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mrfatboy
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Updated travel warning for Mexico
Updated travel warning for Mexico
Baja California Sur included for the first time
By Sandra Dibble 11:05p.m. Dec 24, 2014
An updated travel warning for Mexico issued Wednesday by the U.S. State Department for the first time includes the state of Baja California Sur as an
area of concern, urging travelers to exercise caution when visiting La Paz, the state capital.
“According to the Department of Interior of Mexico, in 2013 Baja California Sur registered its highest homicide rate since 1997,” the warning states.
“Many of these homicides occurred in La Paz, where there has been an increase in organized crime-related violence.”
The State Department reviews travel conditions for countries around the world, including Mexico. The department’s review of conditions in Mexico makes
an effort to distinguish between different parts of the country.
Several states have no travel advisories, and until this latest report there had been none for Baja California Sur.
Mexican government statistics tallied 56 killings in Baja California Sur in 2013, the highest in 16 years, and the state is expected to exceed that
number this year, according to a report last month by the Associated Press.
For the state of Baja California, which includes Tijuana, Mexicali, Ensenada, Rosarito Beach and Tecate, the travel advisory shows little change from
the previous one issued in August 2014, and continues to urge visitors to “exercise caution in the northern state of Baja California, particularly at
night.”
sandra.dibble@utsandiego.com (619) 293-1716 Twitter: @sandradibble
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Gulliver
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I could be wrong but I think the State Department is about as in touch with reality as the U.S. press. I suspect that if you hang out in bars late at
night in LaPaz (or anywhere) or are involved with the drug trade, you might, indeed, be in considerable danger. Duh!
Now driving the 'wrong way' down a dirt side street in Constitution is a real danger to your wallet. Or parking in front of the school in Santa
Rosalia with U.S. license plates. That will bring out those two fat fools on their bicycles to hustle a few pesos out of you. Terror in Baja!!
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roundtuit
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56 killings in Baja California Sur in 2013 compared to Chicago,Detroit or some other cities. Take my chances here
Never learned from a book-Only from mistakes, mine and yours
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Tioloco
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56 doesn't seem too bad.... As long as one of us ain't number 57.....
Life is dangerous to your health!
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dtbushpilot
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Has anyone else noticed that they are warning us about travel in Baja now based on 2013 statistics? I guess I should be glad they got around to it,
makes me feel better about how my tax dollars are spent 
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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CortezBlue
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Here in Fenix, AZ we have at least 2 shootings a day and usually one of them is a cop killing someone for what the "thought" was a weapon but it was a
wallet or comb!!
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
- Albert Einstein
Follow Cortez Blue
www.cortezblue.com
We put the FUNK in disFUNKtion |
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norte
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Comparing Baja California Sur to Chicago or even Fenix is just a form of denial. There have been numerous posts here about the Cartel killings and
criminal activity in La Paz. This from Mexican news almost daily...not USA news. Google for more recent information.
Keep your head down....but not in the sand.
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treuboff
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Be aware of your surroundings. if your surroundings are negative leave to surroundings that are positively positive. I guess if you feel you don't
belong you probably don't.
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DianaT
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Quote: Originally posted by treuboff  | | Be aware of your surroundings. if your surroundings are negative leave to surroundings that are positively positive. I guess if you feel you don't
belong you probably don't. |
Good travel advice for anywhere - what is always a bit troublesome is when the crime becomes drive by and out of nowhere for example the tragic
drive by in El Rosario a few years back and the more recent drive by at a gas station in Guerrero Negro. Those are just situations that are innocent
and turn ugly too quickly and that is where innocent people who are not involved in any wrong doing can become involved.
It is just a matter of willingness to take those risks. We have traveled in Mexico, and Central and South American countries when there were civil
wars or uprisings happening.
There are places on the mainland of Mexico and in Baja and Baja California Sur to which we will not travel at this time. But we will still travel
Mexico.
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Hook
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I just read the latest travel warning on the State Department website. IMO, Sandra Dibble excerpted one of the most benign sections of it.
In fact, unless the OP decided to omit it from a larger article that Ms. Dibble wrote, in the same paragraph about the 2013 kidnapping stats are stats
about kidnappings in 2014, with respect to Americans.
Maybe some of you ostriches should read some of the more salient portions:
***************
Nevertheless, U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter organized criminal groups
that engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico. The groups themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to
control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have
fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking, and highway robbery. While many of those killed in
organized crime-related violence have themselves been involved in criminal activity, innocent persons have also been killed. The number of U.S.
citizens reported to the Department of State as murdered in Mexico was 81 in 2013 and 85 in 2014 to date.
