Spring breakers should be wary of traveling to Mexico as cartel violence and unregulated powerful drugs threaten popular resort destinations like Cancun, according to a warning from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico. It is necessary to do so.
The warning, issued on February 26, details 10 potential threats and dangers, some of which are unrelated to violence, but include drowning, immigration and medical emergencies. It also includes things that Americans don’t even think about, such as the current situation.
The white sand and crystal blue waters along the coast are inviting, but some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip currents, and there is no lifeguard security or even warning of dangerous conditions. the embassy said.
“You have to be a savvy traveler wherever you go, whether it’s Cancun, Europe or the United States,” private investigator Jay Arms III told Fox News Digital. “You can’t go to a place thinking like a so-called tourist. That’s when you’re in vacation mode and blindfolded. You’re not aware of everything that’s going on around you.”
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Aerial view of a mostly empty beach in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, March 28, 2020. U.S. authorities have warned tourists about the dangers of spring break. (Elizabeth Lewis/AFP via Getty Images)
Arms said travelers, especially young spring breakers, don’t want to know that something “bad” is happening near them.
“When you’re in that[tourist]mindset, you’re not recognizing what’s worth paying attention to. And you’re doing things you wouldn’t normally do. You’re taking risks.” he said. I go to places I don’t usually go. ”
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This is also the core of the US embassy’s warning. “Travel wisely. Stay informed.”
“Each year, thousands of Americans visit Mexico for spring break,” the warning says. “While the vast majority of people can travel safely, the following should be considered when planning a vacation or trip to Mexico.”
Members of the National Guard Tourism Guard Battalion patrol a beach in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, on December 2, 2021. (Elizabeth Lewis/AFP via Getty Images)
Tourists take a photo in front of the Cancun sign at Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) in the Hotel Zone in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, November 8, 2022. (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
The US warning includes 10 items.
Cartel violence is the root of five warnings, with crime, drugs, uncontrolled alcohol, pharmaceuticals and sexual assault being the top five.
Last month, a number of serious crimes involving Americans made international news in the United States. They include a California woman shot dead in a shootout between rival cartels and a New Yorker kidnapped and left in a remote jungle with tape over his eyes. My wrists and ankles are bound.
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Armes said in a previous interview that the four feuds are moving into the popular tourist spot, a highly coveted 80-mile stretch of land along the coast from Cancun to Tulum that was once off-limits to gang violence. He spoke to FOX News Digital about why cartels are infiltrating.
The embassy’s warning supports Mr. Armes’ mental breakdown and says, “Crimes, including violent crimes, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including popular tourist destinations. Travelers must maintain a high level of situational awareness. “People should avoid areas where illegal activities are taking place and leave immediately from areas where such activities may occur.” Dangerous situation.
“Americans should use increased caution in downtown areas of popular spring break destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”
The Mexican military and Mexican National Guard, along with local police and investigators from the prosecutor’s office, rescued Joseph Constantin Buonincontri, who was kidnapped in a remote Mexican jungle. (Mexican army)
The 130-mile stretch from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico is filled with luxury resorts and battlegrounds for warring cartels. (Google Maps)
In addition to avoiding violence, the United States also warns of undercurrents, rip currents, and medical emergencies on certain beaches, requiring payment (in some cases only cash) before treatment and patient discharge. likely to be necessary.
The last three are all tied together. These are arrests for misdemeanor offenses such as illegal firearms, drinking and disorderly conduct, public urination, and immigration matters, which can lead to prison time.
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“If you violate Mexican law, you may be subject to arrest,” the US warned.
This could be a violation of Mexico’s residency requirements and could result in immigration problems and hefty fines and detention.
People observe El Castillo (Castle) in the pre-Columbian Mayan ruins of Tulum from a boat near the Mexican Caribbean beach resort of Tulum on the Mayan Riviera in Quintana Roo on October 30, 2021. U.S. authorities are warning of spring. Inform travelers about the dangers in the area. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images)
Armament outlines unique threats to men and women
A private investigator hypothesized that a drunk American man was either picking up local women or picking fights with them at bars.
The problem is that almost every local resident has some kind of connection to a gang banger or cartel member, and it only takes one quick phone call.
“Before you leave that club or after you leave that club, they’re going to grab you and wipe you off the face of the earth,” Arms said. “That’s just how it works.”
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For women, it’s a little different, he said. They are targets of rape and sex trafficking.
Both men and women are constantly targeted by robbers in the United States. Locals view Americans as wealthy, and “if you have a nice watch and a nice bag, you’re noticed and targeted, and you don’t even realize it,” Arms said. To tell.
Armes said defenseless spring breakers can be robbed and kept alive, or they can be killed or sold into human trafficking.
The initials of the drug cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) are graffitied on a wall in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico, on August 29, 2023. (Ulices Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images)
How to stay safe
Both Armes and the U.S. government have provided tips and resources to help you have a safe and enjoyable trip home.
“The best advice for people who are traveling, especially people on spring break, is safety in numbers,” Armes said. “We go together and we go back together. Even if they’re talking to someone and they say, ‘Don’t worry about me, I’ll meet you at the hotel later.'”
Armes shook his head.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten calls from people who regret it or say, ‘I thought my friend was okay.'”
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Second, be careful with your drinks, even if you’re a bartender, he said. They may work for cartels or gangs and put things in drinks, drinks that are strong enough to make people sick.
The U.S. government has provided the following resources in a warning to read specific details about different regions of Mexico. Mexico travel advisory and Country information page.
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Other tips from the government include registering with a State Department agency. Smart Traveler Registration Program Get the latest information on the security situation in Mexico and help the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of an emergency. You can also make sure your health insurance plan offers coverage in Mexico or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico.
The government’s advice also backs up Mr Armes’ warnings about drinking carefully, staying in groups of people you know, and being wary of poorly lit bars, pedestrianized areas and taxis.
