This is an annual report produced
in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico
City. OSAC encourages travelers to use this
report to
gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the Embassy’s consular district,
which comprises Mexico City, the southern tip of Tamaulipas State and the
following 13 states: Chiapas, México, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Hidalgo,
Michoacán, Morelos, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.
For information regarding the security environment elsewhere in Mexico, review
OSAC’s Crime & Safety Reports for Ciudad
Juarez, Guadalajara,
Hermosillo,
Matamoros,
Mérida
(including Cancun and the Riviera Maya), Monterrey,
Nogales,
Nuevo
Laredo, or Tijuana. For
more in-depth information, review OSAC’s Mexico country page for original OSAC
reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be
available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S.
Department of State Travel
Advisory at
the date of this report’s publication assesses Mexico at Level 2, indicating travelers
should exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. The State
Department assesses some Mexican states at higher Travel Advisory levels. Do Not Travel to the States of Colima, Guerrero,
Michoacán, Sinaloa due to crime; or to the State of Tamaulipas due to crime and
kidnapping. Reconsider Travel to the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango,
Jalisco, Mexico, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Lui Potosi, Sonora, and
Zacatecas due to crime. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and
Safety Situation
Crime Threats
The U.S. Department of State has
assessed Mexico City as being a CRITICAL-threat location
for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The
general crime rate in Mexico City is above the U.S.
national average, and varies widely.
The low rate of criminal
convictions contributes to the high rate of crime. Although there is no pattern
of criminals specifically targeting foreign or U.S.
businesses/personnel, criminals will target victims based on an
appearance of prosperity, vulnerability, or a lack of awareness. Armed robbery,
kidnapping, car theft, credit card fraud, and various forms of
residential/street crime are daily concerns. Criminals can easily resell
jewelry (including expensive watches) and cellular phones in illegal markets.
Although Mexico has strict gun-control laws, criminals often carry handguns or
knives. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.
Be careful of cash transactions
on the street. A hurried transaction for merchandise often leaves the
customer with shoddy or counterfeit goods, out-of-circulation
valueless currency, or incorrect change. Many shops and vendors
readily accept U.S. dollars at their own exchange rate.
Organized criminal gangs continue
to cause significant levels of violence throughout parts of the country. Mexico
is experiencing a combination of conditions that collectively degrade the
security environment in certain areas. The government has captured some of its
most wanted criminals. Consequently, organized criminal groups are becoming
much less organized and disciplined. The northern half of Mexico had been a
higher-threat area, primarily due to organized criminal conflicts and
competition for drug trafficking routes to the U.S. However, recent
statistics show that violence is on the rise in central and southern states as
well.
Various groups have splintered
into smaller gangs, which have branched out into different illegal business
activities, and associated violence is spreading across Mexico. One common
practice is for gangs to charge protection fees or add their own tax to
products/services, with the threat of violence for those who fail to pay.
Extortionists have targeted foreign and U.S. companies, attacking some for
not responding to demands. Some criminal groups will mandate that individuals
or even whole communities work for them as lookouts or couriers. Others will
threaten municipal and state administrators into accepting corrupt practices. Beheadings,
lynching, torture, and other gruesome displays of violence, as well as high
numbers of forced disappearances, have become routine occurrences in some
locations. Criminals have killed numerous journalists and bloggers for
reporting on these incidents. Regarding cartel violence,
wrong-place/wrong-time incidents present the greatest threat to personal
safety. The best ways to reduce the risk is to practice good personal security
habits, especially maintaining high situational awareness and promptly departing
from potentially dangerous situations.
Credit card security remains a
concern, especially in the tourist areas of Quintana Roo. There have been
reports of criminal use of credit cards. There are numerous reports in
which criminals skimmed U.S. credit/debit card numbers, stealing the money in
their debit accounts or fraudulently charging their credit cards. Skimming is
the theft of credit card information by an employee of a legitimate merchant or
bank, manually copying down numbers or using a magnetic stripe reader or using
a camera and skimmer installed in an ATM. In addition to skimming, the risk of
physical theft of credit or debit cards also exists; criminals may also
acquire card data manually when cards are handed to or left momentarily with
employees of businesses. Try to use ATMs in bank branches during business
hours. Mexican establishments accept U.S. dollars widely. Portable
credit card terminals are widely available in Mexico; always request
the establishment bring a portable credit card terminal
to charge a credit card in your physical presence. Review OSAC’s
reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Cybersecurity
Issues
Social engineering of data for
scams, kidnapping, and extortion schemes is a cybersecurity issue in the
region. Police indicate that in most kidnapping and extortion cases, the
victims were targets because of the large amount of personal information
available on social media accounts. Mexican citizens are usually the targets of
this type of cybercrime, but tourists are not immune to criminal exploitation
based on their social media activities.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety
Situation
Road Safety and
Road Conditions
Driving in Mexico requires
vigilance. Drivers are not uniformly experienced, and often drive
cars in disrepair. Be alert for vehicles moving slower than the rest of
the traffic flow, and for vehicles speeding through traffic signals at the last
minute. Give a wide berth to public buses and trucks.
