Derek Phillips said he’s been in constant contact with his family in Tyler, as well as his wife and children in Houston.
PUERTO VALLARTA, Jalisco — A Texas man is caught in escalating violence in Mexico after clashes between the Mexican military and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel erupted in the resort city of Puerto Vallarta.
Derek Phillips, a Houston resident, traveled to the popular tourist destination for a cryptocurrency conference. He said he never expected to witness cartel violence unfold in what he believed was a safe area.
On Sunday, vehicles were set on fire across parts of the city as the Mexican military conducted operations targeting cartel leadership.
Phillips shared photos with KVUE showing burnt vehicles and heavy smoke along a main roadway near the airport.
“Right there on the main road is where those pictures were taken,” Phillips said. “It’s obviously terrifying right there at the time. I immediately broke down in tears. I had a lady asking me if I wanted a hug and I said, ‘I’m not crying for me. I’m crying for these people and what they’re going through.’”
Amid the uncertainty, Phillips said he’s been in constant contact with his family in Tyler, as well as his wife and children in Houston.
“I’d like to say that I’m safe, but we still don’t know what’s going on, and I’m still not back home yet,” Phillips said. “I’m trying to be strong for them. That’s pretty much it.”
The U.S. embassy is encouraging Americans in affected areas to shelter in place as security operations continue.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott briefly addressed the violence during a campaign visit northwest of Houston, saying state and federal officials are monitoring the situation closely.
“I’ve been working with the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the Texas National Guard, with federal leaders, and we are working to make sure, for one, we are securing our border from any type of cross-border threat that could arise because of the cartel activity,” Abbott said. “We’re also working to maintain the safety and security of our fellow Texans who currently are in Mexico and make sure we get them home safely.”
Phillips was originally scheduled to fly home on Sunday, but his flight has been rescheduled for Wednesday, three days later than planned.
In the meantime, he said long lines have formed at local grocery stores as residents stock up on supplies.
“One of the guys walking out said he waited two hours just to get in,” Phillips said. “I went there for lunch and now it feels like I’m going to eat my dinner.”
Phillips told KVUE he is now working with a security team that is attempting to evacuate him and other Americans out of Puerto Vallarta as soon as possible.
For now, he remains in Mexico, waiting, watching and hoping to return home safely.