BajaNomad - New Warden Message

New Warden Message

CaboRon - 3-17-2010 at 09:35 AM

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO
AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE
Warden Message

TRAVEL WARNING: MEXICO
March 17, 2010

Travel Warning for Mexico
This warden message is being issued to advise U.S. citizens that the Department of State has issued a Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico, and that it has authorized the departure of the dependents of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros until April 12. Family members of US Government personnel assigned to other areas of Mexico outside the Mexican border states are not affected by this departure measure. This Travel Warning supersedes that of February 22, 2010, and announces the authorized departure of some dependents and updates security incidents.
.
While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including tens of thousands
who cross the land border daily for study, tourism or business and nearly one million U.S.
citizens who live in Mexico), violence in the country has increased. It is imperative that
U.S. citizens understand the risks in Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if victimized. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate
business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.
Recent violent attacks have prompted the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay
unnecessary travel to parts of Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua states (see details below) and advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution. Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view as a threat to their organizations. These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident U.S. citizens in Chihuahua.
Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border. Mexican drug cartels are engaged in violent
conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of
narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. To combat violence, the
government of Mexico has deployed military troops throughout the country. U.S. citizens
should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
Some recent confrontations between Mexican authorities and drug cartel members have
resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities across Mexico, but occur mostly in northern Mexico, including Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Matamoros, Reynosa and Monterrey. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts its U.S. government employees' travel within the state of Durango, the northwest quadrant of the state of Chihuahua and an area southeast of Ciudad Juarez, and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River. This restriction was implemented in light of a recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those three states.
The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed
engagements cannot be predicted. Recently, the cities of Durango and Gomez Palacio in the state of Durango, and the area known as "La Laguna" in the state of Coahuila, which includes the city of Torreon, experienced sharp increases in violence. In late 2009 and early 2010, four visiting U.S. citizens were murdered in Gomez Palacio, Durango. These and several other unsolved murders in the state of Durango have caused particular concern. A number of areas along the border continue to experience a rapid growth in crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico, with notable spikes in Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities that have experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. Travelers on the highways between Monterrey and other parts of Mexico to the United States (notably through Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros) have been targeted for robbery and violence and have also inadvertently been caught in incidents of gunfire between criminals and Mexican law enforcement. Such incidents are more likely to occur at night but may occur at any time.

The situation in the state of Chihuahua, specifically Ciudad Juarez, is of special concern. The U.S. Consulate General recommends that American citizens defer non-essential travel to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez and to the northwest quarter of the state of Chihuahua including the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes and surrounding communities. From the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus, NM, and Fabens and Fort Hanc-ck, TX, ports of entry. In both areas, American citizens have been victims of drug-related violence. Mexican authorities report that more than 2,600 people were killed in Ciudad Juarez in 2009. Additionally, this city of 1.3 million people experienced more than 16,000 car thefts and
1,900 carjackings in 2009. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method. U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico. U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most of their cases remain unsolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican law enforcement officials and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest U.S. consulate as soon as possible. Any U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning to the United States immediately. U.S. citizens should be aware that many cases of violent crime are never resolved by Mexican law enforcement, and the U.S. government has no authority to investigate crimes committed in Mexico. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. When warranted, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular phone service providers prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items. Travelers to remote or isolated hunting or fishing venues should be aware of their distance from appropriate medical, law enforcement, and consular services in an emergency situation.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings. Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico-Know Before You Go!!"

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate. The numbers provided below for the Embassy and Consulates are available around the clock. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at:
ACSMexicoCity@state.gov. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.
The Consulate General in Tijuana is located at Tapachula 96; Colonia Hipódromo, Tijuana, Mexico. The Consulate General’s telephone number from the U.S. is (011)(52)(664) 622-7400; within Mexico, (01)(664)(622)(7400). The fax number is (011)(664) 686 1168. For additional inquiries, please contact us at http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov.

Consulates:

Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-N, telephone (52) (656) 611-3000.

Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52) (333) 268-2100.

Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52) (662) 289-3500.

Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52) (868) 812-4402.

Merida: Calle 60 No. 338 K, telephone (52) (999) 942-5700

Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52) (818) 345-2120.

Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52) (631) 311-8150.

Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, Col. Jardin, telephone (52) (867) 714-0512.

Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400.

Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - Local 14; telephone (52) (744) 484-0300 or (52) (744) 469-0556.

Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina Local C-4, Plaza Nautica, Col. Centro; telephone (52) (624) 143-3566.

Cancun: Plaza Caracol Two, Second Level, No. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulkan, Km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera; telephone (52) (998) 883-0272.

Ciudad Acuna: Alfonso Gonzalez Ocampo # 305, Col. Centro; telephone (52) (877) 772-8179.

Cozumel: Plaza Villa Mar en El Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th Ave.) 2nd floor, Locales #8 and 9; telephone (52) (987) 872-4574.

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa; telephone (52) (755) 553-2100.

Mazatlan: Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada; telephone (52) (669) 916-5889.

Oaxaca: Macedonio Alcala No. 407, Interior 20; telephone (52) (951) 514-3054 (52) or (951) 516-2853.

Piedras Negras: Abasolo 211, Local #3, Col. Centro; telephone (52) (878) 782-5586 or (878) 782-8664.

Puerto Vallarta: Paradise Village Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17,
Nuevo Vallarta; telephone (52) (322) 222-0069.

Reynosa: Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Col. Rodríguez; telephone: (52) (899) 923-9331

San Luis Potosi: Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco; telephone (52) (444) 811-7802 or (444) 811-7803.

San Miguel de Allende: Dr. Hernandez Macias #72; telephone (52) (415) 152-2357.