Minor steering mistakes that drivers
can normally correct on a road with wide and level shoulders often cannot be
corrected easily, causing drivers to lose control of their
vehicles. Many vehicles drive with defective or inoperable
lights at night. Signage and traffic lights are improving, but are not always
clear. Road damage is not always quickly repaired, leaving potholes that can
damage your car or cause drivers to swerve or brake unexpectedly.
Motor vehicle accidents are a
leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico. If you have an emergency while
driving, dial 911. On a cuota or
any other major highway, contact the Green Angels, a fleet of trucks with
bilingual crews, by dialing 078.
A variety of road conditions
exists throughout the region. Toll (cuota) highways are comparable to
U.S. interstate highway standards with multiple traffic lanes and broad paved
shoulders. The cuotas generally have better lighting, frequent
police patrols, fewer access points (on/off-ramps), and
are generally a safer method of overland transit, but their
isolation leaves travelers vulnerable to crime, especially at
night. Speed, nighttime travel, weather (especially the summer rainy
season), unfamiliarity with the road, lack of lighting, and other elements are
contributing factors to serious traffic accidents and incidents on
highways. Drivers can reduce the risk of carjacking by limiting intercity
travel to daylight hours.
Non-toll (libre) highways are
usually in poorer condition. They are usually two-lane roads with no shoulder.
There are more reported incidents of carjacking and shootouts between rival
criminal groups, particularly after dark, on the libre highways.
Plan routes ahead of travel,
and notify family/friends of your itinerary. Keep a charged cell phone with you
and know how to reach friends and family in an emergency. Ensure vehicles are
roadworthy and maintain a full-size spare tire in case of a flat.
Road conditions in urban areas can
also vary considerably. In upscale or tourist neighborhoods of major cities,
the roads are in good condition, whereas roads are
often in poor condition in marginalized areas. There are
large speed bumps installed around major cities, including on some highways,
that often lack appropriate markings. Drivers should be alert for
changing road conditions. Drivers routinely disobey even the most fundamental
traffic laws and commonly treat red lights like stop signs, crossing as soon as
they have checked for opposing traffic.
Drivers on roads and
highways may encounter government checkpoints, which often include a military
staff. The government has deployed National Guard and military
personnel to combat organized criminal groups. Police also set up various
administrative checkpoints in and around cities (speed control, sobriety
checkpoints) and along the highways (vehicle registration
checkpoints). However, criminal organizations sometimes erect
their own unauthorized checkpoints and have killed/abducted motorists who fail
to stop and/or pay a “toll.” Likewise, self-defense groups have established
checkpoints in their communities and have shot and wounded travelers who fail
to stop. When approaching a checkpoint, regardless of whether it is official,
cooperate and avoid any actions that may appear suspicious or
aggressive.
U.S. driver’s licenses are valid
in Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles or that
the owner be inside the vehicle. Failing to abide by this law may lead to
impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle. Mexican citizens who
are not also U.S. Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) or U.S. citizens may not
operate U.S.-registered vehicles in Mexico. Mexican insurance
is mandatory for all vehicles, including rental vehicles; insurance
associated with U.S. credit cards is insufficient. Maintain Mexican liability
insurance in the event of a vehicle accident. Driving under the influence of
alcohol, using a mobile device while driving, and driving through a yellow light
are all illegal in Mexico.
It is common for strangers to
approach vehicles asking for directions or change, handing out flyers, washing windows,
or selling goods. Be
alert, lock doors, and keep windows up far enough in
case they are not well intentioned. When stopped in traffic, leave
adequate distance between vehicles to escape. Do not stop to assist
strangers whose vehicles appear broken down.
Park inside a residential or
hotel compound, in a parking lot with an attendant, or at least within
view of the location of your visit. When parking in the lot of a
shopping facility, park as close as possible to the store entrance and away
from dumpsters, bushes, or large vehicles.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and
road safety abroad.
Check with your U.S. auto
insurance provider regarding international coverage. Driving requires
local liability insurance, which, in some cases, you must purchase
separately from a Mexican insurance provider or through a rental car
company.