Gun battles between rival criminal organizations or with Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico. Gun
battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S.
citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. Criminal organizations have used stolen cars, buses, and trucks to create
roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. The location and timing of future armed
engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas specifically identified in this Travel Warning and exercise extreme
caution when traveling throughout the other areas for which advisories are in effect.
The number of kidnappings throughout Mexico is of particular concern and appears to be on the rise. According to statistics published by the Mexican
Secretaria de Gobernacion (SEGOB), in 2013 kidnappings nationwide increased 20 percent over the previous year. While kidnappings can occur anywhere,
according to SEGOB, during this timeframe, the states with the highest numbers of kidnappings were Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Estado de Mexico,
and Morelos. Additionally, according to a widely publicized study by the agency responsible for national statistics (INEGI, the National Institute of
Statistics and Geography), Mexico suffered an estimated 105,682 kidnappings in 2012; only 1,317 were reported to the police. Police have been
implicated in some of these incidents. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. More than 130 kidnappings of U.S. citizens were
reported to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico between January and November of 2014.
*****************
I think it is the State Department's job to inform us of these kinds of things so we can make informed decisions about when and where we travel.
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Hook
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Simply stunning. Only about 1% of kidnappings were reported.
[Edited on 12-26-2014 by Hook]
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mrfatboy
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| Quote: Originally posted by Hook | I just read the latest travel warning on the State Department website. IMO, Sandra Dibble excerpted one of the most benign sections of it.
In fact, unless the OP decided to omit it from a larger article that Ms. Dibble wrote, in the same paragraph about the 2013 kidnapping stats are stats
about kidnappings in 2014, with respect to Americans.
Maybe some of you ostriches should read some of the more salient portions:
***************
Nevertheless, U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter organized criminal groups
that engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico. The groups themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to
control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have
fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking, and highway robbery. While many of those killed in
organized crime-related violence have themselves been involved in criminal activity, innocent persons have also been killed. The number of U.S.
citizens reported to the Department of State as murdered in Mexico was 81 in 2013 and 85 in 2014 to date.
Gun battles between rival criminal organizations or with Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico. Gun
battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S.
citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. Criminal organizations have used stolen cars, buses, and trucks to create
roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. The location and timing of future armed
engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas specifically identified in this Travel Warning and exercise extreme
caution when traveling throughout the other areas for which advisories are in effect.
The number of kidnappings throughout Mexico is of particular concern and appears to be on the rise. According to statistics published by the Mexican
Secretaria de Gobernacion (SEGOB), in 2013 kidnappings nationwide increased 20 percent over the previous year. While kidnappings can occur anywhere,
according to SEGOB, during this timeframe, the states with the highest numbers of kidnappings were Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Estado de Mexico,
and Morelos. Additionally, according to a widely publicized study by the agency responsible for national statistics (INEGI, the National Institute of
Statistics and Geography), Mexico suffered an estimated 105,682 kidnappings in 2012; only 1,317 were reported to the police. Police have been
implicated in some of these incidents. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. More than 130 kidnappings of U.S. citizens were
reported to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico between January and November of 2014.
*****************
I think it is the State Department's job to inform us of these kinds of things so we can make informed decisions about when and where we travel.
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I posted exactly what was tweeted to me by San Diego news. No judgement either way ☺
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Hook
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Then, Ms. Dibble decided not to publish the most important stats in the whole travel warning, IMO.
'Course she's a beat writer. Disparage your beat and your contacts dry up. But she cant completely ignore a State warning, either.
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bajabuddha
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THE THIRD EYE
Probably what draws (drew) most Baja enthusiasts was the thrill of The Great Unknown; the same thing that draws people to Gravity Sports, like
surfing, jumping out of (perfectly good) aircraft, running whitewater, upper reach fishing, climbing, boonie-flying... the things that keep our
"Third-Eye" watching and ALIVE....
I saw it in the eyes of most earlier Baja travelers, the intrepid ones. Most are adrenaline junkies; a high like all others, needs just another
little 'upper' to get you through the day (life). I've seen it in the eyes of those much older than I was then, and am now; they sit on the
barstools, and biatch and bicker, and tell stories of How It Used To Be. Older but not old, tired but not too tired to ... maybe... try it one ......
more......... time..........
Comes along reality and smacks you upside the head. The tide has crossed the SOC, it's here now too. A few years back, one more challenge. I had to
move my home camp in Baja because I was tired of watching for Charlie to come creepin' in the bush; always watching, as I was always watching for him.
