BajaNomad - Arrests of Americans in Tijuana up in 2008,

Arrests of Americans in Tijuana up in 2008,

Bajaboy - 2-6-2009 at 12:15 AM

Arrests of Americans in Tijuana up in 2008, but drop in other cities
Experts can't explain why the Mexican city bucked the trend.
By Christopher Reynolds
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-ultimatearrested8-2...

February 03, 2009

Despite all the tourists scared away by the bloody struggle between Tijuana police and Mexican drug lords, Tijuana continues to lead the world in arrests of Americans abroad.

In fact, arrests there increased in the last year, while figures were falling in the rest of Mexico and the world. The contrast perplexes even some experts.

"It's a statistician's nightmare," said David A. Shirk, professor of political science and director of the Trans-Border Institute at the University of San Diego.

In the year ended Sept. 30, 687 Americans were arrested in Tijuana, according to U.S. State Department statistics requested by the Los Angeles Times.

That figure far exceeds numbers for runners-up: London (274 arrests), Mexico City (142) and Hong Kong (107).

Worldwide, the State Department's embassies and consulates reported a decrease in American arrests: from 4,456 in 2006 to 3,125 from October 2007 through September 2008.

Mexico has six of the world's top 13 cities for American arrests. But the State Department tally shows arrests in Guadalajara fell from 416 in 2006 to 50 in the latest period. In Nuevo Laredo, they fell from 359 to 69; in Mexico City, from 208 to 142; in Nogales, from 96 to 76. In Ciudad Juárez, where the number was fewer than 90 in 2006, the most recent count was 58.

The newest Tijuana numbers, on the other hand, represent an increase of nearly a third from 2006, when a world-leading 520 Americans were reported arrested in or near the city.

"It's an interesting puzzlement," said Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at UC San Diego. "The first thing I, as a social scientist, would say is, 'Have they changed the method of data collection?' If you can rule that out, you'd have to look at changes in tactics by anybody who does law enforcement."

U.S. officials said they were unaware of any changes in Mexican arrest-reporting procedures.

"That blip might just reflect more policing," said Michael Dear, a geo- graphy professor at USC who has been studying the U.S.-Mexican border for the last 10 years. He noted that Tijuana is "a city that's now significantly more policed than it's ever been."

State Department officials declined to speculate on what might be behind the numbers. They also offered no specifics on which crimes were connected with the Mexican arrests, nor would they say how many of those arrested were jailed.

But they did estimate that fewer than 10 of Tijuana's U.S. citizen arrests were connected to the drug-trade violence of the last year.

The usual causes of American arrests, U.S. and Mexican officials agree, are drunk and disorderly behavior, involvement in a traffic accident, possession of a firearm and drug trafficking (which can mean possession of small amounts of forbidden substances, not necessarily linked to the region's warring drug cartels).

To a large degree, the placement of Tijuana and Mexico atop the arrest list reflects long-standing social dynamics. Mexico is a leading foreign destination for American travelers, its 19.4 million overnight visits in 2007 far surpassing Canada's 13.4 million visits. (No Canadian city reported more than 35 arrests in the most recent count.) Moreover, U.S. officials estimate that as many as 125,000 U.S. and dual citizens live on the Mexican side of the border in Baja California, a figure largely unchanged by the recent increase in Tijuana violence.

And finally, for nearly a century, American visitors -- especially those younger than 21, who can drink legally in Mexico -- have headed to the bars and strip clubs near Avenida Revolución for thrills forbidden in the U.S.

Many of them don't know or don't care that Mexican gun and drug laws, like Canadian gun and drug laws, are stiffer than those in the U.S.

But in the last year, escalating violence in Tijuana has changed many traditional patterns. In the first nine months of last year, Baja California state officials reported more than 400 violent deaths in the Tijuana area. Since late September, more than 500 additional bodies have turned up, many of them decapitated.

