The State Department today issued a travel alert for U.S. citizens planning to visit Mexico. The alert comes amid reports of increased violence in Mexico, especially along the border.
"Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico's initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations," according to a statement released by the State Department. "In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways."
The State Department said travelers should be extremely careful in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, which is across the border from El Paso, Texas. "Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed there this year," officials said.
Other types of crime have also risen in this part of Mexico, officials warned. "More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically."
The State Department urged travelers to use caution when visiting this border region. "While most of the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well."
"Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons," they warned. "In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.
Violent crime has plagued other parts of Mexico.
"Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California," officials said. "Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues.
"Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo."
To ensure their safety, the State Department offered this advice to anyone travelling to Mexico:
• Stay on the main roads during daylight hours, especially the toll ("cuota") roads that are generally more secure;
• Stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security;
• Give an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them;
• Avoid traveling any place alone, wearing expensive-looking jewelry, or carrying large amounts of cash;
• Carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that works internationally.
• The State Department also warned U.S. travelers not to participate in any public demonstrations in Mexico.
"The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation," officials said. "During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.
"People have died during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006."
Although millions of people safely visit Mexico each year, officials say travelers to this country can't let their guards down.
"Increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is a victim of crime," the state department said. "Common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable."
U.S. citizens who become victims of crime in Mexico--or have any other emergency in that country--should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc. The number from the United States is 011-52-55-5080-2000; the number within Mexico City is 5080-2000.
Travelers can also contact the Embassy at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx.