Public
Transportation Conditions
Local commercial and municipal
buses and taxis are readily available in most cities. Drivers can be
untrained and do not always follow the rules of the road. Vehicles may be
poorly maintained or in disrepair. Accidents are
common. First-class commercial bus service between major cities and
tourist areas exists. In Mexico City, municipal buses and the Metro
(subway) are generally safe to use. City buses and the Metro may be
crowded. Passengers should be on the alert for pickpockets and other thieves,
especially on the most crowded, busiest routes during rush hour. Avoid
non-municipal buses (micros).
Visitors should travel by
intercity bus only during daylight hours, and only by first-class
conveyance whenever possible. Although there have been several reports of bus
hijackings and robberies on toll roads, buses on toll roads have experienced a
lower rate of incidents than second- and third-class buses that travel on
less secure, libre highways. There have been
occasional reports of significant security incidents (apart from theft) on
tourist buses in/around Mexico City and to nearby tourist destinations.
The Embassy does not
recommend using libre taxis, those that pick up fares on the
street after customers hail them; they may have criminal links. Sitio (radio-dispatched)
taxis are far safer, more reliable, and worth the added expense. Patrons
cannot hail these types of taxis from the street; they must order them by phone
or meet at a designated taxi stand. Sitio taxis in Mexico City most
often have meters and government registrations. In addition, the
Embassy recommends that government employees use ride-sharing
apps that allow consumers to verify the driver and vehicle
number. Note that not all platforms operate in all areas.
Aviation/Airport
Conditions
The Consulate advises
that its employees fly, rather than drive, between many Mexican
destinations.
Airports are generally secure and
well policed. Sitio taxis are usually available from a kiosk in the arrival
terminal of the airport and require travelers to prepay fares at the kiosk
before exiting the airport and boarding a taxi. Patrons
pay in advance for regulated sitio taxis from
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in the terminal (at the sitio stands).
The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority
as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier
operations.
Be prepared for U.S.-styled
security screening and unpredictable wait times and travel delays from all
airports in the region.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has
assessed all posts in Mexico as being LOW-threat
locations for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government
interests.
The U.S. Embassy focuses on
Mexico as a potential transit country for foreign terrorist groups to conduct
operations against the U.S. There are no known foreign terrorist organizations
operating/residing in or transiting through Mexico, and there is
no evidence that any terrorist group has targeted U.S. citizens in Mexico.
Mexico does not provide safe haven to terrorists or terrorist
groups. However, the nature of the border and the ready access to
human traffickers, lax immigration controls, the abundance of fake Mexican
travel documents and Mexico's geographic location potentially make the
country an attractive transit point for transnational
terrorists. These vulnerabilities make cross-border transit of people and
goods a key concern. Businesses conducting cross-border trade should be
aware of this vulnerability, as terrorist and criminal organizations could use
legitimate business transport to traffic people or items across
borders. To mitigate this risk, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
operates the C-TPAT
(Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) program in Mexico.
Local authorities cooperate with
relevant U.S. government agencies on persons of interest. Criminal
organizations have used terror-like tactics (e.g. car bombs, grenades) to
attack each other and security forces. Though they commit gruesome
acts of violence designed to terrorize, the purpose of these
acts is criminal in nature, directed largely at rival gangs, and not
for a larger political agenda.
Political,
Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
Political violence
against Mexican politicians is common and stems from widespread
corruption.
Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has
assessed Mexico City as being a HIGH-threat location
for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government
interests. Peaceful demonstrations of all sizes gather regularly at the
Monument to Independence (the Angel), near the U.S. Embassy, to
protest government policies, labor, social issues, and, occasionally, U.S.
policies. These protests often affect traffic during peak commute hours on and
near Paseo de La Reforma, the city's primary avenue. Most
demonstrations are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be
peaceful may turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Groups associated
with teachers’ unions and those protesting alleged human rights violations in Guerrero
have used checkpoints as a way of raising money for their causes.
Protesters in Mexico may block
traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or take control of tollbooths
on highways. Those who encounter protesters demanding unofficial
tolls generally may to pass upon payment. Non-Mexican
nationals should avoid participating in demonstrations and other
activities that authorities might deem political, as Mexican law prohibits
political activities by foreign citizens and such actions may result in
detention and/or deportation. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western
Sentiment
There have been no reports of
anti-U.S. sentiment towards U.S. citizens or interests (official or
non-official). U.S. interests are generally not targets of political
violence. Many Mexican citizens have visas for entry into the United
States, and frequently travel there for both business and
pleasure.