Though solid Tijuana tourism statistics are hard to come by, a downtown merchants association reported early last year that visitor volume had fallen 90% since 2005, when the number was estimated at 4.5 million yearly.

Tijuana tourism officials avoided theorizing about the new arrest statistics and were unwilling or unable to provide figures on overall tourism.

"There is a battle among drug cartels, and all three levels of government are fighting organized crime and therefore the current events," Juan Saldaña, marketing manager for the Tijuana Convention & Visitors Bureau, wrote in an e-mail. "I can also assure you that visitors and tourists are not targets of this, and that we, the people of Tijuana, go about our daily lives as usual."

Carol Wise, associate professor and Mexico specialist at USC's School of International Relations, speculated that the arrest numbers seemed to reflect twin trends. Higher numbers in Tijuana could reflect the flooding of state and federal police "into those places that are really frightening," she said.

The decrease in arrests elsewhere in Mexico, Wise said, may stem from a decline in Americans heading south, combined with the realignment of law enforcement resources. But she acknowledges that her theory is imperfect.

Given its status as a drug-war hot spot, Wise said, "I'm surprised that the Ciudad Juárez numbers are so low."

USD's Shirk also was struck by the seeming anomaly. Given the unreliable nature of crime and tourism numbers in Mexico, he said, "there are too many problems with the data to begin to come up with any reliable measure of what this means."

In the larger picture, said USC's Dear, the number of American citizens passing through Tijuana remains so large that the number of arrests amounts to a "minuscule rate." If officials had calculated a top 20 list that measured American arrest rates per capita, Dear added, "Tijuana might drop off the list."

Travelers bound for Mexico can consult the State Department website for a summary of differences between U.S. and Mexican laws, especially when it comes to guns and treatment of suspects: www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html.

The website also advises that Mexican local police "regularly obtain information through torture," that "the judicial system is weak, overworked and inefficient" and that 21 U.S. citizens have died in Mexican prisons since early 2002, including five apparent homicides.

Though international law requires Mexican officials to notify the U.S. Embassy when a U.S. citizen is arrested and asks for notification, the State Department says, "this notification can be delayed by months or may never occur at all, limiting the assistance the U.S. government can provide."

chris.reynolds@latimes.com

[Edited on 2-6-2009 by Bajaboy]

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 04:34 AM

Since mostly young American visitors in Tijuana don't know how to handle the allure of lawless behavior which is, and always has been, the focus of the local entertainment industry, Mexico should clear their conscience of all responsibility by banning them from these raucous establishments and leave the survival of the industry to the more mature and sophisticated clientele. After all, who in advanced age wouldn't enjoy having Tequila poured down their throat while taking in a nice donkey show.

fishbuck - 2-6-2009 at 05:16 AM

I've traveled to many spots in Baja.
The first time I visited Tijauna was about 6 months ago. I usually blow right past on my way south to fish or I fly my plane over the whole mess.
Anyway, I had meet a beautiful sinorita on the internet and was meeting her in Tijuana. I drove down there and went to Revolution Blvd.
With in an hour I almost got arrested, my truck almost got towed, the cops got me for $80, a street hoochie got $40 out of my pocket.
My first night in Tijuana and I felt lucky when I got to my hotel room to hide for the rest of the night.

I've been back several times. The next couple of times I still got ripped off a few times but no more cop trouble.
Don't drive around and don't get too drunk. Park you car in a safe spot {parking lot or hotel} and take a cab if you are a little drunk. Walk around on Revo if you are sober enough. It's fun.

The last couple of times I've been there were fun. No problems.
I know my way around there now. Me gusto mucho! Muchas bonita sinoritas! Muy sexy!

But the learning curve is a little step so I can see how people could get arrested there.

You can always ask FDT for help. He has helped me out a couple of times!
Un bien hombre!

Bien suarte!!!

[Edited on 2-6-2009 by fishbuck]

fishbuck - 2-6-2009 at 05:36 AM

Donkey show!????????????????????
Donde es, mi amigo Dennis? Conoces?

