05/04/2024
Very Scary!! This is something all traveler's should be aware of.
This was not my story I just thought it was important information to share with you all.
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This just happened to a woman in my community this past weekend. A good safety measure to remind your clients of.
If you are traveling internationally, DO NOT travel with a damaged passport, no matter how minimal, under any circumstance. I was detained in Mexico this weekend due to a passport tear from a puppy chew- however it was perfectly scannable and I had no previous issues.
Austin and I arrived in Cancun this past Friday for a family wedding around 8 pm. We made it to customs and upon presenting my passport I was immediately escorted to the back. I was questioned if I had military or weapons training, what my purpose in Mexico was, and my criminal history.
I was entirely compliant, gave them proof of my return ticket and hotel reservation, and ensured them I would not be leaving the resort. I was still told that I would be detained and deported.
The officials took my cell phone, forced Austin and me to be separated, and refused to let me contact anyone. I was given an emergency blanket and a foam pad. Even though I had made it clear I spoke Spanish, I was not communicated with about any of my circumstances aside from being told I would be deported in the morning. I was locked in a room with a glass wall and guarded all night. I was not allowed to turn off the lights to rest, I did not have access to water, and I was terrified. I was not given hygiene items or access to any of my clothing. In the morning, everyone going through customs could see me through the window— it felt like I was on display.
After 9 hours of no communication, I was given a chance to contact my family. They had me sign a form that they had given me food, then had my phone taken and was locked in the room again. I was put on the first flight back to the states, but was not told until they escorted me to the plane that I would be flying to Houston, which was not my destination of origin. They told me I had a connecting flight but I did not, and I had to pay for another plane ticket to get to my final destination.
Austin, his sister, and my parents were in contact with the US embassy immediately and I am so grateful that they were advocating for me. I am not really sure what would have happened if I didn’t have a team of people both in Mexico and the States pushing for my safety. I was not able to get an emergency passport because it was after hours and there wasn’t anything the US could do except for keep an eye on me.
Thankfully I did not process how dangerous things could have been for me until after I came back to the States. The embassy and our resort both said that people are commonly held for ransom under these circumstances. I can understand not being allowed into the country, but my treatment was absolutely uncalled for. I am home and safe and all is well now, and I spent the rest of the weekend with my parents, but i would not wish this experience upon anyone. Please stay safe and make sure your passports are in good condition.
