On February 15, Eden Mendoza, a Freshman, alongside her family, left for Mexico. Mendoza stated that she truly enjoyed her stay there. However, it wasn’t until she was leaving, that she and her family were informed that a massive military operation resulted in the death of cartel boss, El Mencho and those who were upset started to attack parts of pueblos (towns.)

“On our way to the airport we noticed 2 cars in complete ashes and that was actively burning. It was then that we were informed that many were upset about the cartel leaders passing and decided to violently attack pueblos.” Mendoza said about the aftermath of the military operation.

Due to the attacks on Mexico, Mendoza and her family were forced to stay in their house longer than originally intended and weren’t able to leave until the 23rd of February. On their way to the airport, Mendoza stated that there were many cars that were engulfed in flames.

“During our drive we passed various pueblos, many of which had cars in ashes or actively burning. Because of this my family and I were terrified and forced to stay home,” Mendoza said on her drive back to the airport to leave the country.

Once safely back in the United States, Eden and her family were also informed that their family in Mexico who had dropped them off also returned home safely. Having returned home, Eden was still worried for her family in Mexico, as well as relieved that she was able to return with her family safely.

“The feeling of arriving back home was a big relief, knowing that my family and I were safe. But we still remain worried for my family that lives in Mexico.” Mendoza said.