Baton Rouge family stranded in Mexico after cartel violence shuts down airports

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Thousands of tourists are stranded in western Mexico after the death of a cartel leader triggered widespread violence, including burning buses, blocked highways, and clashes with police.

Several airlines suspended flights to the region, with many not expected to resume until Wednesday.

Among those stranded is a Baton Rouge family.

‘We’re in a war zone’

Mandy Apolzan and her family were returning home from a beach vacation when violence erupted. On the way to the Puerto Vallarta airport Sunday morning, she said the roads were empty. They saw a bunch of smoke and multiple vehicles on fire.

“It was very eerie because there wasn’t a soul on the roads,” Apolzan said.

The violence followed the killing of a cartel leader known as “El Mencho” by Mexican soldiers. The U.S. State Department has said the cartel he led has “the highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity in Mexico.”

Gunshots inside the airport

The situation escalated once the family reached airport security.

“I’m walking through, and we hear pop pop pop and the place goes crazy. They’re just yelling to run, run. People are throwing shoes, throwing luggage,” Apolzan said. “It was terrifying.”

A shelter-in-place order was issued, their flights were canceled, and the family spent the night stranded inside the airport. As of the time of this report, Apolzan said they cannot get a flight home until Thursday.

“We had this beautiful vacation, we’re on our way home, and now we’re in a war zone,” she said.

Travel advisor: Mexico has ‘big interest’ in keeping tourism safe

Brandi Nunez, a travel advisor with Evergeaux Travel, said she does not expect the violence to affect future travel plans.

“I would like to think it’s pretty safe. I’d feel safe going myself,” Nunez said.

Nunez said Mexican officials will work to restore normal operations, citing the country’s investment in its tourism industry.

“In Mexico, there’s a very large investment in the tourism industry, so they have a very big interest in keeping the tourism sector safe and keeping it separate,” she said.

Her advice for travelers is to monitor security protocols and remain flexible.

“Any type of travel situation is fluid, whether it’s weather or anything else, so we just continue to monitor your plans and then if we need to adjust, we have the options,” Nunez said.

Congresswoman reaches out

Apolzan said Congresswoman Julia Letlow contacted the family Monday morning to check on their safety. Letlow is asking any other Louisianans stranded in Mexico to contact the Embassy or her team immediately for assistance. You can reach out at (225) 952-1390.

Apolzan is thankful for her support system and is eager to get back to Baton Rouge.

“Everyone’s been checking on us,, and finally my heart isn’t racing as bad now so we’re just trying to get home,” Apolzan said.

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