BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico — The United States Embassy in Mexico recently issued a travel warning to Americans. The warning comes after the arrest of a prominent cartel leader in Baja.
The travel advisory currently sits at level three of four, which is considered a serious risk. So much so that the United States Embassy and Consulate in Mexico is asking people to reconsider their travel plans.
According to the Embassy, “there is the potential for confrontations between criminal organizations and Mexican security forces in Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California, following the July 2 arrest of a prominent cartel leader. U.S. citizens should expect to encounter increased Mexican law enforcement presence in those areas. Criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed.”
They also list actions to take:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Maintain a high level of vigilance and keep a low profile
- Monitor local media for updates and in case of emergency, call 911
- Review your personal security plans and follow the instructions of local authorities
Traveler Jamilah Ryan told CBS 8, "You can never be too safe anywhere, dangers exist everywhere - so you just take precautions and be safe while you're traveling."
Although tourists are rarely the target, the worry is that innocent people could be caught in the crossfire due to the ongoing territorial disputes.
Mexico is concerned with how it will impact tourism so if you make the trip across the border expect to see an increase in law enforcement.
WATCH RELATED: US Embassy in Mexico issues travel advisory for Tijuana, Rosarito, and Baja California