DPS issues warning on Mexico travel

By LYNN BREZOSKY Express-News

March 4, 2010, 12:00PM

BROWNSVILLE — The Texas Department of Public Safety on Thursday warned spring breakers not to travel to Mexican border cities currently plagued by drug gang infighting.

“There is an increase in Mexican drug cartel violence in the northern Mexican border cities,” DPS director Steven McCraw said. “Parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety cannot be guaranteed.”

Intelligence on both sides of the border say sporadic gunbattles have been breaking out among warring factions vying for control over drug transport routes leading to Texas. While the numbers are unclear, some deaths have been confirmed and there have been attacks and kidnappings at police stations in Mexican border cities. Experts predict a prolonged period of violence.

The violence prompted the U.S. Department of State to last week close a consular office in Reynosa opposite the McAllen area. And in what has become an annual ritual, the department also reissued a travel alert advising of dangers in northern Mexico.

Spring Breakers on South Padre Island used to routinely cross the border to take advantage of the low drinking age, shop, or do volunteer work in poor neighborhoods. But the “two nation vacation” has all but become a thing of the past due to sporadic flare-ups of drug violence.

Residents in Reynosa last week said even locals are wary of going out at night.

The DPS also warned Spring Breakers there would be extra Highway Patrol troopers on patrol for drunken drivers, seatbelt violators and speeders.


nancy@callnancyfurst.com