This
is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office
at the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros. OSAC encourages travelers to use
this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in the State of
Tamaulipas. 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. Do not travel to the state of Tamaulipas (Level 4) due to crime
and kidnapping. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the
Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and
Safety Situation
2019
was the most violent year on record in Mexico with 35,558 reported homicides.
Murder increased 2.7% nationwide since 2018, now the second-most violent year
on record.
Crime Threats
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Matamoros as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting
official U.S. government interests.
Violent
crime, such as murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and
sexual assault, including gun battles and blockades, are widespread. Armed
criminal groups are known to target private automobiles traveling through
Tamaulipas, often taking passengers hostage and demanding ransom payments. Federal
and state security forces have limited capability to respond to violence in
many parts of the state.
The
primary security threat stems from Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs)
and the ongoing turf war between rival factions of the Gulf Cartel and Los
Zetas and the police or military. In 2019, gun battles took place throughout
the state of Tamaulipas. These violent gun battles occurred in a variety of
places to include police stations, municipal buildings, and public roadways.
The
security situation in Reynosa is consistently violent and pretty dire. Rolling
gun battles between police elements and TCOs occur daily in Reynosa. Many of
these gun battles result in the death of cartel members and police alike. Carjacking
and kidnapping occur with similar frequency in Reynosa as well.
While
Matamoros had been a violent place, it has experienced a reprieve from the
level of violence Reynosa is experiencing in the past five years. The level of
violence in Matamoros has stabilized, (although it still exists in outer areas
of the city), due to a strong cartel leader taking control of the area. Meanwhile,
in Reynosa, the rivalry between two rival cartels vying for control of the drug
keeps violence elevated.
Generally,
crime is either underreported and not tracked with any consistency. There were
1,451 recorded murders in Tamaulipas in 2019. Most of these murders link
directly to TCO violence. Additionally, there were 2,548 cases of aggravated
assault reported in 2019. The Secretary of Public Security reported 31 kidnappings
and 25 kidnappings for ransom in Tamaulipas, and 1,399 reported sex crimes in
2019.
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, particularly in Guerrero, Michoacán, and Estado de México.
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,
attacked 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, including in the Mexico City metropolitan area. 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.
The
Government of Mexico along with the Tamaulipas and Coahuila state governments
continue to engage in efforts to combat Transnational Criminal Organizations
(TCOs), especially along the border. To prevent and combat violence, the federal
government has deployed military troops, federal police, and the national guard
throughout the country. The location and timing of armed engagements are
unpredictable. The vast majority of those killed in such engagements have been
members of TCOs and Mexican security forces, but innocent bystanders have died
in shootouts between TCOs and Mexican officials.
Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should
Leave Behind.
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. Try to use ATMs in bank branches during
business hours. Visitors on day trips should use U.S. ATMs prior to crossing
into Mexico; Mexican establishments accept U.S. dollars widely. Portable credit
card terminals are widely available in Mexico, and travelers should always
request the establishment bring a portable credit card terminal to them to charge
their credit card in their physical presence. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s
Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.
Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and
Outs and Considerations for
Hotel Security.
Cybersecurity Issues
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
During
peak travel times like weekends and holidays, travelers should be prepared for
long wait times when crossing back into the United States. Toll lanes and ports
of entry alike can experience significant delays at times. Continued concerns
regarding road safety along the border have prompted the U.S. Consulate to
impose restrictions on U.S. government employees transiting the area.
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 can normally be corrected on a road with wide and level
shoulders often cannot be easily corrected, 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 which 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 from any phone in Mexico.
A
variety of road conditions exist 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 federal police 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.
Those
driving their own vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area
(approximately 12 miles into the country) must apply for a temporary vehicle
import permit. The permit requires the presentation of a valid passport and a
monetary deposit that you will retrieve upon leaving Mexico before the
expiration of the permit. Failing to apply for a temporary vehicle import
permit may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.
Vehicles
crossing into Mexico must have a valid license plate and registration sticker.
Mexican authorities will often refuse to admit vehicles with temporary or paper
license plates. Authorities may confiscate vehicles with expired registration
or unauthorized plates and charge the operator with a fine equal to the value
of the vehicle.
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 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.
Public Transportation Conditions
U.S.
government personnel may not use taxis or public transportation in Tamaulipas.
Avoid city buses due to their crowded nature, lack of safety equipment, and
vulnerability to robbery.
Aviation/Airport
Conditions
The
Embassy advises that its employees fly, rather than drive, between many Mexican
destinations. General Servando Canales International Airport (MAM) in Matamoros
only offers flights to and from Mexico City (MEX), while General Lucio Blanco
International Airport (REX) in Reynosa offers flights to a few other locations
in Mexico.