Too many bad things in one area; time to move on, again.
I haven't given up on Mexico, but Mexico I think has given up on itself at the present time. It isn't my war, regardless where the drugs end up. I
refuse to be blamed for this, or ISIS, or anyone else's messes; I have enough of my own.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, KEEP YOUR THIRD EYE OPEN. Always be aware, watch your periphery, and keep your conscience clean. Do NOT camp
alone, don't think it's idyllic as we used to. For years guides have pled "don't feed the little animals"........ DON'T FEED THE COYOTES. If you
love it, lock it. The rules haven't changed, just the stakes are a little higher.
If you think camping in Baja has changed, stop by Organ Pipe N.M., and talk to the Rangers there. One of my old-time magical places, especially
dry-camping (boon-docking) at Why, AZ in the '80's.... last time was in 2004, Easter week (to escape the beach onslaughts). Totally abandoned area,
found a 'tonk'-camp half a klik from our campsite in an arroyo. All latent evidence pointed to a place not to linger too long......
Oh, The Times, They Are A-Changin'......... but we change with. Live on, Baja. This is temporary. WE are temporary. Change is the only constant.
Feliz Año... y prosperos a todo.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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JoeJustJoe
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| Quote: Originally posted by Hook | Then, Ms. Dibble decided not to publish the most important stats in the whole travel warning, IMO.
'Course she's a beat writer. Disparage your beat and your contacts dry up. But she cant completely ignore a State warning, either.
|
Ms Dibble, in her article, " http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/24/state-department-... Did something everybody else here failed to do, and that includes Hook.
Ms Dibble, linked the whole US State department "Updated travel warning for Mexico, which everybody can read for themselves. So I don't know why Hook
is getting so hot and bothered by Ms Dibble's " "UT San Diego" article.
Hook in my opinion left out the most important part of the " US state Department Updated travel warning" although he seemed to pick the worse parts
in his quote:
________________________________________
From the Mexico travel warning:
Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border
every day. The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that
organized criminal groups have targeted U.S. visitors or residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico
generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.
------
Feel free to read the whole "Mexico Travel warning.
________________________________
The only thing really that added is "Baja California Sur" is included this time, because before that was no warning in that area before. And really
the travel warning, only say, " Exercise caution in the state capital of La Paz. That the same warning upper Baja has in places like Tijuana and
Rosarito. The Travel warning, is not telling you to " Defer non-essential travel" to "Baja California sur, like they say about thestate of Sinaloa
except the city of Mazatlan. So the only thing you're being told, is to exercise caution. OK, I will be more cautious when I visit Cabo, later next
month.
BTW I can't wait to see the tourism number to Mexico for 2014. I think Mexico received something like 22,000,000, or 23,000, 000 worldwide tourist to
Mexico. in 2013And I think something like 150,000 people cross the US/Mexican border daily. I predict the numbers will even be better in 2014.
Of course, some people are going to be scared to travel to Mexico. Oh well, I guess there are other places in the world they could travel to, without
being scared.
.
[Edited on 12-26-2014 by JoeJustJoe]
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apple
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| Quote: Originally posted by Gulliver | I suspect that if you hang out in bars late at night in LaPaz (or anywhere) or are involved with the drug trade, you might, indeed, be in
considerable danger. Duh!
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Wait, what? Hanging out in bars late at night in La Paz and being an actual criminal are on the same danger level? If that's the case I know a whole
bunch of gringos in La Paz that must be in way more trouble than they know
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bajalearner
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Fantastic thought, words to live by!!!
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treuboff
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Life is the leading cause of death
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mtgoat666
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you gringos that dismiss the violence in la Paz as much ado bout nothing are fools. My mexican Friends from la Paz or doing biz in la Paz find the
violence very alarming and issue warnings about it. You gringos that dismiss the violence are out of touch, senile or idiots. Cartel wars in the
streets are not good things to be around, and it bodes badly for the city. I and many foreigners and many more Mexicans avoid cities where blood is
flowing in the gutters.
So laugh all you want, you are fools, the city is just a few steps away from being abandoned if the violence continues.
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Gulliver
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I am sick and tired of people going on about drug related violence in Baja when the people and government here do essentially NOTHING about the
reckless macho driving I see very day.
Way, way more people die every day from speeding (and I don't mean a bit too fast!) and crazy passing. It is impossible to go a day without seeing
someone driving 100KPH and above on Rt 1. There is no excuse for this except childishness.
You want my respect? Then behave like responsible adults.
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