News, State Dept. Issues New Mexican Travel Warnings. (safe, beach, rated)

[Wicked Felina]

I'm sorry, I don't understand why you needed to post several of these videos. It appear as though they are all centered around Juarez...and dealing with violence related to drug trafficking?

[SarahSal]

Well, I for one, appreciate the warnings. My daughter-in-law and grandson are returning to El Paso/Juarez this weekend for an extended stay. I plan to share this frightening information with my son (the husband and father).

[ShadowCaver]

Originally Posted by SarahSal

Well, I for one, appreciate the warnings. My daughter-in-law and grandson are returning to El Paso/Juarez this weekend for an extended stay. I plan to share this frightening information with my son (the husband and father).

Yes, the warnings are indeed good - as long as they understand that it is speaking specifically towards the border towns, not all of Mexico [not saying that other areas w/in Mexico, like many places even in the US, aren't top notch]. Best to your son and family.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by SeeBee

I'm sorry, I don't understand why you needed to post several of these videos. It appear as though they are all centered around Juarez...and dealing with violence related to drug trafficking?

The warnings are about border towns -- that's why. No American should just simply waltz on over to do some shopping and tourist things without knowing what is going on. The mayor of Juarez has packed up and fled the city, the police chief has resigned, another reporter has run to the USA to plead asylum.

That's what these warnings are -- no one is saying stay out of Cancun, Mexico City, and many tourist and other destinations but the border is crazy now and with so many people packing up and running over to the USA, things will NOT get better.

The first couple weren't of Juarez at all, they were of Reynosa.

[SarahSal]

Last night on the news, big story warning folks to be wary of going to Mexico for their winter vacations due to the increased violence. It was almost as though all of Mexico was shrouded in a war on drugs. At one point they *did* note that the violence was mainly occuring in the border towns but, unfortunately, it's first impressions that stick with viewers. Probably those who know Mexico will not change their plans but I did wonder about parents of college kids (among others) who might nix their childrens' vacations due to this kind of half truthful reporting.

What a shame for Mexico's tourist industry. I hope they'll make a concerted effort to refute this inaccurate information.

[njkate]

Newsmax should really present the facts..the state department has issued a travel alert Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks, coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a Travel Alert. a bit different then a travel warning

Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff

Current Travel Alerts

[SarahSal]

Recently received this encouraging news release from a neighbor in Bucerias who sends out pertinent local, national and international news by e-mail to a large expat mailing list.
_______________
This was recently received from the U.S. Consular Agent: U.S.

“Operation Xcellerator” Cracks Down on Sinaloa Cartel . 755 Members and Associates of Cartel Arrested to Date; 23 Tons of Narcotics and over $59 Million in Drug Money Seized

Mexico City, February 25, 2009 – Today the U.S. Department of Justice announced the arrests of 52 individuals, bringing the total to 755 members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel arrested across the U.S.
during a multi-agency law enforcement investigation known as “Operation Xcellerator.”

“This 21-month operation could not possibly have been done alone,” said Chargé d’Affaires Leslie Bassett. “Operation Xcellerator illustrates the United States and Mexico working together to strengthen our borders and attack violent criminal drug networks at every level. Cracking down on the cartel’s U.S. distribution networks
will have a direct impact on criminals’ ability to sell drugs in the United States and funnel profits back to Mexico.
“The United States will continue to go after drug traffickers wherever they operate, through our domestic law enforcement agencies, and by sharing information with our Mexican counterparts. Together, Mexico and the United States will succeed in breaking down the pernicious
criminal networks that threaten both our nations.”

To read the full text of the Department of Justice’s press release on Operation Xcellerator, go to:
#09-162: Hundreds of Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Members and Associates Arrested in Nationwide Takedown of Mexican Drug Traffickers (2009-02-25)

[william kane]

just got back from cabo, was there for 9 days and had a blast. going to cozumel in april. be smart, be careful, be safe. it is all propoganda, US is suffering and in a recession, hey college kids, spend your parents $ here in the states because 1000 miles from where you want to go in mexico there is violence. jeez, i have been all over mexico and there are cities there i would go to before some areas in new york where i live.

[njkate]

Originally Posted by william kane

just got back from cabo, was there for 9 days and had a blast. going to cozumel in april. be smart, be careful, be safe. it is all propoganda, US is suffering and in a recession, hey college kids, spend your parents $ here in the states because 1000 miles from where you want to go in mexico there is violence. jeez, i have been all over mexico and there are cities there i would go to before some areas in new york where i live.

Glad to hear it....I'm booked for Cabo on 05/02 and can not wait

[SarahSal]

Am here in Bucerias, about 1/2 hour from Vallarta and am pleased to report that last night downtown's main square and restaurants were full to overflowing with tourists!

After hearing reports of a significant decrease in tourism (and an un-filled plane on this trip down) it made us so happy to see so many enjoying the pleasures of Mexico's Pacific coast. (Guess not *everyone's* listening to the inept news reporting about the dangers of a Mexican vacation!)