Recent violence in Ciudad Juarez lead to warnings from U.S. State Department
Almost every student is making travel plans for spring break next week, but the travel advisory issued by a U.S. Department of State March 14 warns about the increasing violence in Mexico.
According to the U.S. Department of State’s Web site, violent attacks have forced the U.S. Embassy to reach out to U.S. citizens and advise them to delay unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua in Mexico. The warning comes after the increased violence of drug cartels in these areas and the abduction and murder of two U.S. citizens in Chihuahua.
The area of main concern is Ciudad Juarez, which is in the state of Chihuahua. “The Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009. Additionally, the city of 1.3 million people experienced more than 16,000 car thefts and 1,900 carjackings in 2009,” according to the travel advisory.
The advisory did not limit its attention to just the border, but it also said people should be cautious when traveling anywhere in Mexico.
Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs, said the advisory should not be taken lightly, especially for those traveling to Mexico.
“I think that it is important for students to know about the alert if they are traveling to Mexico,” Oliaro said.
Oliaro also said that it was definitely a good idea for students to research where they wanted to go for spring break before they made final plans.
Oliaro recommended a safe spring break plan of students getting involved with community service projects.
“We are trying to use local media,” Oliaro said.
Associated Studets, Inc. President Jessica Sweeten agrees with Oliaro, stating students should be careful if they are traveling to Mexico.
Sweeten added that the advisory is important to those traveling in Mexico, because students need to be aware of their surroundings.
“Be aware of your surroundings and know the people you are with,” Sweeten said. “Do not put yourself in a dangerous situation.”
Liberal studies major Margarita Vazquez said she saw the advisory in the news, and the bulldog blog as well.
“My mom always tells me that going to spring break in Mexico is bad,” Vazquez said.
Vazquez has not considered going to Mexico, because of her sister’s bad experience.
“My sister went on spring break with some fellow students from U.C. Santa Barbara,” Vazquez said. “They were pulled over by the cops in Rosarito. The girls and boys were separated and pressed for money.”
“After that experience I would rather stay in Fresno or go home and spend it with family,” Vazquez said.