As winter bites hard across the United States, many Americans are seeking refuge in warmer climates, with Mexico being a top destination for its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and affordability. However, experts are urging travelers to exercise extreme caution as violence and crime in Mexico continue to escalate, posing significant risks to American tourists. Michael Brown, a former Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and current global director of counter-narcotics technology at Rigaku Analytical Devices, has issued a stark warning: Americans, particularly women, face heightened dangers outside of resorts, including kidnapping, robbery, and even being sold into the sex trade. Brown emphasized that no area of Mexico is entirely safe, even within luxury resorts, where cartel scouts often target unsuspecting visitors.
The U.S. government has reinforced these warnings through official travel advisories, citing widespread violence, homicide, kidnapping, and carjacking as persistent threats across much of Mexico. Data from the U.S. State Department reveals that between January and June 2022, 115 American citizens died in Mexico, with 25 of those deaths being homicides. While the majority of fatalities were due to accidents or unspecified causes, the rising trend of violent crime is undeniable. Brown stresses that while the overall percentage of visitors who fall victim to crime remains low, the devastating impact on those affected and their families cannot be overlooked. He cautions against complacency, urging travelers to prioritize safety and remain vigilant.
The State Department’s latest advisory explicitly warns Americans to avoid several states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, due to high crime rates and the risk of kidnapping. Even in states deemed relatively safer, such as Baja California and Jalisco, travelers are urged to exercise increased caution. These warnings come amid a surge in violent incidents targeting tourists, including American women and couples. For instance, in December 2023, Gloria Ambriz and Rafael Cardona, both from California, were shot and killed in Michoacán while visiting family. Similarly, in May 2024, two Australian brothers and an American man were murdered during a surfing trip near Ensenada, reportedly over a dispute involving stolen tires.
The most striking aspect of these incidents is that many of them occur in areas once considered safe, such as popular resort towns like Tulum and Cancun. In Tulum, an American woman named Niko Honarbakhsh was tragically killed in June 2024 by a stray bullet during an apparent drug deal gone wrong. Her death follows a pattern of violence in the region, where rival cartel activity often spills into public spaces frequented by tourists. Similarly, in Cancun, Oklahoma college students Zara Hull and Kaylie Pitze reported being drugged at a resort pool bar, describing a harrowing ordeal that left them hospitalized and their families scrambling for emergency assistance. These incidents underscore the growing risks faced by American tourists and the need for heightened awareness.
Brown and other experts stress that cartel activity has become increasingly brazen, with resorts no longer serving as “off-limits” zones for criminals. Cartel scouts often mingle with tourists, identifying potential targets for kidnapping, robbery, or worse. This is particularly true for American women traveling alone, who Brown warns are at higher risk of being targeted for human trafficking. Even seemingly secure environments, such as upscale resorts, are not immune to these threats, as criminals seek out vulnerable individuals, especially at night or in isolated areas.
Despite these dangers, Mexico remains a popular destination for American travelers, and many visit without incident. However, the recent spike in violence and the U.S. government’s explicit warnings suggest that travelers must take extraordinary precautions to ensure their safety. Brown advises sticking to well-known, heavily guarded resorts and avoiding nighttime excursions or travel outside secure areas. The State Department also recommends registering with the U.S. Embassy’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive critical safety updates and assistance in emergencies. For those planning a trip to Mexico, staying informed, exercising caution, and being aware of their surroundings is crucial to minimizing risks and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