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Since mostly young American visitors in Tijuana don't know how to handle the allure of lawless behavior which is, and always has been, the focus of the local entertainment industry, Mexico should clear their conscience of all responsibility by banning them from these raucous establishments and leave the survival of the industry to the more mature and sophisticated clientele. After all, who in advanced age wouldn't enjoy having Tequila poured down their throat while taking in a nice donkey show.

Diver - 2-6-2009 at 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
.... Mexico should clear their conscience of all responsibility by banning them ....

I'm pretty sure it's just the young males that are getting in trouble; nothing wrong with the young females !! IMHO :lol:

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Donkey show!????????????????????
Donde es, mi amigo Dennis? Conoces?

I'm not really sure they have those anymore, Mike. Ask Ken Cooke. He's the ambassador of Revo Avenue.

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
I'm pretty sure it's just the young males that are getting in trouble; nothing wrong with the young females !! IMHO :lol:

But...Of course, darlings of purity that they are.

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 01:33 PM

Our friend, Fishbuck, wants to know about the Donkey Show in TJ. Can anybody with connections with the Chamber Of Commerce ask about the well being of this aspect of the entertainment industry and where are the best locations for him to enjoy it? I've looked through the Baja Times and didn't see any reference to them or advertising. Perhaps all the quality productions have gone to Vegas.

I no longer work in that industry. I am now just a beast of burden or something on your dinner plate.

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-6-2009 at 01:48 PM

Donkey show

Dave - 2-6-2009 at 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Perhaps all the quality productions have gone to Vegas.

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-6-2009 at 01:53 PM

Oh no you didn't tocayo.

Woooosh - 2-6-2009 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Donkey show!????????????????????
Donde es, mi amigo Dennis? Conoces?

Quote:

I always feel bad for the donkey. But seriously, when I was in my 20's a bunch of friends and I searched for one of those shows- never did find one.

Maybe TJ arrests are up because there are less gringos to watch and the true idiots really stick out and are more likely to be arrested.

Or maybe arrests are up because the same people now balk at paying the bribe and want to go to the station instead.

Or maybe the Army guys were making more actual arrests while the TJ cops were on hiatus- so no bribery to keep the stupid from being arrested and actually sent to jail.

BajaGringo - 2-6-2009 at 04:36 PM

I was told that the donkey shows were never on Revo. They were held outside of town and knowing cabdrivers would ferry you out for a "special fee". Once there you were held captive sometimes for hours as the promoters would wait until what they judged to be a big enough crowd and enough overpriced beer and tequila sales to warrant the event. Word on the street is that they have been completely gone for 20-25 years although I heard that there have been a few "private" shows for "select" customers.

Are you on that "select" list fishbuck???

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
I always feel bad for the donkey. But seriously, when I was in my 20's a bunch of friends and I searched for one of those shows- never did find one.

Then, why do you feel bad for the Donkey? I never saw the show either but, when I fantacized about it, all I could say to myself was, "Lucky Donkey. He's gettin' more than I am."

BajaGringo - 2-6-2009 at 04:39 PM

I sense a joke here but I am going to resist...

:spingrin:

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 04:41 PM

Awwwww....go for it.

woody with a view - 2-6-2009 at 04:45 PM

looks like a chili, only smaller!

fishbuck - 2-6-2009 at 06:59 PM

"Are you on that "select" list fishbuck???"

Not yet but I sure am trying to meet the "right" people.

I see donkeys on Revo all the time. Maybe when they are not doing their " Zebra" act they do another kind of act.

DENNIS - 2-6-2009 at 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
I see donkeys on Revo all the time. Maybe when they are not doing their " Zebra" act they do another kind of act.

One woman's lover is another mans plow horse.

fishbuck - 2-6-2009 at 08:14 PM

Hey laadeee, chu waan to rent my dongkee? :lol:

What are you?

