Americans stuck hunkering down in Mexico after destination wedding trip gets upended by cartel violence
Share this @internewscast.com

American tourists attending a wedding in Mexico found themselves confined indoors, grappling with limited resources, as they urgently sought earlier flights back home. This chaos erupted following the death of a prominent cartel leader, sparking a wave of violent unrest across the region.

Megan Bullock, 32, had traveled to Puerto Vallarta for a friend’s wedding when news broke on Sunday morning that Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, had been killed by the Mexican military.

In response, cartel members unleashed a storm of violence, setting off explosions and establishing roadblocks in 20 states. The destruction was alarmingly close to Bullock’s resort, where the chaos was palpable.

“Explosions were happening to the right of us throughout the day,” Bullock recounted to The Post, describing the unsettling scene.

“There was a lot of dark smoke,” she continued. “While gunfire wasn’t audible, fires kept erupting continuously.”

Joe Antonini, also 32 and from Brooklyn, found his wedding celebrations cut short by the turmoil, sharing the distress of fellow guests amid the unfolding crisis.

Antonini said he could also see the billowing smoke plumes from his hotel.

All of the tourists and workers at the hotel were warned to stay inside and the US Embassy issued an advisory to all Americans.

“We’re all basically stuck,” he said.

The stressful situation has only been exacerbated by the “dwindling resources,” Antonini stressed, along with the language barrier between tourists and the local workers.

Bullock added that some staffers had been working for 72 hours in the chaos, with both food and water quickly running out on the first day.

“So they’re exhausted and they don’t really know what to tell us,” Bullock said.

While things have calmed down and resources were restocked by Monday, the Americans said they were eager to leave as soon as possible as the carnage around Jalisco and its neighboring states show no sign of slowing down.

Both Bullock and Antonini said they were able to book a flight out of the country for later in the week, but they said they and others are looking for any flights that might become available even earlier.

Bullock noted that there was an initial panic after several airlines — including Alaska, Delta, Southwest, United and American — cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara out of an abundance of caution.

For now, both Americans are adhering to the orders from US officials to stay off the streets under any circumstances.

On Monday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said the cartel’s more than 250 roadblocks have been cleared, with Mexican authorities arresting more than 70 people across seven states as part of a crackdown to restore order. 

At least 73 people were killed in the operation to take down El Mencho and the subsequent attack from the cartels, including 25 Mexican National Guard troops.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Graham Platner done apologizing for Nazi tattoo, claims Jewish leaders found his excuse 'reasonable'

Graham Platner Stands Firm on Nazi Tattoo Controversy, Cites Support from Some Jewish Leaders

WASHINGTON — Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is standing firm and no…
Brothers break self-imposed 40 years of silence after sister was murdered by serial killer

Heartbreaking Reunion: Brothers End 40-Year Silence to Seek Justice for Sister’s Serial Killer Case

For forty years, the Logan brothers, John and David, who both served…
Combat Pilot Amber Smith: Adversaries 'Would Be Wise' Not to Try to Call Trump's Bluffs

Ex-Combat Pilot Amber Smith Warns Against Underestimating Trump’s Resolve

During a recent episode of “The Alex Marlow Show,” Amber Smith, a…
11-year-old accused of premeditated murder in brother’s death can’t be tried as adult, former DA says

Former District Attorney States 11-Year-Old Charged with Premeditated Murder of Brother Cannot Be Tried as Adult

An 11-year-old boy in Colorado has been charged with first-degree murder following…
Cubans chant 'Down with Communism' and attack government building during violent night of protests

Cubans Rally Against Communism, Storm Government Building in Intense Night of Protests

In a dramatic display of defiance, protesters filled the streets of Cuba,…
Oil prices will drop after Iran war ends 'in the next few weeks,' Energy Secretary Chris Wright says

Oil Prices Predicted to Plummet as Iran Conflict Nears Resolution, Announces Energy Secretary Chris Wright

WASHINGTON — In a recent statement, Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism…
NYC Council Dems float bizarre plan to crack down on the supermarket self-checkout line

New York City Council Democrats Propose Innovative Measures to Address Supermarket Self-Checkout Concerns

Members of New York City’s Council, leaning towards progressive ideologies, are contemplating…
I-65 crash: Alleged drunk driver Jessica T. Hughes charged in wrong-way car crash that killed Rylee Hanson near Merrillville, IN

I-65 Tragedy: Jessica T. Hughes Faces Charges for Alleged DUI in Fatal Wrong-Way Collision Near Merrillville, IN

In Hobart, Indiana, a grave incident has led to serious charges against…
Centennial, Colorado news: 11-year-old boy facing murder charges in little brother's death, Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office says

Tragic Incident in Centennial: 11-Year-Old Charged with Murder in Brother’s Death – Arapahoe County Update

In the heart of Centennial, Colorado, a tragic incident has unfolded as…
University of Florida disbands College Republicans chapter over alleged antisemitism

University of Florida Shuts Down College Republicans Chapter Amid Antisemitism Allegations

The University of Florida’s College Republicans chapter has been dissolved by the…
Straphanger, 55, found dead at NYC's Penn Station after fatal assault: sources

Tragic Assault at NYC’s Penn Station: 55-Year-Old Straphanger Found Dead, Police Sources Confirm

Tragedy struck at Penn Station Saturday night as a 55-year-old man from…
Oscar Sunday 2026: Here's everything you need to know about 98th Academy Awards, including where to watch and stream

Your Ultimate Guide to the 98th Academy Awards: How to Watch, Stream, and Celebrate Oscar Sunday 2026

It’s Oscar Sunday in Los Angeles, a day when Hollywood’s finest gather…