Americans caught in escalating violence in Mexico

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Widespread violence unfolding in parts of Mexico is impacting not only local citizens but also tourists, including Americans visiting popular vacation destinations.

News 12 spoke with two U.S. citizens who were in Mexico when the violence escalated.

As chaos unfolded, one traveler was able to catch a flight back to the United States Sunday night.

Another, like many others, is still waiting for a way home.

Video shared with News 12 shows passengers riding in the back of a car as they pass a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.

Concerned voices can be heard in the background.

“Oh, my God. Wait, that’s crazy. Should we be scared of this?” one person says in the video.

Tensions have risen in some regions of Mexico following reports surrounding cartel activity.

Representative Chuck Fleischmann explains the violence is part of a larger issue that has been building for years.

“The cartels, in a very general sense, are sending drugs, plural, more than one drug, but particularly cocaine, to the United States,” said Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R Tennessee District 3.

He expands on the local impact, noting that the issue does not stop at the border.

“Some of that, of course, comes into Chattanooga. Some of it goes all over the United States. They have a local presence, these cartels and gangs, which have been very violent in the United States,” Fleischmann explained.

Casey Buscher, an American tourist visiting Tulum, says she witnessed the unrest firsthand but was ultimately able to leave safely.

“There is a flaming car, just bursting on fire. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Buscher said. “But we got out of Tulum, and that was a success in itself.”

However, Austin Calo, who is vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, says he and his family have not been able to leave.

He explains that growing supply concerns are now adding to the stress.

“The biggest challenge is food right now,” Calo said. “A lot of people can’t leave. Stores aren’t open. Suppliers can’t drive. So, there’s no food. Even at the resort, they’re shutting down certain orders and things they can’t feasibly make.”

Reports suggest the unrest may continue as rival groups fight for control in certain areas.

For now, travelers are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for stability and safe passage home.

News 12 will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.