Potential violent crime and kidnapping are among the reasons for caution.
The State Department released a notice warning Americans of the risk of violent crime, including possible kidnapping, in Mexico, and urging them to exercise precautions if they choose to travel into the country.
“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department issued.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico” due to restrictions on travel to the country by government employees. The notice outlined restrictions given to U.S. government employees, encouraging all U.S. citizens to adhere to the same precautions.
The State Department added specific warnings for each state in Mexico, placing a level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory on six states, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, because of crime and kidnapping.
Ambassador Ken Salazar wrote from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, “ I urge you to read the full Travel Advisory for the details of the security environment in all states in Mexico and to make a habit of monitoring U.S. State Department travel updates for the latest security information.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Ambassador Salazar as he seeks to prevent American citizens from harm.
- For State Department officials as they assess other nations and issue travel advisories.
- For the safety of U.S. travelers as they visit or attempt to return from Mexico.
Sources: The Hill, State Department, Newsweek
