U.S. Tourist Stranded in Cancún Airport for 6 Months

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Laure Rachelle La France, a 52-year-old U.S. tourist, has spent the last six months living in Terminal 2 of Cancún International Airport (AIC), relying on food donated by airport workers and travelers as her health steadily deteriorates. Authorities have declined to intervene, leaving her in legal limbo without a clear path to return home.

A Desperate Situation

La France, originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands and a former resident of New York, traveled to Mexico after being lured by the false promise of reuniting with a relative. Instead, she fell victim to a human trafficking ring. Though she escaped, her ordeal left her stranded without resources.

Her U.S. passport expired during her stay, complicating efforts to seek help. The French embassy denied assistance because she holds a U.S. passport, while the U.S. embassy stated it could only provide support if she reached Mexico City—a journey she cannot afford.

Pleas for Help Ignored

“I survive on the food people give me,” La France said tearfully. “I used my last savings to come to Cancún because I was told it would be easier to get deported here. But the Mexican authorities said they can’t help me since I haven’t committed any crime. If they deport me, I’d have to pay for my own ticket.”

At night, she is allowed inside the terminal, but during the day, she must remain outside with her three suitcases, exposed to the elements. Workers at the airport report her health has worsened, with visible weight loss, fatigue, and occasional aggressive episodes, particularly toward animals.

Authorities Cite Legal Barriers

The National Migration Institute (INM) stated it lacks the authority to deport La France since she was not detained in an operation or charged with a crime. Meanwhile, the Municipal DIF’s Casa del Inmigrante said it can only assist foreigners referred by the INM or the Attorney General’s Office.

Airport employees expressed growing concern over her declining condition but remain powerless to intervene. With no resolution in sight, La France’s hope of returning to the U.S. grows dimmer each day.