Minnesotans, Wisconsinites Among People Now Stranded In Mexico Amid Violence

On Sunday, February 22, news broke that violence had erupted in the streets of Mexico after the country's security forces killed El Mencho, a notorious and powerful cartel leader whom the U.S. deputy secretary of state called "one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug kingpins."

Members of organized crime groups are reportedly behind the violence, setting cars on fire, blocking roads, and clashing with police. Caught in the crossfire are residents and tourists.

Things quickly escalated to the point where the U.S. State Department warned Americans in the impacted areas to shelter in place until further notice.

Official Security Alert Issued

The U.S. State Department issued a security alert for Americans due to ongoing security operations, related road blockages, and criminal activity.

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The locations currently included in the alert are Jalisco State (including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara), Tamaulipas State (including Reynosa and other municipalities), areas of Michoacan State, Guerrero State, and Nuevo Leon State.

U.S. residents in the area are advised to:

• Avoid areas around law enforcement activity.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
• Avoid crowds.
• Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico was also shared:

• From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561
• From the United States:  +1-844-528-6611
• Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444

Minnesotans, WIsconsinites Among Those Trapped In Mexico

On Monday, February 23, all major airlines canceled flights to Puerto Vallarta. Travelers were urged to check the status of their routes and use the airlines' travel waiver vouchers to change their flights.

Among those impacted and stuck in Mexico were people from Minnesota and Wisconsin.

WCCO spoke with Minnesotan Andrea Shapiro at her hotel overlooking Puerto Vallarta, who reported seeing dark smoke all over the city. They also reached Minneapolis resident Roseanne Hope, who was sheltering in place in a condo several miles from Puerto Vallarta.

Meanwhile, WFRV-TV reported on a group from Green Bay, Wisconsin, that takes an annual trip to Mexico, arranged through Lenny's Tap, a locally based business.

This year, 33 people reportedly signed up, with about 30 of them being from Green Bay. They were actually on their way to the airport to fly home when violence erupted, roads were blocked, and their bus was ultimately stopped. Thankfully, they were able to safely return to their resort. Now, they anxiously wait until it's safe to reach the airport and make it home.

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WTMJ-TV reported on a Wendee Puccetti and her husband, a Pewaukee, Wisconsin couple, also stuck in the area. They had spent the past week whale watching and relaxing at a resort in Punta Mita, roughly 35 minutes outside Puerto Vallarta, but now the airport is closed due to violence in the area, and they have an uncertain path home.

Americans in the impacted areas are in an uncomfortable waiting game, as they remain under the shelter-in-place order with flights cancelled. People are urged to monitor updates from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico and the U.S. State Department for safe departure times. 

On Monday, February 23, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a news conference that all flights to tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, are expected to resume by Tuesday. Hopefully, for those looking to return home, that is the case.