Post-specific
Concerns
Environmental
Hazards
Earthquakes within the Embassy’s
consular district are routine, especially in Pacific coast states. Mexico
experienced a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in September 2017, with an epicenter
off the coast of Oaxaca, and a 7.2 quake in February 2018, with
an epicenter in Oaxaca. Although there have been substantial improvements
in building regulations and response planning since a devastating 1985
earthquake, the earthquake in 2017 killed at
least 370 people. Rebuilding
costs may exceed US$1.6 billion.
Active and dormant volcanoes are
scattered throughout central Mexico. One of the country’s largest volcanoes,
Popocatepetl, is located 43 miles southeast of Mexico City;
it has had several low-level eruptions in the past several years. The
government prevents access to the mountain, closing it to climbers
and hikers. According to public safety officials, travelers to the area should
have N-95 filter masks available in case ash falls on them. Clouds of ash
associated with volcanic activity can limit air travel and make evacuation by
air difficult. On January 22, 2019, Popocatepetl spewed volcanic
lava and ash 13,000 feet into the air. In June and
July 2019, Popocatepetl continued to erupt, spewing ash clouds up
to 28,000 feet into the air
From May to November,
hurricanes may affect the Pacific and Gulf coasts of the Embassy’s consular
district. The coastal states tend to suffer the brunt of these
storms, but storms have caused flooding and disruption of utility
services throughout the district. During 2019, approximately five tropical
storms hit Mexico’s coasts. Minor tropical storms can develop into
hurricanes very quickly, limiting the time available for a safe
evacuation. Travelers in affected regions have had to delay
their departure due to infrastructure damage to airports and limited
flight availability. Travelers should apprise family and friends of
their whereabouts and keep in close contact with their tour operator, hotel
staff, business contacts, and/or local officials for evacuation
instructions in the event of a weather emergency. Monitor local radio, the National Weather Service and Mexican weather authorities (in Spanish).
Avoid driving during and after
rainstorms; inadequate drainage creates street flooding and large,
submerged potholes. Heavy rains may leave sections of roads washed out
completely.
Critical
Infrastructure
The new government is looking at
the option to modernize Santa Lucia Air Force Base (NLU) and the
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), with an estimated completion
date of three years.
Economic Concerns
Mexico appears on the Watch List
in the 2019 Special
301 Report,
noting inadequate intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement and the wide
availability of pirated/counterfeit goods, mostly via physical and virtual
markets. Criminal organizations are significantly involved in the counterfeit
and pirated goods trade. Enforcement efforts suffer from weak coordination
among federal, state, and municipal officials; limited resources for
prosecutions; lack of long-term sustained investigations to target high-level
suppliers; and the need for deterrent level penalties.
The U.S. continues to encourage
Mexico to provide its customs officials with ex-officio authority,
to allow the Attorney General Offices the authority to prosecute transshipments
of alleged counterfeit and pirated goods, and to enact legislation to
strengthen its copyright regime, including the World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) Internet Treaties. The U.S. also continues to work with
Mexico to resolve IPR concerns through bilateral, regional, and other means of
engagement.
The law covering misappropriation
of trade secrets also covers economic espionage activity. The three sources of
trade secrets law are the Industrial Property Law, Federal Criminal Code, and
NAFTA, all of which provide fines and criminal penalties for misappropriation
of trade secrets. There have been extremely limited prosecutions of trade
secret misappropriation due to onerous legal requirements and evidentiary
issues tied to proving theft of digital files.
Exercise caution when considering
investments or purchasing real estate, and be aware of the aggressive
tactics some sales representatives use. Before initiating a real estate
purchase or time-share investment, consult with a Mexican attorney to learn
about important regulations and laws that govern real property.
Cargo theft remains a key area of
concern for U.S. and foreign companies. FreightWatch International ranks the
level of cargo crime in Mexico as “severe,” its worst ranking, primarily
because the supply chain continues to face threats from cargo criminals,
corrupt law enforcement personnel, and, to a smaller extent, organized crime.
Insurance policies have increased as a result; some no longer provide coverage
for overnight cargo travel.
Personal Identity
Concerns
The issue of femicide, defined as
killing a woman because of her gender (as opposed to any killing of a
woman) has been a major issue in Mexico, and is a federal offense
punishable by 40 to 60 years in prison. It is also a criminal offense in all
states. According to Interior Secretariat statistics, in the first six months
of 2019, prosecutors and attorneys general opened 387 investigations into
402 cases of femicide throughout the country.
