Puerto Vallarta is experiencing a period of heightened scrutiny as several unfolding events draw attention to the city’s security strategies, treatment of the press and rapid urban development.
Incidents involving federal authorities, marine safety and controversial construction projects have intensified public debate about how the city is being managed and whether institutions are responding adequately to emerging challenges.
At the November 30 Puerto Vallarta Security Forum, municipal, state and federal authorities convened to discuss the city’s changing security landscape.
Although Puerto Vallarta continues to rank favorably compared to other major tourist cities across the country, officials acknowledged that public confidence has declined. According to the latest National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU) conducted by Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, the proportion of residents reporting feeling unsafe in their city has risen, causing Puerto Vallarta’s ranking among the urban areas in Mexico in which residents feel safest to drop from fifth to eighth place nationally.
U.S. specialists and federal security officials participated with Mexican authorities in a security forum on November 30 that was meant to exchange intelligence and information between the two countries. (US Embassy/Facebook)
At the November 30 Puerto Vallarta Security Forum, municipal, state and federal authorities convened to discuss the city’s changing security landscape.
Although Puerto Vallarta continues to rank favorably compared to other major tourist cities across the country, officials acknowledged that public confidence has declined. According to the latest National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU) conducted by Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, the proportion of residents reporting feeling unsafe in their city has risen, causing Puerto Vallarta’s ranking among the urban areas in Mexico in which residents feel safest to drop from fifth to eighth place nationally.
Discussions at the security forum focused on rising reports of robberies, improved coordination among law enforcement agencies and concerns about criminal activity occurring on the outskirts of the metropolitan area. Tourism authorities urged greater visibility in preventive policing, arguing that even isolated incidents can affect Puerto Vallarta’s international reputation.
The forum closed with commitments to expand patrols, enhance surveillance coordination and strengthen communication with residents, though many citizens continue to ask for more measurable follow-through.
Public safety issues have also collided with fears about deteriorating press freedom. A recent confrontation between reporters and National Guard members in the Fluvial Vallarta area has stirred widespread condemnation.
Journalists covering the rollover of a National Guard vehicle on December 2 said they were pushed back, threatened with equipment confiscation and falsely told they needed a federal license to report at the scene.
Local reporters say PV National Guard didn’t respect basic press freedoms
Mexico’s National Guard has come under fire locally after members of the federal police force allegedly violated the rights of journalists trying to report on a Guard truck rollover in the Fluvial Vallarta area of the city. (Guardia Nacional/X.com)
Public safety issues have also collided with fears about deteriorating press freedom. A recent confrontation between reporters and National Guard members in the Fluvial Vallarta area has stirred widespread condemnation.
Journalists covering the rollover of a National Guard vehicle on December 2 said they were pushed back, threatened with equipment confiscation and falsely told they needed a federal license to report at the scene.
“At GST Medios, through our platforms Notiespacio PV and Vallarta Independiente, we strongly condemn the actions carried out this Tuesday by members of the National Guard in the Fluvial Vallarta area, where journalists were intimidated while covering the overturning of an official vehicle.
“We condemn any attempt to intimidate, obstruct, or condition the work of journalists, who have the responsibility and the right to freely inform the public. Attempting to confiscate cell phones, falsely stating that a ‘license’ is required to practice journalism without considering the media outlet’s accreditations, and trying to limit coverage of a public event constitutes a serious violation of journalistic practice and freedom of information.
“At GST Medios, we reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom and demand that a safe and respectful environment be guaranteed for those who carry out this work daily in Puerto Vallarta. Free journalism is not intimidated and should not be obstructed by any authority.”
The incident has renewed pressure on local, state and federal officials to adopt clearer protocols protecting the rights of journalists during emergencies and public safety events.
Mexico News Daily
December 10, 2025
Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics, and community.