4. Call the U.S. Embassy
You should reach out if:
You feel unsafe.
You’re stranded with no resources (money, lodging, documents).
Your passport is lost/stolen.
You need help contacting family.
There’s a medical emergency.
Local authorities have detained you.
- Emergency (from US/Canada): 1-888-407-4747
- Emergency (from Overseas): +1-202-501-4444