Travel Alert

A travel alert has recently been issued for U. S. citizens heading to Mexico. So, if you or your college student are making plans for spring break, you may want to avoid Mexican border towns for now. Joining us to discuss this is Jane Norris with our sister station Federal News Radio, 1500 AM.

Q: What is the State Department saying?

A: The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the United States border in towns like Juarez, south of El Paso, TX; Tijuana, near San Diego, CA, and Nogales, south of Nogales, AZ, which have all seen increased crime. Large firefights have taken place in these towns but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana. In some cases, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. 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 and the State Department is warning that crimes like robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have also taken place. This is part of a crime wave between drug cartels and the Mexican military that is impacting tourists that are visiting the country.

Q: Does this mean that college students should avoid Mexico altogether?

A: Not necessarily, but the State Department is letting people know that they need to use caution when traveling in Mexico at this time. And if students are considering traveling alone, parents may want to consider going along to chaperone. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate businesses and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur are advised. Visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities and to leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them. Avoid traveling alone, check with your cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that the cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Q: How long does the alert stay in effect?

A: Right now until August, 2009, but this most recent alert updates a travel alert that was issued in October 2008, so it is an ongoing problem and could be extended.

Jane Norris is a former fed and current host of the Federal Drive. You can reach her at jnorris@federalnewsradio.com