State Dept. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico

AP ^ | 26 Jan 05 | Associated Press

[fidelio]

WASHINGTON (AP) - The State Department on Wednesday issued a travel warning for Americans visiting Mexico, saying violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnaping, has increased in its northern border region.

"U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk posed by the deteriorating security situation," the department said in a public announcement. It added that the great majority of victims are Mexican citizens.

The announcement attributed the increased crime to a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade. It said the leaders of several major criminal organizations have been arrested, creating a power vacuum.

"This has resulted in a wave of violence aimed primarily at members of those trafficking organizations and criminal justice officials," the announcement said.

[Monti Cello]

On my single trip to Mexico I was pulled over without cause and threatened with arrest if I didn't turn over $2000 US cash on the spot. I worked 'em down to $200 and got the hell out of there.

[sam_paine]

Mexico has been a hellhole since its revolution in the early 20th century.

And the Reconquistas think they should be in charge of Texas and California! BAH!

[cyncooper]

Anyway, this is a major diplomatic shot across the bow of the Mexicans to clean up their act. In diplomactic circles, this would be like a bunfight at a state dinner.

Indeed I just noted that Rice was not only confirmed today, but I read earlier that she was going to be sworn in today and then we get this.

Unlike the handwringers on this thread, I saw this as you did...a shot across the bow.

[stopem]

are we seeing the evolution of the openly violent Mexican gangs?

Yes! coming to a city near you soon!

Another major reason to protect the borders and stop them from coming into our country. The state department realizes there is a serious threat on the other side of that border yet will do nothing to protect us on this side??

[glock rocks]

Welcome to Free Republic. Sadly, I have to agree with your assessment.

[daybreakcoming]

How timely. Dr Rice = Travel Warning of Mexico? I like it so far. Next, clean house in the State Dept

[cyncooper]

Finally, another soul with brain in gear!

You and one other...

And don't worry. She'll be cleaning up. I'll bet the whining from the losers weeded out will be beyond what we've been treated to before. The New York Times should be a stitch as they wax indignant over the travesty of it all.

I can't wait!

[MEG33]

MY, MY..Vincente will not like this..cuts down on tourism?

[Dog Gone]

In some Central American countries, a small tip to a government employee might expedite whatever you're trying to do. It's a little annoying, but you're not bribing them into doing something illegal, it's not much money, and they'll eventually process you without the "tip".

In Mexico, the police will steal your stuff and when you file a complaint they will offer to find it for you for a reward based on the value of the item. They find it right away.

Mexico is utterly corrupt, and everybody in the Western Hemisphere knows it. You're fine in the gringo destinations like Cancun and Acapulco as long as you stick to the main tourist areas. The prices are 50 times higher than they charge for comparable amenities for Mexicans in other regions, but you'll be treated reasonably well.

Stray off the beaten path and you're at best pestered by beggars and con men, and at worst extorted or even killed.

[rodguy911]

We have sportfishermen that go to Mexico by boat to Cancun and Cozumel. It's not too bad over there and you can go across the Gulf in about a day. The sailfishing is second to none from now til' Spring. But they would not go near the mainland such as Mexico City or the Northern border.

[Mr. Mojo]

.......saying violent criminal activity, including murder and kidnaping, has increased in its northern border region.

Meanwhile, most of our elected fools appear to be completely unconcerned about the massive criminal activity committed by illegal aliens from Mexico right here in the U.S.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Drugs, violence, weapons and rich addicts in el norte. Perfect growth medium for al queda.

[Mr. Mojo]

"This bodes ill for the future of OUR border states."

The present is bad enough.

[ForGod'sSake]

I think it's interesting that Rice was confirmed this morning...

The timing IS suspicious. Seems unlikely she would have made this decision this early doesn't it? Someone at State having some fun?

FGS

[CAluvdubya]

There is a Sweeden vs Mexico soccer game (not sure if it's tonight or not) planned for Petco Park in San Diego. I was unsure how security comming in from Mexico is going to be handled. Seems like it will be out of control. Anyone have any other info? I just caught this on local news last night.

[ichabod1]

Whatever happened to the WOD? Whatever happened to the DEA? Even if we stopped the illegals ivading for employment we'd still have the violent drug cartels pushing their sh$t.

[investigateworld]

Anyone ever notice the hugh and elaborate funerals given to the 'guest workers' when one of them gets executed by the Great State of Texas?

[lajefa]

A shot across the bow. Our Ambassador to Mexico is Graza a very close George friend and a great Ambassador. A short time after he arrived in Mexico the Iraq war started and Garza had the entire Embassy tied in a yellow ribbon. The Mexicans were stunned as Graza let them know where he stood.

A technicality--this isn't a travel warning its a Public Announcement a step down in severity but the Mexicans who live on tourism apart from drug $ and remittances from their "immigrants" in the US must be in a tizzy.

[Mr. Mojo]

They hate us as much as the muslims do....

And although the reasons aren't identical, there is one common theme -- envy. ....Seething envy.

[cyncooper]

I was thinking it was issued at her direction. If someone sent out this advisory without authorization they can expect to be dealt with.

However, I am inclined to think this is a warning to Mexico that changes must be made.