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The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory, warning U.S. citizens of a surge in murder, kidnappings and violent crimes in Mexico.
Drug related homicides in the country have more than doubled, according to the state department. Robberies, murders, petty thefts and carjackings are on the rise, and cities such as Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales have experienced spikes in shootings during the day.
Students who are thinking of traveling to Mexico during spring break should be cautious, said University Police Chief Eric Reichel.
"The drug cartels are warring against each other and the Mexican government," he said. "The last thing I want to see is any of our students, faculty and staff to be injured, especially in a different country."
Students who are considering traveling to Mexico for spring break should stay away from red-light districts, visit only legitimate stores and tourist spots during the day and avoid traveling alone, according to a University Police statement.
Samantha Hayes of the study abroad office warns students to try to stay away from cities close to the border because most kidnappings and murders take place near there.
Hayes encourages students to go to places that are more sheltered such as Cabo San Lucas or Cancun. Students should also be aware of their surroundings, know who they're with and not wander off, especially if they don't speak Spanish, Hayes said.
Currently, there aren't any students studying abroad in Mexico, which decreased from two in the fall semester, according to the study abroad office.
Senior Joey Macke thinks students should consider alternative spring break vacations to Mexico, such as somewhere in Europe or simply going somewhere in the U.S.
"Mexico is one of the most dangerous places on the face of this planet," Macke said. "The cartel and drug problems over the past 10 years makes Mexico a very dangerous place, and I would avoid it at all costs - even for the sake of a good time at spring break."
Macke thinks students should wait for the kidnappings and murders to decrease before heading over, he said.
But freshman Lincoln Bartlett thinks students are safe while traveling down to Mexico, he said.
"I think the cartels respect (students) and understand that we are trying to better society, so they might leave students alone," Bartlett said.
Additional information on traveling to Mexico can be found at travel.state.gov.
August Walsh can be reached at awalsh@theorion.com
• Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas during the day
• Travel on main roads during the day, particularly toll roads
• Stay in well-known tourist areas
• Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with you
• Confirm that your cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks
• Don't display expensive looking jewelry, lots of money or other valuables
• Avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur
source: University Police Department
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