Once associated with carefree celebration, Spring Break now includes a concerning caution for partying students planning to go close to the US/Mexico border. Travelers seeking recreation in the area face an unprecedented risk due to the rising violence instigated by rival cartels.
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Recognizing the Growing Danger
With twenty-five years of experience in the El Paso Police Department, veteran US federal marshal Robert Almonte provides insight into the rising levels of violence in Mexico. The promise of laxer regulations, simpler access to illegal substances, and a lower drinking age attracts lots of students to the border. Almonte, however, firmly cautions against giving in to temptation and highlights the potentially fatal dangers.
A bleak image of cartels fighting for dominance along the border, spanning cities and drawing in other criminal groups, is painted in The Cartel Battleground Almonte. Turf wars are lethal affairs that frequently involve innocent bystanders in the crossfire. The expert cautions against underestimating the threat, noting that violent incidents can occur suddenly even in relatively ordinary places like a café on the seaside.
Mexico: The Cartel Grip
Almonte draws attention to the widespread problem of corruption and emphasizes the cartels’ grip over all facets of Mexican society. In the sad event of an incident, he warns that because the cartels control and influence the legal system, justice may continue to elude you. For those seeking accountability, the systemic corruption that is ingrained in the nation’s fiber is a tough obstacle.
Travelers’ Guide to Safety
Understanding that spring breakers and visitors to Mexico are inevitable, Almonte provides practical safety advice:
1. Select Secure Modes of Transportation
Almonte strongly advises against using unlicensed vehicles, such as Ubers or taxis. Choose services that are reserved through respectable hotels instead; they offer a bit more costly but safer option.
2. Select Resorts That Offer Everything
Almonte suggests booking accommodations at all-inclusive resorts with a solid reputation in order to reduce exposure to potential risks. With their extensive facilities, these resorts eliminate the need to travel outside and run into locations connected to cartels.
3. Stay inside the resort enclosure.
Almonte stresses how crucial it is to remain inside the resort’s enclosed area. Food, beverages, entertainment, and other necessities are all provided on-site, so there’s no need to venture out to other areas where dangers could increase.
In conclusion, if you take precautions, spring break may be a fun time. Students and visitors can avoid the risks posed by rival cartels and have a safer and more secure vacation experience in Mexico by following Almonte’s suggestions and developing an alert mindset.
