At least two Miami-Dade County first responders are stranded in Peru as the country faces political instability and violent protests following the ousting of its former president earlier this month, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s office confirmed Friday afternoon.
“We are concerned that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Captain Brian Vega and Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Jessenia Muñoz are among the American travelers now struggling to return home from Peru,” said Levine Cava in a statement, adding that her office had reached out to the White House to help bring the two stranded county employees, along with other American tourists in the Latin American country, back to the United States.
A spokesperson for the mayor’s office said her office is aware of only those two cases for now. Muñoz is staying in a hotel in Cusco, she said, while Vega is in Aguas Calientes, the town that serves as a base camp for the world wonder of Machu Picchu. Both were in Peru for vacation.
“We are waiting for an update soon,” the spokesperson said.
Peru has been in the midst of a political crisis since Dec 7. When President Pedro Castillo attempted to dissolve parliament, the assembly instead impeached him and ousted him from his office. Violent protests have erupted in the country and at least 18 have died as a result, the head of the country’s health department told Peruvian newspaper El Comercio on Friday.
Some of those stranded have spoken with local station Local 10. Among them is Vega, who confirmed he is in Aguas Calientes.
“We have not been provided with a solution or date for safe evacuation,” he wrote on social media.
Vega did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Miami Herald.
The State Department’s travel advisory says that travelers should reconsider travel to Peru because of crime and exercise increased caution because of civil unrest.
“Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country,” the advisory said. “Public demonstrations can take place for a variety of political and economic issues.”
The U.S. Embassy in Peru issued a statement saying that the South American nation’s government was organizing evacuations for foreigners from Aguas Calientes, which can only be accessed by train because of its mountainous and rugged geography. It urged travelers to follow guidance from local authorities and said the country’s portion of the Pan American Highway “may not be entirely secure at this time,” and to use the highway once “the security situation improves.”
It also warned travelers to avoid demonstrations and crowds and monitor local media for updates.
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