Rape and sexual assault are
serious problems in some resort areas. Many incidents occur at night or during
the early morning hours, in hotel rooms, on hotel grounds, or on deserted
beaches. Assailants have drugged the drinks of victims before assaulting them.
Pay attention to your surroundings and maintain positive control
of your drink. Review OSAC’s report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.
Same-sex sexual relations are
legal in Mexico. The law provides for protections against discrimination based
on gender identity. Travelers will find more openness and acceptance in urban
areas, and conservative stances in rural areas. Discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity was prevalent, despite a gradual
increase in public tolerance of LGBTI+ individuals, according to public opinion
surveys. There were reports the government did not always investigate and punish
those complicit in abuses, especially outside Mexico City. A poll conducted
during the year found six of every 10 members of the LGBTI+ community
reported experiencing discrimination in the past year, and more than half
suffered hate speech and physical aggression. Civil society groups claimed
police routinely subjected LGBTI+ persons to mistreatment while in
custody. Due to sporadic reports of violence targeting LGBTI+ individuals, travelers should
exercise discretion in identifying themselves publicly as LGBTI+. Review the
State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+
travelers.
The Jewish community
experiences low levels of anti-Semitism, but there are reports of
some anti-Semitic expressions through social media. Jewish community
representatives report good cooperation with the government and other religious
and civil society organizations in addressing rare instances of such
acts. The Catholic Multimedia Center reported criminal groups targeted
priests and other religious leaders in some parts of the country and subjected
them to extortion, death threats, and intimidation. Review OSAC’s
report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based
travelers.
Travelers with disabilities
should consult individual hotels and facilities in advance of travel to ensure
they are accessible. Mexican law prohibits discrimination against persons with
physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment and
education, as well as access to health care, transportation, and other
services, but the government does not enforce the law
effectively. Public buildings and facilities often do not comply with
the law requiring access for persons with disabilities. Review the State
Department’s webpage on security for travelers
with disabilities.
Drug-related
Crime
Mexico is a major
drug-producing and transit nation. Drug trafficking continues to be a
significant issue throughout the country, affecting the security climate
and influencing local politics. Drug-related violence in Mexico
mostly involves those involved in the drug trade or those fighting against
it.
Mexico is the world's
third-largest producer of opium, with poppy cultivation in 2015 yielding a
potential production of 475 metric tons of raw opium. The government
conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world.
Mexico continues to be the primary transshipment country for
U.S.-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 95% of annual cocaine
movements toward the U.S. stopping in Mexico. Major drug
syndicates (TCOs) control most of the drug trafficking
throughout the country. Mexico is a producer and distributor of ecstasy,
a major supplier of heroin, and the largest foreign
supplier of marijuana and methamphetamine to the U.S. market.
Kidnapping
Threat
The number of kidnappings
reported throughout Mexico, while difficult to determine, is
concerning. Most cases go unreported to authorities, as the popular belief
is that the police may be involved or are unable to resolve the
situation. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and
held captive until a ransom is paid. Most cases reported to
U.S. Mission Mexico have been kidnapping for ransom (KFR). In some KFR
cases, the captors receive a ransom and set the victim free; in others, the
captors kill the victim despite having received a ransom. Kidnappings for
ransom in the Yucatán Peninsula remain an anomaly.
The FBI investigated 219
kidnapping events in Mexico in 2019 (106 events in 2018). In 95 of them, the
victim was a U.S. citizen, and in 22, the victim was a U.S. Legal Permanent
Resident. Of the cases, 135 were KFRs, 73 were virtual kidnappings, and in
11 there was no ransom demand.
The number of reported express
kidnappings are occurring with more frequency, but are still uncommon, and
even less common among tourists or visitors. Express kidnappings take advantage
of the 24-hour industry-wide withdrawal limit placed on ATM
cards, holding victims for 24-48 hours to maximize withdrawal
amounts. A common modus operandi for express kidnappings is to
target passengers using libre taxis; two or three armed
accomplices will enter the taxi a few minutes into the trip. The
term “express kidnapping” also applies to the kidnapping of random
victims held for brief periods where kidnappers demand only small ransom
amounts. A typical scenario may last for several hours and settle for the
peso-equivalent of a few hundred or thousand dollars. Few official U.S.
government employees have suffered this type of crime, but many
Mexican-national employees of the Mission either have been victims
themselves or know a victim.
