FBI says it won’t travel to Mexico for spring break after two Americans were killed in a kidnapping
PHOENIX – With the beginning of spring break, US authorities are warning against travel to parts of Mexico after it became known that four Americans were missing in the country, two of whom died.
The FBI office in San Antonio, Texas sounded the alarm, saying the Americans had been attacked, held at gunpoint and appeared to have been kidnapped.
Two of the four Americans abducted in Mexico have died. Two others were found alive, one of them was wounded.
Places like Rocky Point are hotspots for Arizona residents, but now they’re on the “please reconsider travel” notice.
“If you are going there, which most people from Arizona do, stay on the major highways. Try not to veer too far off course. That’s where you can get into a sticky situation,” says FBI Phoenix’s Brooke Brennan. “Have an emergency contact, make sure you contact them and make sure they know how often you plan to contact them.”
In addition to the emergency contact you contact during normal times, the FBI also recommends that you save contact information for US embassies anywhere in Mexico you plan to travel to.
“Use only official modes of transport, i.e. official taxis, shuttles, possibly to the resort where you are staying. Unofficial, unauthorized travel can usually make you an easier target, and this is where some of these abductions have taken place,” Brennan explained. .
Another word of caution: don’t flaunt your wallet or watch. It draws attention.
The Mexican president says four Americans crossed the border to buy medicine and ended up in a gang fight.
The U.S. ambassador to Mexico said one innocent Mexican citizen died in the attack. American agencies worked with Mexican authorities to find the citizens.
Tune in to FOX 10 Phoenix for the latest news:
“Be aware of your surroundings”
Scottsdale resident George Marie Mills says his Rocky Point vacation is unforgettable. Before spring break, the crowd and presumably many college students entered the water as she and her four-legged friend walked on the sand.
“This morning my dog and I were alone on the beach. It’s like we rented out the entire space,” she said.
George says that she feels safe at Rocky Point, sometimes even more so than at home.
“Honestly, I think we have a false sense of security in the Phoenix metro area. We have no weapons here, low speed limits, and I feel completely safe,” she said.
Cristina Ortega of Terra Travel in Mesa says she advises clients to only travel to certain locations in Mexico.
“Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. We will not go anywhere else,” Cristina Ortega told Terra Travel.
He says some customers have travel-related questions and concerns, and news of the dead Americans could affect some summer travel plans, but as long as they stay in tourist cities, he thinks it’s safe.
“I would go there in an instant, but I would advise our customers to stay in the territory, not get lost, and use a trusted supplier or their own operator when visiting. Not to anyone, but through the hotel, if you contact a trusted company, ”he recommended.
George agreed with Ortega: it’s all about where you’re going.
“I love France and there are places in Paris where I would not go. It’s a dangerous world and you just have to be aware of what’s around you,” she said.
If you are planning a trip to Mexico, the authorities strongly recommend that you:
Other reports:
Content Source
Content and Photo credit go to Texas Standard
Read the full article on Texas Standard News
