American Tourists Stranded at Luxury Mexican Resort Amid Escalating Cartel Violence
PUNTA MITA, Mexico — Wendee Puccetti and her husband, vacationing at one of Mexico’s most exclusive resort areas, found themselves unexpectedly trapped as cartel violence swept across the region, shutting down airports and halting flights along the country’s Pacific coast. The couple, from Wisconsin, were preparing to leave the Punta Mita luxury enclave after a week-long getaway when hotel staff informed them that no one was allowed to leave due to security concerns.
“We were checking out, and we walked up to the bellman, and he said, ‘No one’s leaving, you can’t drive anywhere. There are no vehicles. The airport shut down,’” Puccetti told Fox News Digital. “So that was the first we heard of it — Sunday at like 10 a.m.” Despite the turmoil, she noted that the immediate surroundings of the resort appeared calm, leaving guests unaware of the broader unrest.
The violence has been linked to the Jalisco New Generation cartel, which has intensified its operations in the Puerto Vallarta area, a popular tourist destination just south of Punta Mita. The cartel’s activities have led to widespread flight cancellations and airport closures, stranding numerous American tourists and disrupting travel plans.
The U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories warning Americans about the increasing dangers in certain parts of Mexico, including areas affected by cartel-related violence. The advisory urges travelers to exercise increased caution and avoid non-essential travel to regions experiencing heightened criminal activity. For official updates, travelers can consult the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Mexico.
Puccetti’s trip was booked through a vacation package agency, which so far has only sent an email notification about the situation. The couple, along with other stranded tourists, have been left to navigate an uncertain situation without clear guidance on when flights might resume. The closure of airports and roads has complicated evacuation efforts, with some rescue operations being coordinated by private groups such as Grey Bull Rescue, a Florida-based organization that recently launched a mission dubbed “Condor Reach” to assist Americans trapped in Mexico. More information about their efforts can be found on the Grey Bull Rescue website.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has also been monitoring the situation closely, coordinating with Mexican authorities to facilitate the safe return of stranded travelers when possible. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels such as CBP Newsroom for updates on border and travel conditions.
The violence has not only disrupted travel but also caused significant damage to businesses and infrastructure in the region. Reports indicate that cartel-related clashes have included arson attacks and violent confrontations, contributing to a climate of fear among residents and visitors alike.
The Federal Aviation Administration has temporarily restricted airspace operations in affected areas to ensure safety, a move that has further delayed flights. Travelers seeking assistance are advised to consult the FAA’s official website for the latest notices regarding airspace restrictions and flight cancellations.
As the situation evolves, American tourists like Puccetti remain hopeful for a resolution that will allow them to safely return home. Meanwhile, the broader implications of cartel violence continue to challenge Mexico’s efforts to maintain security in key tourist regions, underscoring the complex intersection of organized crime and international travel.
Leave a Reply