There appears to be an uptick
in virtual kidnapping. These extortion telephone calls vary in
style, but the methodology is often the same. These extortion
telephone calls vary in style, but the methodology is often the same. In these
cases, there is no actual kidnapped individual. The victim is
actually a person who receives a telephone call. Callers say that they
have kidnapped a loved one and often include a crying/pleading voice
immediately after answering the call but before the kidnapper gets on the
phone. Callers intend to confuse the victim and trick them into giving away
important information. The voice will usually be crying and/or hysterical,
making it difficult to identify and increasing the likelihood that the victim
will believe it is their loved one. Criminals use fear and timing against
victims. They plan their calls to coincide with times when it is difficult to
contact the victim (e.g. when children are on their way to/from school). Kidnapping Threat
The number of kidnappings
reported throughout Mexico, while difficult to determine, is
concerning. Most cases go unreported to authorities, as the popular belief
is that the police may be involved or are unable to resolve the
situation. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and
held captive until a ransom is paid. Most cases reported to
U.S. Mission Mexico have been kidnapping for ransom (KFR). In some KFR
cases, the captors receive a ransom and set the victim free; in others, the
captors kill the victim despite having received a ransom. Kidnappings for
ransom in the Yucatán Peninsula remain an anomaly.
The FBI investigated 219
kidnapping events in Mexico in 2019 (106 events in 2018). In 95 of them, the
victim was a U.S. citizen, and in 22, the victim was a U.S. Legal Permanent
Resident. Of the cases, 135 were KFRs, 73 were virtual kidnappings, and in
11 there was no ransom demand.
The number of reported express
kidnappings are occurring with more frequency, but are still uncommon, and
even less common among tourists or visitors. Express kidnappings take advantage
of the 24-hour industry-wide withdrawal limit placed on ATM
cards, holding victims for 24-48 hours to maximize withdrawal
amounts. A common modus operandi for express kidnappings is to
target passengers using libre taxis; two or three armed
accomplices will enter the taxi a few minutes into the trip. The
term “express kidnapping” also applies to the kidnapping of random
victims held for brief periods where kidnappers demand only small ransom
amounts. A typical scenario may last for several hours and settle for the
peso-equivalent of a few hundred or thousand dollars. Few official U.S.
government employees have suffered this type of crime, but many
Mexican-national employees of the Mission either have been victims
themselves or know a victim.
There appears to be an uptick
in virtual kidnapping. These extortion telephone calls vary in
style, but the methodology is often the same. These extortion
telephone calls vary in style, but the methodology is often the same. In these
cases, there is no actual kidnapped individual. The victim is
actually a person who receives a telephone call. Callers say that they
have kidnapped a loved one and often include a crying/pleading voice
immediately after answering the call but before the kidnapper gets on the
phone. Callers intend to confuse the victim and trick them into giving away
important information. The voice will usually be crying and/or hysterical,
making it difficult to identify and increasing the likelihood that the victim
will believe it is their loved one. Criminals use fear and timing against
victims. They plan their calls to coincide with times when it is difficult to
contact the victim (e.g. when children are on their way to/from school).
Alternatively, the callers will
obtain the cell phones of two family members. They will call both victims at
the same time and claim to have kidnapped the other. They use fear and the
threat of violence to keep both victims on the line while they urge them to pay
a ransom. Once the kidnappers have obtained as much money as they feel
they can, they end the call. They may demand that the victims deliver the
ransom in person, which can turn into a real kidnapping, or that they send the
money electronically. Variations use callers claiming to be lawyers or police
looking to get a family member out a bad situation. They pressure the target to
pay them to waive charges or to bribe alleged corrupt officials to free their
loved one and avoid a long, expensive judicial process.
Virtual kidnappers call Mexican
and international numbers alike, and often use information obtained from social
networking websites. Some originate from Mexican prisons. A
variation affecting travelers at hotels is an extortion-by-deception scheme,
wherein extortionists call a victim and convince them to isolate themselves
from family/friends until they receive a ransom. The criminals coerce the
victim (by threat of violence) to remain isolated and to provide phone numbers
for the victim's family/loved ones. The criminals contact the victim's family
and extract a ransom. Often, the callers make statements to suggest
surveillance.
To reduce the likelihood of
receiving a virtual kidnapping call, answer the phone with only a “hello” and
make the other person ask for you by name and know the details of your family’s
itinerary and contact information (e.g. landline and cell phone numbers). Never
provide personal information to someone who calls or approaches you, and do not
post personal information on social networking sites.
As a precaution, vary
routes/times and be alert to possible surveillance, noting any individual who
appears out of place. When hiring domestic help, vet them by identifying
references. Ensure that they receive training not to volunteer information to
strangers or to allow access to workers without prior
authorization.
Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.