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

toneart - 3-17-2010 at 09:38 AM

This is already old, CYA news for alarmists. What does this have to do with us?

The "Warden" won't let us out anyway. :lol:

[Edited on 3-17-2010 by toneart]

irenemm - 3-17-2010 at 09:42 AM

I did see this. Thanks
I will keep the list of phone #'s in case I travel and need to call them
Thanks again
good list to have

irenemm - 3-17-2010 at 09:51 AM

I am surprised that it did not include the up rising in the the Montasorri Pre school in Vicente guerrero last friday.
Three 4 years old took over the class room and and just destroyed it. they cup up all the school work. Painted all the walls and window and of course all the clothes they had on.
I was lucky to get my grand daughter out without any problems. All american with small children should stay away from that school and the 3 up rising kids. These is what we have to deal with in Vicente Guerrero. It does scare me. that the teacher in control did nothing. She much be a PRI member.
I am sure when the State Department finds out that at least 1 of the 4 year olds is American. We will have a warning.

BajaRat - 3-17-2010 at 09:55 AM

Rats!
Looks like we'll have to postpone our family vacation to downtown Tiajuana. My heart go's out to all those folks who have to live and work in the frontera.
Gods speed to all those caught up in this disgusting violence.

Lionel

noproblemo2 - 3-17-2010 at 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
I am surprised that it did not include the up rising in the the Montasorri Pre school in Vicente guerrero last friday.
Three 4 years old took over the class room and and just destroyed it. they cup up all the school work. Painted all the walls and window and of course all the clothes they had on.
I was lucky to get my grand daughter out without any problems. All american with small children should stay away from that school and the 3 up rising kids. These is what we have to deal with in Vicente Guerrero. It does scare me. that the teacher in control did nothing. She much be a PRI member.
I am sure when the State Department finds out that at least 1 of the 4 year olds is American. We will have a warning.

vandenberg - 3-17-2010 at 10:09 AM

Cobarderon,
How does it feel to copy&paste a message to this board, while safely tucked away in Sin City ? :no:

Woooosh - 3-17-2010 at 10:10 AM

talk about beating a dead horse...

DENNIS - 3-17-2010 at 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by irenemm
Three 4 years old took over the class room and and just destroyed it.

That's almost funny. Good thing they weren't five. They would have started a revolution. :lol:

JESSE - 3-17-2010 at 11:12 AM

They should have added, "our contribution to this drug war is about as much as we spent in Iraq for one day of operations" :rolleyes:

arrowhead - 3-17-2010 at 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Cobarderon,
How does it feel to copy&paste a message to this board, while safely tucked away in Sin City ?

I can't speak for CaboRon, but I would suppose it feels the same as when you post racial ephitets while safely tucked away in your casa in Nopocho. Remember this one?

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Lucky you!!
Took us over an hour crossing at Tecate Monday morning around noon. And then some miserable pockmarked chunky guard gave us a hard time and send us to secondary, which took another half hour. In secondary, talked to a Burro beach dweller, who informed me that this guy is a regular a--hole on all occasions.

What do you say about the Mexicans when they are out of earshot?

Stickers - 3-17-2010 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
They should have added, "our contribution to this drug war is about as much as we spent in Iraq for one day of operations" :rolleyes:

Yes Jesse, but in Iraq we get all their oil so it has a big payoff.

.

vandenberg - 3-17-2010 at 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
Cobarderon,
How does it feel to copy&paste a message to this board, while safely tucked away in Sin City ?

I can't speak for CaboRon, but I would suppose it feels the same as when you post racial ephitets while safely tucked away in your casa in Nopocho. Remember this one?

Quote:

What do you say about the Mexicans when they are out of earshot?

I also have you pegged in a certain category.

Bajahowodd - 3-17-2010 at 12:38 PM

Ah! The Bickersons has new cast members!

BajaNomad - 3-17-2010 at 12:39 PM

Reported earlier in this thread:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=44757

Martyman - 3-17-2010 at 01:06 PM

That Montessori uprising has me shaking in my boots!!

k-rico - 3-17-2010 at 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stickers

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE
They should have added, "our contribution to this drug war is about as much as we spent in Iraq for one day of operations" :rolleyes:

Yes Jesse, but in Iraq we get all their oil so it has a big payoff.

Using the oil logic, we should be more supportive of Mex until PEMEX goes dry:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publicatio...

oil.gif - 49kB

DENNIS - 3-17-2010 at 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
That Montessori uprising has me shaking in my boots!!

Yeah...Today the classroom ---- Tomorrow the world. These little heathens are getting some early training. :lol:

arrowhead - 3-17-2010 at 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
I also have you pegged in a certain category.

Relatieve van een N-zi-holocaust overlevende, Shatzi?

DianaT - 3-17-2010 at 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
That Montessori uprising has me shaking in my boots!!

Yeah...Today the classroom ---- Tomorrow the world. These little heathens are getting some early training. :lol:

Calling my sister in Vicente Guerrero now---hope it is not too late to evacuate before the riot spreads.

bonanza bucko - 3-17-2010 at 03:08 PM

Ever wonder why all those US consulates are the places they and not in such places as Mexicali, a Mexican State Capitol, or San Felipe which has more Gringos than Southeast LA Man?

BB

DianaT - 3-17-2010 at 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bonanza bucko
Ever wonder why all those US consulates are the places they and not in such places as Mexicali, a Mexican State Capitol, or San Felipe which has more Gringos than Southeast LA Man?

BB

Someone else can probably answer that question better, but I do know that there is some office there that is important for Green Card immigrants in the US. Periodically one of my Mexican students in Calexico would have to go to Juarez for immigration purposes. Their papers could not be processed in Mexicali.

So maybe that is why there is a consulate office there????