SAN DIEGO — The Del Mar city attorney, who was vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, was among many Americans advised over the weekend to shelter in place as violence erupted across the city and throughout western Mexico.
The violence began after Mexican authorities killed one of the world’s most wanted alleged drug traffickers, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” Officials said he was the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, which controls drug trafficking, extortion and other rackets throughout Mexico.
The death was confirmed Sunday by the Mexican Defense Ministry. Oseguera was wounded during an operation in the town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state. He died while being air transported with other cartel associates to Mexico City for treatment, according to the military.
“Interesting last full day in Puerto Vallarta today before heading home tomorrow ????,” Del Mar City Attorney Leslie Devaney posted on Sunday on Facebook. “Got to lobby of our building this morning as we witnessed men dressed in black with masks igniting cars on the street and then gunfire and blasts all around the area. We hurried back to our rooms to shelter as advised by staff.”
Devaney, the former city attorney for Encinitas who has also served as special counsel to San Marcos and Escondido among other municipalities, told City News Service that it appeared the cartel was demonstrating its power to Mexican federal officials across the state.
“Streets were abandoned and no apparent attempt to harm tourists,” Devaney said. “We are confined to our rooms for today.”
While Devaney said she was not concerned for her safety, she was uncertain about leaving Mexico on Monday as scheduled.
“We are sheltering in place in Zona Romantica. Seems like tourists are not targeted,” Devaney said. “Not concerned for safety from what I hear. Don’t know if I’ll make it out as planned tomorrow, but flight still says going.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. Consulate issued a warning to potential visitors to towns along the border.
“There are reports of roadblocks and criminal activity in Tecate, Ensenada and in Tijuana,” the advisory said. “U.S. Consulate staff have been instructed to shelter in place. Monitor local news. Inform your friends and family of your welfare and whereabouts.”
Emergency assistance for U.S. citizens was available at 55-8526-2561 from Mexico and +1-844-528-6611 from the United States.
Officials also suggested travelers enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at step.state.gov to receive timely safety and security updates from the consulate.
