In The Hunt for Pancho Villa 1916-1917 Introduction Pancho Villa , one of Mexico’s most notorious revolutionary generals, didn’t just fight battles in Mexico—he also became the target of an unprecedented U.S. military expedition. Between 1916 and 1917 , the Punitive Expedition , led by General John J. Pershing , sought to capture Villa following his bold raid on Columbus, New Mexico . This hunt stands as a dramatic chapter in both Mexican and U.S. history, highlighting the clash of borders, politics, and military strategy. The Columbus Raid: A Turning Point On March 9, 1916 , Villa’s forces attacked the small border town of Columbus, New Mexico: Approximately 500 of Villa’s men crossed into U.S. territory They looted and burned the town, resulting in 17 U.S. deaths and numerous injuries The raid shocked the American public and demanded a response This bold act transformed Villa from a revolutionary hero in Mexico to a fugitive hunted by an international m...