False narratives and AI-driven amplification following the arrest of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes raise concerns about tourism, safety, and economic stability for Mexican communities.
Since last Sunday, thousands of posts, videos, and photographs have spread an exaggerated image of the violence sparked by the arrest of El Mencho.
Yesterday, at the Puerto Vallarta airport, Fox News reporters were confronted by residents of the city who accused them of reporting in a way that was far removed from the reality of the situation.
According to the Mexicans, the reporters were describing the chaos many Americans were experiencing at the airport and their fear of being attacked, which was far from the truth.
According to the report “Disinformation Following the Killing of ‘El Mencho’: Volume, Speed, and Reach,” published by the Digital Media Observatory of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), numerous pieces of audiovisual content were disseminated on social media without descriptions, verification, or context.
The attacks unleashed by drug cartels in several states, including a series of roadblocks, vehicle burnings, and clashes between federal security forces and armed groups, were amplified by content generated by bots (short for robots), computer programs designed to automate repetitive tasks over the internet, the manipulation of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and the influence of the American far right.
A resident of Puerto Vallarta confronted a team of reporters from the American network Fox News at the International Airport, accusing them of spreading fake news that damages the port’s image. The Vallarta resident stated that the journalists claimed the city was extremely dangerous and that there were direct attacks against tourists, a version that was refuted on-site.
One of the residents clarified that, while there were incidents of violence and property damage beyond the control of the population, no tourists were injured or civilians killed. After asking the international network to stop negative promotion based on falsehoods, the complainant publicly questioned Fox News’ motives for alarming visitors with information that does not correspond to the reality of what happened in the Jalisco paradise.
The public safety situation in Mexico has stabilized but travelers should still be cautious when vacationing and doing business south of the border, an international security firm says.
All government services including public transportation and schools are operating normally and even the state of Jalisco has lifted a “code red” in the aftermath of last Sunday’s widespread cartel attacks that left 25 Mexican soldiers and a few civilians dead. That’s when members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG, blocked highways, set cars on fire and shot at government buildings after the Mexican army killed their leader, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico withdrew its shelter in place order for Americans in Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tijuana on Feb. 24. A day later, it lifted a curfew for its staff.
No new attacks have been reported since Monday.
“Mexico has deployed thousands of troops and federal officers to impacted areas to shore up security, deter violence, and bring peace of mind to residents and visitors to those communities,” Virginia-based Global Guardian said in a special security bulletin.
The company noted individual states are also increasing security. Quintana Roo – home to the resorts of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum – has deployed 10,000 law enforcement officers to key areas.
The firm observed that tourism is an important source of revenue Mexico doesn’t want interrupted. Any perception of continued violence could deter soccer fans from attending World Cup matches in Mexico, though FIFA – soccer’s world governing body – recently expressed confidence the tournament starting in June will go on without a hitch.
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