Just last month we reported that the US Department of State issued a warning advising travelers to avoid certain areas of Mexico due to criminal activity. Now the cautionary advisories have been taken up a notch, especially for those traveling from Texas.
On Friday, The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) warned residents to avoid traveling to Mexico now, during spring break, and beyond, due to increased violence.
The US Department of State already had a travel advisory in place for Mexico since October due to increased homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery incidents. But, this increased warning comes after two Americans were murdered last week and three other women went missing in February after crossing into Mexico from Texas.
While the original Department of State warning did not include popular tourist destinations like Cancun and Cozumel, travelers are still advised to exercise increased caution, especially at night.
Mexico’s President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, claims that “Mexico is safer than the United States and that the updated rules are all a part of an anti-Mexico campaign being led by conservative US politicians. Despite this, homicides in Mexico are on track to register a record total.
How can you stay safe?
If you’re still planning to take your trip to Mexico, the DPS is asking citizens to register with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate beforehand. And, whether you’re on a solo or group trip, we recommend downloading these safety travel apps as well as turning on your location tracking and sharing it with your friends.