In an episode of reality television that’s unfolding just across our southern border, Mexico is experiencing a level of chaos that might make a thriller movie look like a Disney film. If you thought your vacation at the sunny beaches of Puerto Vallarta was going to involve nothing but sunbathing, think again. As ordered by the U.S. government, American tourists in Mexico need to seek shelter immediately. Mexico has given its own dramatic interpretation of an action-adventure series, thanks to the recent events involving cartels and a state of emergency.
This all started when federal forces targeted and attempted to capture notorious cartel leader, El Mencho, head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), but did not succeed in capturing him. The operation set off a chain reaction of cartel retaliation that has left tourists and locals in a state of panic. Picture this: smoke rising from beloved resorts, explosions echoing through the city, and American tourists caught in the middle of a real-life blockbuster scene.
The chaos reached its peak with disturbances at the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Visualize hundreds of frantic travelers sprinting across the tarmac as if they were extras in an apocalyptic film scene. The airport experienced disruptions but was not directly attacked by gunmen. And let’s not even start on America’s beloved Costco experiencing disturbances, although reports of it going up in flames are exaggerated.
This spectacle of violence and lawlessness serves as a reminder that the Mexican government is facing significant challenges in maintaining order. With cartels exerting significant influence, it seems like the country’s stability is at risk amidst growing lawlessness. All of this chaos, unfolding just beyond our border, has thrust Mexico into the international spotlight, highlighting the influence of illicit power structures.
For the United States, which apparently lent a supporting role in this broader law enforcement operation, the repercussions are significant. As Mexico manages this crisis, authorities back home are doubling down on safety alerts, urging Americans in Mexico to stay put until further notice. As the cartels continue their activities, the world’s attention is fixed on what happens next, and whether this unrest will have broader implications for international security. Watching this, it’s fair to say that even the most imaginative Hollywood scriptwriter would struggle to create a storyline this wild.
