Pablo Lemus Acknowledges Security Concerns in Puerto Vallarta Following Rise in Public Perception of Insecurity
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus led a state security meeting in Puerto Vallarta, where he acknowledged growing concern over the city’s security situation, stating:
“I left very worried.”
Puerto Vallarta is experiencing its highest recorded level of perceived insecurity since records have been kept. According to the governor, the situation began after February 22 and has not improved despite ongoing security operations.
On that date, the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area was the scene of a large-scale security operation aimed at capturing “El Mencho,” the alleged leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). While public perception of safety improved in the metropolitan municipalities afterward, Puerto Vallarta experienced the opposite trend.
According to the National Urban Public Security Survey (ENSU) conducted by INEGI for June 2026, 65.4% of Puerto Vallarta residents aged 18 and older reported feeling unsafe. In March 2026, that figure stood at 59.9%, representing an increase of more than five percentage points in just three months.
Governor Announces Measures
Puerto Vallarta fell from being among the ten municipalities with the highest perception of safety to 55th place nationwide.
“I left very worried, but above all committed to reversing that perception,” Lemus said during the state security meeting he convened in the city.
The governor described the February 22 operation as having had a significant impact on the city’s image.
“It was a very hard blow. Reversing that perception cannot happen within a single quarter; it takes more time.”
In response, Lemus announced several measures, including:
- Increased joint operations involving municipal police, state police, the National Guard, and the Ministry of National Defense (Defense).
- Community outreach initiatives, including toy-for-weapons exchange programs and free haircuts for children.
- An invitation to influencers and bloggers to produce content showcasing the city’s hotel zone and iconic attractions while highlighting what he described as “its peace and pleasures.”
- A request for news media to publish more positive stories about the tourist destination.
The governor also urged the Puerto Vallarta City Council to improve public infrastructure by addressing street lighting, tree trimming, pothole repairs, sidewalks, and technology upgrades.
He noted that the first security arch is already operating between the airport and Las Juntas.
During the meeting, residents and activists demanded progress in several high-profile criminal cases. Lemus responded that authorities are working in coordination with the Federal Attorney General’s Office (FGR), the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office, and security forces on those investigations.
Source: milenio
