Robberies and kidnappings: Americans are asked not to go to Mexico

If you have plans for your upcoming spring break in Mexico, the Department of State strongly encourages you to reschedule your trip. This includes several Mexican states that are reporting increased threats of "crime and kidnapping." Writes about it FoxLA.

Photo: IStock

The United States recently issued the highest alert for the areas of Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

Of Mexico's 32 states, only two are currently on the State Department's list with the lowest level of "usual precautionary labels" - Campeche and Yucatán.

In addition, US Treasury Department officials are warning Americans to be on the lookout for a suspect currently wanted for extortion. It can be seen in popular tourist areas.

On the subject: Americans detained and fined for standing in the wrong line at the Mexican border

Sergio Armando Orozco Rodriguez, also known as Chocho, is an alleged member of the Jalisca New Generation Cartel. Officials allege Chocho is extorting protection funds from local businesses in his hometown of Puerto Vallarta, a popular spring break destination.

According to the US Department of the Treasury, Chocho and his affiliates have close ties to nightclubs and restaurants on the main street of the city, which allows them to launder drug proceeds.

According to the Treasury Department, the cartel is responsible for trafficking "a significant portion of fentanyl and other deadly drugs entering the United States."

Among the countries that are under the same highest level travel warning are Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Haiti, Ukraine, North Korea and Syria.

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If you must travel to Mexico, officials strongly recommend the following:

• view US embassy web pagededicated to COVID-19;
• visit CDC webpageon travel and COVID-19;
• keep fellow travelers and family at home updated on your travel plans. If you are separated from your tour group, send your friend your GPS location. If you are driving a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and license plate and send a message to a friend;
• Use toll roads whenever possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, the presence of police and emergency services is extremely limited outside of the state capital or major cities;
• exercise extra caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs and casinos;
• do not show signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry;
• be especially vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs;
• register for the program Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive alerts and make it easier to find you in an emergency;
• stay tuned for news from the State Department at Facebook и Twitter;
• Follow the US Embassy on Facebook and Twitter;
• read the report on national security for mexico;
• prepare an emergency plan.

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