img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}What exactly is terrorism? Merriam-Webster defines terrorism as “the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion”.
Is that what comes to mind when you think of traveling to Mexico?
Maybe parts of the Middle East or Africa, but Mexico? Really?
Well, according to the US State Department’s latest travel advisory for Mexico, terrorism is indeed the latest focal point.
The entire staff of current Travel Off Path writers has been all across Mexico time and time again, and none of us have horror stories to report.
In fact, I was just there a few days ago, and everything seemed hunky-dory. So, what exactly is it that’s suddenly triggered a new advisory for one of Americans’ favorite countries to visit?
Is the State Dept. bored? Have organized criminal groups been labeled as terrorists for political gain?
Or is there really a threat to US tourists?
Let’s find out!
Travel Tip: Before we dive in, make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s new tools for a seamless trip abroad, including up-to-date information on the Travel Advisory Checker.
Mexico’s New ‘Level 2′ Advisory
Me personally? I love Mexico. Always have, always will. It pains me to write these types of articles because I know how warm and welcoming people of Mexico truly are as someone who has crossed the border of our Southern neighbor quite literally hundreds of times.
But hey, a journalist’s job is to report the news…
And the news is that, necessary or not, the US State Department issued a Level 2: Exercise increased caution advisory for Mexico, with a heavy focus on terrorism concerns.
On the State Department’s new and (poorly jumbled) website layout, there are 3 listed safety indicators for the new ‘Level 2′ advisory:
- Crime
- Kidnapping or Hostage Taking
- Terrorism
Crime? Vague, but not surprising to be a concern.
Kidnapping? It does happen, but millions of tourists have nothing but glowing reviews of their vacation.
Terrorism? Uhh, that’s a new one…
State Department Claims ‘Risk Of Terrorist Attacks’ In Mexico
If you were to travel to Iraq, Yemen, Gaza, or Somalia, all of these unpopular vacation spots and more easily fit the mold for heavy terrorist activity.
Does Mexico belong in the conversation? Anyone recall any bomb threats or hijackings? I sure don’t.
While it’s true all of the above are listed as ‘Level 4′ no-go zones for Americans, what type of terrorism concerns is the State Department concerned about within Mexico’s borders?
In their own words on the newly issued advisory, they say ‘ There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico’, followed by a link to a read of the Bureau of Counterterrorism’s Country Reports on Terrorism with no such luck to solve the mystery (I tried!).
The State Dept. goes on to say that Americans should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees are bound to when traveling, which essentially means don’t travel to any area deemed high-risk.
The usual hotspots seem to be considered safe. You know, Cancun, Cabo, and Mexico City (even though locals are fed up with an overload of tourists)…
Diamonds in the rough seem to be in question, such as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Mazatlan, both stunning beach paradises, unfortunately located in states with a lot of criminal activity, but still well-protected for the sake of tourism.
Travel Tip: For the best insight, see this color-coded map that details each region of Mexico’s safety levels.
New Administration, New Definitions: Is The Timing Suspicious?
No matter which side of the fence you’re on politically, this is round 2 of the Trump administration, and we all know what that means — wild headlines!
The State Department is a federally operated, so one has to ask if this timing of this new advisory seems suspicious.
As immigration “raids” have taken our nation by storm, another controversy in the same breath is the President’s proclamation categorizing criminal groups as foreign “terrorists”.
See where I’m going with this?
With no activity that you would normally see from typical terrorists, it’s possible Mexico’s PR team has some finagling to do to shed the label, especially as recently elected Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has done nothing but spread positivity and hope to bolster her country’s reputation.
For what it’s worth, the State Department offers one more tidbit of advice to avoid said “terrorists”, stating Americans should comply at any unexpected road checkpoints.
By fleeing or disregarding instructions, you’re risking injury or worse. Though, it’s safe to say these situations have a high chance of not happening in Mexico’s most popular getaways.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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