A typical spring break in Mexico may bring to mind sunshine and white sandy beaches.
But due to recent violence in certain border towns in Mexico, travelers are being discouraged from traveling there by university officials and the U.S. State Department.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Robert J. Naples issued a letter to students on March 6, urging them not to travel to any border towns during spring break or in the near future.
Bloody fighting over drug trafficking routes between several drug cartels in Mexico has recently spilled into the streets.
In the last few months, fights involving automatic weapons and hand grenades have broken out in marketplaces and other highly populated areas in broad daylight. The Mexican government has now dispatched troops throughout the country in an effort to quell the violence.
Though there have been reports of violence throughout Mexico, the bulk of the conflict is occurring in cities near the United States border, such as Tijuana, Chihuahua, and Ciudad Juárez. The State Department has issued a Travel Alert for these areas that extends through Aug. 20.
Valeena Legaspi, a third-year art history student, was in Tijuana earlier this month.
She noted that at least some people seemed to be heeding these warnings.
“When I drove down Revolución (a popular tourist destination in Tijuana), I noticed there were hardly any tourists compared to how busy it normally is.”
The State Department has suggested that students who are still planning on traveling south of the border take precautions to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.
The department’s Web site, www.state.gov/travel/, suggests that students only travel on main roads, never travel alone, leave a travel itinerary with a friend or family member in the United States, and do not display large amounts of cash or other valuables in public.
It also recommended that travelers check with their cell phone providers to ensure that their cell phones will work in Mexico.
Stephanie Woods, a first-year world arts and cultures student, is planning on vacationing in Mexico with her boyfriend during spring break.
“I didn’t see the vice chancellor’s warning, but my sister told me about what’s going on. I know most of the violence is along the border, so we’re going to Cancún because it’s farther south,” Woods said.
Woods had been warned by her sister and several friends about the possible dangers in Mexico, and she is planning to take the appropriate precautions.
“I don’t think we’ll have any problems,” she added.
Legaspi, who has been to Tijuana multiple times, noticed it took much longer than usual to cross the border back into the United States.
“There were a lot more Federalis (Federal police) at checkpoints this time, and they were way more detailed with searching everyone,” Legaspi said.
The UCLA administration has advised students to check the State Department Web site before making plans to visit Mexico, in order to be aware of any precautions students should take.
“Whatever plans you pursue for spring break, we hope that you will proceed in a safe and judicious manner and, equally importantly, that you have a supremely enjoyable time away from class,” Naples’ letter said.