{"id":492825,"date":"2026-02-22T22:15:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-22T22:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/492825\/"},"modified":"2026-02-22T22:15:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T22:15:08","slug":"calgarians-sheltering-in-place-amid-violence-in-mexico-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/492825\/","title":{"rendered":"Calgarians sheltering in place amid violence in Mexico state"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Calgary couple in Puerto Vallarta are sheltering in place as the violence in the Mexican state of Jalisco unfolds on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Mexican government officials are warning residents that Jalisco State, including the popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta, is not safe for travel at the moment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Global Affairs Canada issued a warning to people in the area<\/a> that criminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles throughout the state and in Guerrero State \u2014 including Acapulco \u2014 and Michoacan State. The agency says there are just under 19,000 Canadians in Mexico at the moment, including nearly 5,000 in Jalisco State. However, they note those numbers are estimates, as they come from a voluntary registry of Canadians abroad.<\/p>\n

\u201cCriminal groups have set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in several cities in Jalisco State, including in Puerto Vallarta,\u201d the advisory says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been shootouts with security forces and explosions.\u201d<\/p>\n

This comes after reports say the country\u2019s army killed the leader<\/a> of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rub\u00e9n Oseguera Cervantes, \u201cEl Mencho,\u201d in an operation.<\/p>\n

Cartel members then set up roadblocks with burning vehicles in Jalisco and other states, considered a common tactic by cartels to block military operations.<\/p>\n

Calgarian Russ Chopek and his wife are in Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist city in Jalisco.<\/p>\n

In an email to 660 NewsRadio, he says they are sheltering in place with traffic completely closed off in the area, saying everyone is shaken by the violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are near a high traffic zone not far from the Malecon at our resort. It\u2019s completely closed off, and they are finding extra accommodations for guests that are supposed to fly out,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery quiet here at the moment. Guests are obviously quite shaken.\u201d<\/p>\n

He adds, using a wireless network connection that is \u201cspotty,\u201d that they are there for an OK Tire Conference and that the team is currently safe.<\/p>\n

From their Puerto Vallarta hotel \u2014 the Buenaventure Grand \u2014 they can see smoke over the nearby beach. Two doors down, Chopek say there are cartel members on the roof with guns.<\/p>\n

\"AA screenshot from Russ Chopek\u2019s phone sent to CityNews on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (Russ Chopek)<\/p>\n

Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state\u2019s capital in panic.<\/p>\n

Having coordinated car fires across the Puerto Vallarta area and being told to stay in my Airbnb was not on my bingo card for trying to get home today.<\/p>\n

All while trying to watch the Canada game we just lost. ????<\/p>\n

H\/T: Mitch W, my friend in the hotel a block away. pic.twitter.com\/QifBMbbt9E<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Ryan Voutilainen ???????????????? (@RyanVoutilainen) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Canadian foreign affairs minister Anita Anand says Canada is closely monitoring the \u201cserious and rapidly evolving security situation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are deeply alarmed by reports of violence following a major security operation, including armed clashes, roadblocks and vehicles set on fire in multiple areas,\u201d she said in a letter shared to social media.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are aware that local authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders in some locations, and the situation remains fluid.\u201d<\/p>\n

On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it was suspending flights to Puerto Vallarta \u201cdue to an ongoing security situation\u201d and advised customers not to go to their airport.<\/p>\n

Due to an ongoing security situation in Puerto Vallarta impacting the @VallartaAirport<\/a>, Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today. We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities who are working to resolve the issue. (1\/2) pic.twitter.com\/BqV0hGIL4l<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Air Canada (@AirCanada) February 22, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Calgary-based WestJet says it has diverted seven flights en route to Puerto Vallarta and cancelled 24 flights to and from the city, as well as nearby Guadalajara and Manzanillo.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs conditions evolve, additional cancellations may be required to ensure the safety of everyone,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Flair, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines have all cancelled or diverted flights to the area.<\/p>\n

Calgary Airports says it\u2019s aware of current flight cancellations to western Mexico, adding passengers should check with their airlines for more information on their flights.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, everyone in Puerto Vallarta is asked to shelter in place. All taxi and rideshare services have been suspended.<\/p>\n

The advisory also says that anyone in Jalisco should \u201ckeep a low profile,\u201d monitor local and international media to keep informed about the \u201crapidly evolving situation,\u201d and follow all advice from local authorities, including shelter-in-place orders.<\/p>\n

Canadians in all parts of Mexico \u2014 not just Jalisco State \u2014 should be aware of advisories in place.<\/p>\n

Additionally, several other tourist destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City are under an advisory due to \u201chigh levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not yet clear if there are any injuries from the violence.<\/p>\n

With files from The Canadian Press<\/p>\n

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