In a significant escalation of travel advisories, the US State Department has issued a new alert for Americans traveling to Mexico, citing increased risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping. This development follows persistent pressure from US President Donald Trump on issues such as immigration and the activities of criminal gangs involved in drug smuggling and human trafficking.
Key Facts
- The updated travel warning now includes a terrorism alert for 30 of Mexico’s 32 states.
- Specific states such as Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas have been marked as Level 4, indicating the highest risk.
- The advisory suggests increased caution in another 16 states, including major tourist destinations like Mexico City and Quintana Roo.
What We Know
On Tuesday, the US government intensified its travel advisory for Mexico to Level 2, urging Americans to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to potential terrorist violence, which includes possible attacks and related activities. The advisory highlights an alarming increase in rates of homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, alongside the new terrorism warning.
Official Reactions
Reacting to the advisory, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum argued that the change stems not from a new security threat, but rather Washington’s recent decision to label certain Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations. She emphasized that Mexico remains a top destination for US travelers, with significant American populations living safely in regions like the Southeast and the Baja California Peninsula.
Background
This advisory comes on the heels of increased bilateral actions against crime, highlighted by Mexico’s extradition of 26 alleged cartel members to the US earlier this week. These extraditions are seen as part of a broader effort to comply with US demands for more stringent actions against fentanyl smuggling and organized crime.
What’s Next
As tensions between US demands and Mexican sovereignty continue, the travel advisory stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in US-Mexico relations. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for future diplomatic and security cooperation between the two nations.
Source: Al Jazeera