State Departments Issue Spring Break Warnings

The Texas Department of Public Safety is concerned for the welfare of all spring breakers who would normally venture to border cities in Mexico as part of their fun. According to an Examiner article, the Department has issued a news release that asks these individuals to avoid such activities and that parents should not allow their teens or college kids to travel there due to current danger.

"There is an increase in Mexican drug cartel related violence in the northern Mexican border cities," stated DPS director Steven C. McCraw in the press release. "Parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety cannot be guaranteed."

In addition to this release, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert that is not expected to expire until August 20. According to their website, Mexican drug cartels are in the midst of violent conflict among themselves and with Mexican security services. This fight for control can involve innocent bystanders who happen to be in the wrong place at the right time.

Assaults, murders and kidnappings have been reported by the State Department in specific Mexican cities, including Juarez, Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Nogales, Matamoras, Reynosa, and Monterrey.

South Padre Island is a popular spring break destination and one that is not always easily associated with the Mexican border. It is important to note that this southern location is a mere 30 miles from Matamoras.

Rumors surrounding the news reports suggest the media is simply hyping the violence that has not changed in the past 10 years. For those sending their youth south, it is worth further investigation.