ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Concerns about safety in Mexico are hitting close to home.
One Smith Mountain Lake business owner says just weeks ago, Guadalajara felt safe and vibrant, but now, his family is sheltering in place as violence disrupts daily life.
Honorio Zaragoza was just there in December and describes the city as safe and lively.
Zaragoza built his life at Smith Mountain Lake, but his heart is still in Guadalajara.
But after cartel-related violence erupted in Jalisco, his relatives were forced to shelter in place as cars burned and roads shut down.
“It was very safe we walked back and forth you know with family at night and during the day. And people are really nice you know,” said Zaragoza.
Then came the violence tied to cartel activity in Jalisco. When he heard what was unfolding, he immediately called his cousin.
“The first thing I say is are you guys ok, he says yeah and as soon as they were leaving Guadalajara right outside there were trucks burning, the roads were getting congested with a lot of traffic,” said Zaragoza.
A city that once felt peaceful suddenly in chaoss.
Streets littered with cars on fire. Businesses shut down. His family trying to stay safe.
“He said I have to go to my hometown which is about an hour and a half from there because we don’t have food to eat,” said Zaragoza.
Now, he says things are slowly stabilizing.
“He said it’s about 70-60% normal where people are out and about trying to get food, people trying to go back to work, because I mean, you gotta feed your family,” said Zaragoza.
Honorio believes his family will be okay. But he knows recovery won’t happen overnight.
“Guadalajara is a pretty safe place and everything, we feel like a family there. When these things happen, the whole people, they get together and help each other,” said Zaragoza.
Zaragoza says his family is staying alert but hopeful as life gradually returns to normal.
He says while headlines can be alarming, for families there this is about getting back to work, finding food, and protecting the people they love.
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