In the colorful saga of international intrigue, it seems some folks have found themselves in a bit of a pickle south of the border. Yes, we’re talking about sunny Mexico, or as former President Trump fondly labeled it, a “cartel state.” With the recent demise of the notorious cartel boss El Mencho, Mexico has taken center stage in the world’s headlines, and not for its delicious tacos, but for its less appetizing cartel chaos. It appears that Donald Trump’s bold claims about cartels running amok might not have been as exaggerated as some in the media once thought.

Thanks to some top-notch intelligence work, notably with a helping hand from the U.S. of A., Mexican authorities managed to topple the new generation cartel’s head honcho, El Mencho. That’s right, folks, a drug lord’s reign ended quicker than a speeding bullet. But before we break into jubilant choruses of victory, let’s hear why some politicians are raising eyebrows. Yes, Caroline Levit chimed in, confirming the U.S.’s involvement in this daring operation. However, this little action-packed saga hasn’t exactly lulled everyone into a sense of security.

Now, the irony could not be richer. With a staggering 1.6 million Americans living in Mexico and numerous tourists flocking there for a sun-kissed escape, the American dream of a safe getaway is being rudely interrupted. The State Department has turned its megaphone on, issuing stern travel warnings about the dangers lurking beyond those cute souvenir shops. Crowds of tourists are noticing that this isn’t quite the carefree vacation they signed up for, especially when the chance of encountering a cartel raises its treacherous head.

Nothing screams ‘welcome’ quite like a government warning declaring 14 Mexican states to be off-limits. These are not exactly beach bum dream destinations anymore, with the State Department painting them in shades of risky yellows, oranges, and reds, usually reserved for tropical sunsets. But it’s not just the colors that are startling. With tales of kidnappers lurking around like uninvited dinner guests, American tourists are suddenly realizing that borders might serve a purpose after all. It turns out that when it comes to borders, it’s not so fun when they’re around your vacation villa.

The chaos and turmoil haven’t exactly won Mexico any tourism awards. Americans stuck in post-apocalyptic resort towns are now involuntary stars in a real-time thriller, with flights grounded and roads strategically blocked by cartels. Some are even comparing it to a scene straight out of a Vietnam evacuation movie. As danger looms, the same crowd previously chanting against border controls and wall-building are now finding themselves desperately seeking safety and security—they might just be yearning for a dash of Trump’s strict border policy after all.

As we brace for more commotion, one can’t help but wonder if future administrations might take a leaf out of Trump’s playbook when it comes to dealing with cartels. It’s a wild world down there, and who knows, we might just see Air Force One doing rescue runs. Until then, let’s hope everyone stays safe, and remember, sometimes it takes a good dose of reality to teach us the value of security and, perhaps, a well-timed vacation in your own backyard. Keep your prayers strong for those down south, and maybe have that trip to Mexico on hold.