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.
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 a 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 all posts in Mexico as being HIGH-threat
locations for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S.
government interests. There were protests and demonstrations in Tamaulipas
during 2019. Most involved local issues and none targeted U.S. interests.
Due
to recent controversy surrounding migration issues along the border of the
United States and Mexico, the possibility of future protests and demonstrations
remain a constant possibility. With an extremely unpredictable flashpoint, protests
could potentially effect border operations and traveler passage through ports
of entry with little to no warning. Travelers are reminded to make preparations
and have a reaction plan developed before a border closure occurs.
Protesters
in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or take
control of toll booths on highways. Those who encounter protesters demanding
unofficial tolls are generally allowed 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-American sentiment towards U.S. citizens or interests (official or
non-official) in Tamaulipas. U.S. interests in Tamaulipas are generally not
targets of political violence. Many Mexican citizens living in Tamaulipas have
visas for entry into the United States, and frequently travel there for both
business and pleasure. There are strong family ties on both sides of the border
in the Rio Grande Valley.
Post-specific
Concerns
Environmental Hazards
The
Matamoros Consular District experiences localized flooding during heavy
rainstorms. Additionally, tit is close to the Gulf of Mexico and subject to
hurricanes. Hurricane Harvey skirted the coast near Matamoros bringing tidal
flooding and high winds to the area in 2017. During 2019, approximately five tropical
storms hit Mexico’s coasts. U.S. citizens living in or
traveling to storm-prone regions should prepare for hurricanes and tropical
storms by organizing supplies of bottled water, non-perishable food items,
battery-powered or hand-crank electronics, vital documents (including passport
and identification), and medications in a waterproof container. Emergency
shelters often have access only to basic resources and limited medical and food
supplies. U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the National Weather Service and Mexican weather authorities
(in Spanish).
Critical Infrastructure
Utility
services are mostly reliable in Tamaulipas. There were no known widespread
utility outages in Tamaulipas during 2019.
Economic Concerns/Intellectual
Property Theft
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.
There are no known privacy
concerns in Tamaulipas.
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.
Mexico
City and the states of Chihuahua, Jalisco, Puebla, and Yucatan have
criminalized the distribution of “revenge pornography” and “sextortion.”
Individuals may be prosecuted for publishing or distributing intimate images,
audio, videos, or texts without the consent of the other party. Review the
State Department’s webpage on security for female
travelers.
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.
The
U.S.-Mexico border is well-known for its illegal drug trade and the violence/corruption
fostered by the industry. It is safe to say that most if not all the crime in
Tamaulipas is related to the drug trade or conflict between TCOs. Street crimes
do occur, but most go unreported in the area due to the lack of trust in the police.
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. Affluent
residents in Mexico City often have bodyguards and armored vehicles for their
families.
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 is low. 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 in Mexico City 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. 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.
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. In major metropolitan areas, foreigners can
expect support from police. Mexican security and police forces generally have
been ineffective in maintaining security in border areas and other parts of
Mexico. 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 Mexico’s northern border
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. The municipal police forces in Matamoros and Reynosa
were disbanded due to deep-rooted corruption several years ago. There are
currently no municipal police forces in Matamoros or Reynosa. The Tamaulipas
State Police took over in 2014 and have a limited presence in both cities. The
Federal Police also have a limited presence in both cities.
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 long periods of time.
Medical Emergencies
The emergency line in Mexico is 911. Excellent health facilities are
available in Mexico City and other 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
Consulate General in Matamoros hosts the OSAC Rio Grande Valley Council. Contact
OSAC’s Latin America
team if you are interested in private-sector engagement in Matamoros or have
questions about OSAC’s Country Council programs.
U.S. Consulate
Contact Information
Constitución
1, Col. Jardín, Matamoros, Tamaulipas 87330
Switchboard:
+52-868-208-2000
Website:
https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/matamoros/
Other U.S. Diplomatic Posts In Mexico
Embassy Mexico City, Consulate
Ciudad Juárez, Consulate Guadalajara, Consulate Hermosillo, Consulate Mérida, Consulate Monterrey, Consulate Nogales, Consulate Nuevo Laredo, Consulate
Tijuana
Helpful Information
Before you travel, consider the
following resources:
·
OSAC Risk Matrix
·
OSAC Travelers
Toolkit
·
State
Department Traveler’s Checklist
·
Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
·
Mexico
Country Information Sheet