Other Issues
Weapons laws in Mexico vary by
state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind
including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles, as well as ammunition
(even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to
Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens
against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If authorities
catch you entering Mexico with firearms or ammunitions, you will likely
face severe penalties, including prison time. Read the State Department’s
webpage on customs and
import restrictions for information
on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.
The Citizens’ Council for Public
Security and Justice (Consejo Ciudadano de Seguridad Publica
y Procuracion de Justicia) takes complaints from those in Mexico City
afraid to go to the police. Call 5533-5533.
Police Response
The emergency line
in Mexico is 911. Generally,
Mexican police must concentrate their limited resources on urban
areas. State Police dedicate some resources to rural areas where there may
be little or no municipal rule of law, but response times are usually
high, and police prioritize cases of active threats or violent
crime. Levels of professionalism vary greatly among police
agencies. Consequently, citizens are often indifferent to police
authority.
In some instances, U.S. citizens
have become victims of harassment, mistreatment, or extortion by law
enforcement and other officials. Authorities have cooperated in investigating
some cases, but one must have the officer's name, badge number, and patrol car
number to pursue a complaint effectively. Note this information if you have a
problem with police or other officials. Be aware that offering a bribe to
a public official to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime. Cooperate with
the police if they stop or question you.
The general perception is
that most victims do not report crimes due to fear of reprisals by
TCOs or the police, the belief that police are corrupt, or the feeling that
nothing would come from such reports. The net result is that most
crimes go unreported or uninvestigated. Reporting crime can be a
bureaucratic, time-consuming process, and is widely perceived to have limited
effectiveness. Federal and state security forces have limited capability
to respond to violence in many areas.
Reporting crimes can be a long,
frustrating experience. Victims must make a complaint (denuncia) to
police or the local branch of the State Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Publico).
When making a denuncia, the burden of proof is on the individual to
substantiate that a crime occurred. Even after filing a denuncia properly,
the complainant must ratify it several days later. Satisfying this
requirement is not practical for many visitors on short stays.
Police rarely investigate
non-violent or minor property crimes. Crimes against foreigners are likely to
get more attention from the authorities than crimes against Mexican citizens.
Despite the substantial obstacles to reporting a crime, the
U.S. Mission encourages all U.S. victims of crime to report the crime
to the Ministerio Publico and the American Citizen
Services office of the Embassy or nearest Consulate.
Not all uniformed police perform
investigative functions or can take denuncias. In some cases, their
roles are to patrol and prevent crimes. The Tourism Police specifically
polices tourist areas and is commonly the only unit that
speaks English. Its main purpose is to enhance the safety of
tourist areas by deterring crime and responding to accidents. Tourist
police cannot take denuncias, but can assist
travelers in contacting authorities who can. Download the State
Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Police/Security
Agencies
The organization
of state and federal police agencies is similar to that in
the U.S., but law enforcement capabilities are not comparable to U.S.
standards. Police corruption and police involvement in criminal activity
is common. Generally, police receive low wages, are vulnerable to
corruption, and receive less training than their U.S. counterparts.
The Government of Mexico has
recently dissolved the Federal Police (Policía Federal, PF)
and stood up the National Guard (Guardia Nacional) whose mission,
make-up, and mandate differ across Mexican states, where immigration
enforcement is often the Guard’s priority mission. The Guard is not
self-sufficient and relies on the army (SEDENA) and navy (SEMAR) to conduct
policing and security functions, and to combat organized criminal groups. The
National Guard (Guardia Nacional) is composed of personnel from SEDENA, SEMAR,
and Federal Police.
- The General Procurement Office (Procuraduria General de
la Republica, PGR) of the Mexican Attorney General is responsible for
investigating and prosecuting federal crimes. The General Procurement Office
(Procuraduria General de Justicia, PGJ) of each state/city oversees
investigating and prosecuting state and local crimes.
- The Interior Secretariat (Secretaría de Gobernación,
SEGOB) oversees the Mexican Immigration Service (INAMI), whose officers have
the right to detain suspected undocumented aliens and may deport them without
formal deportation proceedings.
- The Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (Secretaría de
Hacienda y Crédito Público) deploys customs officers (Aduana)
to borders and international airports to interdict contraband.
- The Bank of Mexico (Banco de México) operates its own
security division charged with enforcing banking and monetary laws, including
cases of counterfeiting, fraud, and money laundering.
- State-level police (Policía Estatal Investigadora,
PEI) in each of the country's 31 states and the Federal District maintain
preventive and judicial police, and serve as the primary criminal
investigative agency in a state. State police in border
states have specialized groups that work with the FBI on kidnapping and
other sensitive investigations. State police are under the direction of the
state's governor. Each state contains numerous municipalities, many of which
maintain a municipal police force.
