The US Department of State is again urging its citizens to be wary in visiting Mexico, especially the border regions, saying that “increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico.”
Those risks include dangers from the violent drug cartels who are fighting for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the US/Mexico border. The warning says US citizens should fully cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways. On the other hand, the alert also says that criminals sometimes disguise themselves as police officials. “Assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles,” says the alert.
The challenge is to avoid the violence. “Firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez,” says the Department’s warning.
The warning gets specific when detailing especially dangerous regions. “More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically. 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. 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.”
This is the first time Nogales has been part of the warning from the Department of State and officials in the city are reacting by reassuring travelers to Sonora that the violence is limited to those involved in the drug trade. According to an Arizona Daily Star article, Nogales Mayor Marco Antonio Martínez Dabdoub said that the alert “has generated unnecessary fear and concern.” Though Nogales has seen a significant increase in homicides this year, “there haven’t been any tourists injured or killed,” Martínez was reported as saying.
As if these dire warnings were not enough, the alert goes on to say that “Throughout Mexico, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped … and many cases remain unresolved.”
To make the most of this serious situation, the alert advises US citizens to exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Take main roads, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. Stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member. Avoid traveling alone, and carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that functions internationally. Don’t display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.
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