At least eight residents from Chicago were sheltering in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday following a series of violent incidents across western Mexico. The unrest was reportedly triggered by the capture and reported death of cartel leader Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”
Among those affected were Lakeview resident Jonathan Pizer and his husband, Brad Lippitz, a well-known real estate broker in Chicago. The couple, who own a condominium in Puerto Vallarta, had been on their way to a whale-watching trip with friends when armed individuals stopped their vehicle.
“All of a sudden, this guy came running towards our car with a gun, banged on my window, pointing the gun at me, and told us to get out,” Pizer told Axios.
The attackers took their car and used it to block traffic before setting it on fire.
“They went on a city bus and started shooting and setting everything on fire,” he said.
During the chaos, Pizer and Lippitz became separated. Lippitz found refuge at a nearby orphanage for about eight hours while the streets remained dangerous. By Sunday evening, they had reunited at their condo.
Other Americans were also caught up in the violence. Houston realtor Chris Garza described waking up to heavy black smoke over the city and ocean. He had planned to return to Houston but was forced to shelter in place due to ongoing uncertainty about travel options.
Puerto Vallarta is known as one of Mexico’s more secure resort destinations and has attracted many American buyers seeking vacation homes because of its climate and relative affordability compared to U.S. coastal cities. Pizer and Lippitz have owned property there for five years without prior incident.
“This changes the equation,” Pizer said during a video call with Axios on Sunday.
The violence coincided with reports of coordinated attacks throughout Jalisco state linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The U.S. State Department advised American tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Tulum to remain indoors. Several flights at regional airports were canceled or diverted despite official statements that airports stayed open.
Over the past decade, demand from foreign buyers has supported real estate markets in Puerto Vallarta and other Mexican cities through short-term rentals and lifestyle appeal. However, recent events may cause potential investors to reconsider risks associated with these locations.
“Waking up this morning, it was really kind of a realization that I’m sure a lot of people are going to be afraid to come to Mexico for vacation in the near future. And I know for good reason of course, but the [Mexican] people do thrive on tourism,” Garza told the Chronicle. “I really kind of feel sad for the Mexican people right now because this is their bread and butter … I will be back. We just have to wait to let this kind of thing figure itself out first.”