- Municipal Police (Policía Municipal) mainly
patrol and conduct crime prevention. They are the primary responders when
summoned through 911, to include traditional police calls like traffic
violations and incidents in residential communities.
- Transit Police (Policía de Tránsito)
are responsible for overseeing and enforcing traffic safety compliance on
roads and highways. Response to even minor car accidents can take a long
time.
Medical Emergencies
The emergency line
in Mexico is 911. Excellent
health facilities are available in major cities. Ambulance services are widely
available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below
U.S. standards.
There are public and private medical systems
in Mexico. Most visitors and relatively wealthy Mexicans choose to use
private health care services. All major cities have private hospitals and
private ambulance services, most of which offer adequate care in an
emergency or if immediate travel to the U.S. is not possible. Mexican citizens
receive free emergency and non-emergency medical care through the public
system. In rural areas, public health facilities are often the only option, and
the level of care can be substantially lower than that in major
cities. The health care system does not operate in a manner comparable
to U.S. health care standards. Travelers should look to establish a
medical response plan. Find contact information for available medical
services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.
In major cities, ambulance response time is
typically 10-15 minutes, depending on the location. Injured or seriously
ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi to a health provider. Foreigners
residing or working in Mexico on a permanent basis
should consider coverage with a private ambulance company for faster
service.
Most private hospitals and emergency services
require payment or adequate guarantee of payment
before providing services. Very few hospitals in Mexico accept
U.S. medical insurance. Instead, travelers will need to pay the hospital and
then seek reimbursement from their insurance provider. Hospitals have
refused to discharge patients until receiving payment. The U.S. Department of
State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling
internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.
U.S. citizens have lodged numerous complaints
against some private hospitals in resort areas to include exorbitant
prices and inflexible collection measures. Obtain complete information on
billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any
medical care in these locations. Be aware that some resorts have exclusive
agreements with medical providers and ambulance services, which may limit
your choices in seeking emergency medical attention. Some hospitals in
tourist centers use sliding scales, deciding on rates for services based on
negotiation and on the patient’s perceived ability to pay. In some instances,
providers have been known to determine the limits of a patient’s credit card or
insurance, quickly reach that amount in services rendered, and subsequently
discharge the patient or transfer them to a public hospital.
Exercise caution when purchasing medication
overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in
the U.S., are often readily available for purchase with little controls.
Counterfeit medication is common in certain parts of Mexico and may prove
ineffective, mislabeled, or dangerous. Purchase medication in
consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. For
a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the COFEPRIS website and the Mexican Drug Schedule. U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their
prescription or doctor’s letter, but it is still possible that they may be
subject to arrest for arriving in Mexico with substances on these lists. Note
that a medicine considered over the counter in the U.S. may
be illegal in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active
ingredient in Sudafed, is a controlled substance in Mexico. Review OSAC’s
report, Traveling with
Medication.
The CDC offers additional
information on vaccines and health guidance for Mexico.
In many areas in Mexico, tap water is not
potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although many restaurants and
hotels serve tap water unless patrons specifically request bottled
water. Ice for drinks might use tap water. Take
precautions when drinking water or eating fresh fruits,
vegetables, and salads. Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What
in My Water?
Air pollution is a significant problem in
several major cities in Mexico. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy
particulate pollution may have on your health. Many cities in Mexico, such
as Mexico City, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude
illness. Review OSAC’s report, Traveling in High Altitude.
Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Health 101:
How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.
The following diseases are
prevalent: Hepatitis; Typhoid Fever; Travelers’ Diarrhea; Dengue; Chikungunya;
Zika; Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; Parasitic Infections; and Chronic
Respiratory Disease. The CDC offers information on vaccines and
country-specific health guidance for Mexico.
OSAC Country
Council Information
The Country Council in
Mexico City is active, meeting monthly. Interested private-sector security
managers should contact OSAC’s Latin
America team with any questions or to join.
U.S. Embassy Contact
Information
Paseo de
la Reforma, 305, Col. Cuauhtémoc, Mexico, D.F. 06500
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 0830-1730
Telephone - 5080-2000 (24/7 switchboard operator)
Website: http://mx.usembassy.gov/
Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Mexico
Consulate Ciudad Juarez, Consulate Guadalajara, Consulate
Hermosillo, Consulate
Matamoros, Consulate Mérida, Consulate Monterrey, Consulate Nogales, Consulate Nuevo Laredo, Consulate Tijuana
Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the
following resources:
- Mexico Country Information Sheet