Warden Message (2)
Warden Message (2)
Warden Message
Recent increases in violent crime rates in Mexican regions sharing a border with the United States serve as a reminder that everyone should take an active role in their own personal security. U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Mexico should exercise caution when in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
Violence by criminal elements affects many parts of the country, urban and rural. Visitors to the U.S. – Mexico border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, Matamoros, and Monterrey, should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Crime in Mexico continues at high levels, and it is often violent, especially in Mexico City, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, Acapulco, and the state of Sinaloa. Other metropolitan areas have lower, but still serious, levels of crime. In its efforts to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. Military checkpoints increased in border areas in early 2008. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.
There is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted because of their citizenship. However, American bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. The United States Government does not have any information about specific threats to American Citizens but would like to share a self-assessment questionnaire used by government employees to help you increase your own personal security.
Daily Security Habits and Practices
If you are driving, in a restaurant, or other public place and you notice suspicious individuals, armed personnel or protective security details, immediately depart the area.
Do you vary your times and routes to and from work?
Do you keep your doors locked and windows closed (residence and vehicle)?
Do you check the interior and exterior of your vehicle prior to getting into your vehicle? Look for things that are irregular or abnormal.
Do you maintain a low personal profile by not doing anything that draws attention to yourself?
Do you report to the police, vehicles/persons possibly involved in surveillance of your activities?
Are you alert to what is going on around you?
Are your colleagues and family aware of your daily plans and do they know how to reach you?
Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable. Be unpredictable when possible in both your work and social schedules.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Report all suspicious activity to local police officials.
In traffic, always attempt to leave space in which to maneuver. Always leave yourself an exit (escape route). Be prepared to take evasive action at any time.
If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility to call the Police. Never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out.
Whenever possible, do not have a set day for personal errands (e.g. shopping). Be unpredictable.
Never give out your personal information such as family member and household staff names, addresses and telephone numbers in an open setting.
Brief all of your family members on security measures.
Inform your family, supervisor or colleagues of your whereabouts if you are traveling overnight.
Stay in Touch
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register in person with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.
Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to- date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1- 202-501-4444.
For any emergencies involving American citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 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: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.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.