february 22, 2026 in mexico
By Dez | My Deztination: Mexicos Trusted Residency + Relocation Expert
Yesterday, February 22, 2026, parts of Jalisco experienced coordinated security incidents following a federal operation in the municipality of Tapalpa.
If you live here, are visiting, or are considering relocating to Mexico, it’s important to understand what happened - calmly, clearly and with context.
Let’s walk through it.
What Happened
According to the Government of Jalisco’s official update at 4:00 PM:
Federal forces carried out an operation in Tapalpa.
Following that operation, coordinated disruptions occurred across parts of the state.
Incidents included vehicle blockades and burned vehicles in various municipalities.
Some convenience stores (including OXXO locations) were damaged.
Public transportation was temporarily suspended in certain areas as a preventative measure.
Some international and national flights in Puerto Vallarta were canceled by airline decision.
Schools across the state suspended in-person classes for Monday, February 23.
Several individuals were detained in connection with the events.
The airport terminal in Puerto Vallarta remained under protection by the National Guard and Defense forces. Authorities reported no internal operational impact within the airport facilities themselves.
By mid-afternoon, public transportation routes began reactivating gradually, with officials stating the system would return to full operation in the following hours.
Hospitals continued operating normally. Emergency and medical services remained active.
Residency and shipping are connected. One cannot happen cleanly without the other.
Verified Local Reporting: Watch the Full Timeline
For those who want unedited, on-the-ground footage from Puerto Vallarta on February 22, 2026, local journalist Brent Lane compiled his full Day 1 reports into one video.
Brent has been covering Puerto Vallarta for years and focuses specifically on verified, location-based updates rather than speculation or rumor.
You can watch the full video here:
Puerto Vallarta – Only Real Verified News by Brent Lane (CPS News)
Dez and My Deztination officially support Brent’s independent reporting because access to clear, factual local information matters - especially during moments like this.
If you live in Puerto Vallarta or are planning to relocate, following reliable local sources is one of the best ways to stay informed without amplifying fear.
You can also follow Brent’s ongoing updates here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Street.B.Lane
Disclosure: My Deztination supports local independent journalism in Puerto Vallarta, including Brent Lane’s verified reporting.
What This Was — and What It Was Not
This was not random violence targeting civilians.
It was a reaction to a federal security operation.
The incidents were disruptive. They were serious. They required coordinated response.
But they were not an attack on residents, tourists, or expats.
And they were not a collapse of civil order.
Within hours:
Security forces were deployed.
Arrests were made.
Transport began resuming.
State communication was transparent and ongoing.
That matters.
Context Matters
Every country in the world has security incidents.
The United States has active shooter situations.
France has terror attacks.
The UK has riots.
Canada has violent incidents.
Mexico has cartel-related disruptions.
The difference is not whether incidents happen.
The difference is how institutions respond.
Yesterday, the response in Jalisco was:
Immediate
Coordinated
Publicly communicated
Focused on containment and restoration
That reflects institutional structure, not absence of it.
What We Value at My Deztination
We help people move to Mexico.
So yes, we are naturally protective of this country.
But we will never downplay reality.
Mexico is not perfect.
No country is.
What we do see, every single day, is:
Community strength
Local resilience
Rapid normalization after disruption
People choosing not to live in fear
Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Ajijic, Mexico City - these are living, breathing cities with millions of people going about their daily lives.
Yesterday was disruptive.
Today, life continues.
Strength, Courage & Unity
What stood out most was not the incidents themselves.
It was:
Public transportation restarting within hours
Schools communicating clearly
Hospitals remaining open
Residents supporting one another
Authorities providing official updates
Resilience is not the absence of difficulty.
It’s the ability to move forward through it.
Mexico has that in abundance.
Should This Change Your Plans to Move?
That depends on you.
Relocation is a deeply personal decision.
If you are looking for a country that has zero security incidents, that country does not exist.
If you are looking for:
Lower cost of living
Community
Slower pace of life
Cultural richness
Outdoor living
Connection
Courage
Mexico remains what it was before February 22.
Real.
Complex.
Beautiful.
Resilient.
Practical Perspective for Relocators
If you’re currently in Jalisco or planning to relocate:
Always monitor official state channels.
Avoid circulating unverified social media rumors.
Understand that disruptions tied to federal operations are typically short-lived and localized.
Know that major relocation hubs like Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara continue operating as normal.
And remember:
Millions of Mexican families live here full-time.
Retirees live here.
Families raise children here.
Digital nomads work here.
Businesses operate here.
One day does not define an entire country.
Final Thoughts
Yesterday required courage.
Today reflects resilience.
If you are considering a move to Mexico, your decision should be based on:
Long-term lifestyle fit
Financial planning
Community alignment
Risk tolerance
Personal values
Not on one headline.
Mexico is not a fantasy.
It is a sovereign nation with challenges and extraordinary strengths.
And what we saw yesterday was not weakness.
It was a reminder that strength is built in motion.
meet dez
Dez | My Deztination
Dez is the founder of My Deztination and Mexico’s trusted relocation advisor. With over seven years living in Mexico, she knows the importance of trustworthy and professional guidance & support. She specializes in personalized consultations, private neighborhood tours, and full-service relocation packages to help clients move to Mexico the easy way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mexico safe in 2026?
Mexico, like every country, experiences security incidents. Safety depends heavily on location, awareness, and lifestyle choices. Popular relocation destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mérida, and many areas of Mexico City continue to host large expat and retiree communities living full-time without issue.
What happened in Jalisco on February 22, 2026?
Following a federal operation in Tapalpa, coordinated disruptions occurred in parts of Jalisco, including vehicle blockades and temporary flight cancellations. Authorities responded quickly, arrests were made, and public services began resuming within hours.
Were tourists or expats targeted?
No official reports indicate that tourists or expats were targeted. The incidents were tied to a federal security operation and were not random attacks against residents or visitors.
Did Puerto Vallarta shut down?
Some flights were canceled by airline decision, and authorities advised caution. However, airport facilities remained under protection, hospitals stayed open, and services resumed gradually.
Do incidents like this happen often?
Large-scale coordinated disruptions are not daily occurrences. When they do happen, they are typically linked to specific law enforcement actions and are short-lived.
Should I reconsider moving to Mexico?
Relocation decisions should be based on your lifestyle goals, risk tolerance, financial planning, and personal values. Millions of families, retirees, and remote workers live safely in Mexico full-time. Context and long-term perspective matter.Relocation decisions should be based on your lifestyle goals, risk tolerance, financial planning, and personal values. Millions of families, retirees, and rem
How can I stay informed if I live in Mexico?
Follow official state government channels, avoid spreading unverified social media rumors, and maintain normal situational awareness — just as you would in any country.