Dave - 2-6-2009 at 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishbuck
Hey laadeee, chu waan to rent my dongkee? :lol:

Scotch-Mexican?

Bajahowodd - 2-7-2009 at 12:44 AM

In 1970, donkey shows were supposedly history. Methinks more an urban legend.

jbexplorer - 2-7-2009 at 08:44 PM

My buddy was in the air force and had a week end off so we took a rental car down in 1977. Parked right on the main street and gave a kid $5 to watch the hub caps. They were gone within an hour any way. The donkey show was right there in a bar on the main street, I saw it. You had to go down stairs, like in a basement. And pay cover and buy beers.

Now the hoar house was a ways away we were told. Jumped in a cab and he drives in circles for a half hour till were at the HH. Turns out it was only 2 blocks away. My buddy got Syphilis and the AF was peeed. He died last month. R.I.P. Randy, 53 yrs. old. ( don't know how he died, just said long sickness, haven't been in touch for years )

JB

DENNIS - 2-7-2009 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jbexplorer
1977. The donkey show was right there in a bar on the main street, I saw it.

The donkey show lives. I've heard a Hollywood documentry is being made on the subject, "Donkey show Dandy" with Rosie O'Donnel as the in-depth participating reporter. High awards are being whispered.

shari - 2-7-2009 at 09:03 PM

Awww Dennis...how nice you feel all fuzzy for that lucky burro...at least he didnt get BBQ'ed!
Hey jb...welcome to nomadlandia....wow...only 4 posts and you are right into the good stuff....that's what we like here....eye witnesses!!! hope to hear more of your anecdotes in future posts....why I remember the day when....................................................

jbexplorer - 2-7-2009 at 09:15 PM

On the way back that night we got stopped at the border. The guard said to get out of the car. I got out and saw a 45 cal. bullet laying on the asphalt. I pointed it out to the guard, he picked it up, looked at me and said this is yours... No No I said I just saw it laying there. He called over the dog, then proceed to tear the car apart. Back seat out, air cleaner off, crawling under the car, all the interior panel out of the trunk... Never did find anything, we didn't have a gun ( aren't that stupid ). Had to put every thing back ourselves...

wrybread - 2-8-2009 at 12:52 PM

I had a funny one: was looking for contact lenses in Tijuana. The opticas are mostly near the pharmacias. One of those pickup trucks full of cops flagged me down and asked me if I had bought any valium. I told him I was just looking for contact lenses. They searched me, and found a piece of paper with my prescription on it. Until they found that I really thought they were going to put me in the back of the pickup.

Another one was even better: parked in TJ to get a quick bite. Very stupid of me but I didn't park in a secured lot. Got back, and someone had broken in and stolen the stereo. Some cops then drove by and got out, even before we said anything. I told them in my broken spanish that someone had stolen the stereo, but that its ok, we're just leaving. They got out and frisked us. Crazy. I told them it was us who had gotten robbed, and to prove it to them I showed them the detachable face from the stereo, which was hidden under the seat. I left it on the driver seat after talking to the cop. I then talked to another cop, and he said oh its ok, you can leave. I thought I must have gotten my point across. When I got back to the car I saw that they had taken the detachable face....

Personally I never ever stop in TJ anymore. If for some reason I do want to go to TJ, I park on the other side of the border.

jbexplorer - 2-8-2009 at 08:38 PM

One time we bought a liter of tequila with the worm in it. We were caught with it at the border. The guard said you can dump it in the trash, go back and drink it, or sell it. We turned around and stuffed it under the spare tire in the trunk. Went back across, they searched the hole car and didn't find it. I've never been back...

JB

nancyinpdx - 2-9-2009 at 02:26 PM

The cops in TJ can be really scary. Some day when I'm in the mood I may post the stuff that I have seen them do or what my TJ resident friends have experienced. It can be really traumatizing, dangerous, and humiliating when those cops get you.

wrybread - 2-9-2009 at 03:24 PM

I'd be really interested in hearing some of those stories...