co-director of the research group InSight Crime. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. A vicious battle for control of Zacatecas between Mexico's two most powerful drug cartels continues with no clear end in sight. Yes, terrorism, not an issue here, but all of many other crimes as robbery, hijacking, and violence are common here. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state. Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To: Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To: Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Cartel Violence in Zacatecas, A Vicious Circle ~ Borderland Beat Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Organized crime activity including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state. Zacatecas, which has one of the highest per-capita homicide rates in Mexico, is a key transit point for drugs moving north to the U.S. border, especially the powerful synthetic painkiller fentanyl. I retired in Zacatecas after living in Wisconsin my entire life, I love it here! 5 Feb 2022. Cartel war in Zacatecas leaves death, destruction and fear among the Francisco Murillo, the state's chief prosecutor, said seven of the 10 bodies had been autopsied and all died of "asphyxiation by strangulation." Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Mexicos war on drugs began in late 2006 when the president at the time, Felipe Caldern, ordered thousands of troops onto the streets in response to an explosion of horrific violence in his native state of Michoacn. The first shootings began at around 1 a.m., and increased in intensity an hour later, as the shootings spread to various points in the downtown area. There were 31,615 killings in the first 11 months of 2021, a decline of just 3.6% from the 32,814 in 2020. But those measures have yet to pay off, with the new security force used mostly to hunt Central American migrants. The grisly discovery comes after nine bodies were hung from an overpass last week in the central Mexican state of Zacatecas. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. State prosecutors said both crime scenes were being processed. Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledged on Friday there were security problems in the region, but said his administration was making progress in the fight against crime. Tlaxcala state Exercise Increased Caution. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. At least 948 people were killed by violence in Zacatecas in the first 10 months of 2021, according to official data, 342 more than in the same period a year earlier. A city of beautiful cathedrals and art museums a lot of beautiful art! Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. The Mexican Army is deployed in Zacatecas, Mexico, amid escalating violence. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The case was also mentioned by President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador during his weekly news conference Friday. The updated Travel Advisory includes new information on the Coahuila, Mexico, Nayarit, and Zacatecas states. And two men were found crucified in the city of Morelos in July, in what police attributed to organized crime. As Mexicos military went on the offensive, the body count sky-rocketed to new heights and tens of thousands were forced from their homes, disappeared or killed. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. Witnesses said people panicked as the club's floor became awash in blood. In the last few years, the region has become embroiled in a battle between two of the countrys most powerful organized crime groups: the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. 2022 The Associated Press. The index of crime is quite high for the city. Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. Anyone can read what you share. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. I mean a lot. But not even the familys political prominence has managed to rescue the city or the state. Crime in Zacatecas. Safety in Zacatecas - Numbeo . Amlo has pointed to a slight drop in murders since he took office as sign his strategy is working. He said several suspects had been arrested in connection with the body dump, but refused to give more details. In late November, the government announced that 3,848 national guard and army personnel were going to be stationed in Zacatecas to quell the rising violence as part of a federal plan to strengthen the states safety. Review the. There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state. But the fear remained. Police Killings Spike Amid Soaring Violence in Zacatecas, Mexico Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours. Three vehicles, one of them burned-out, were found at the scene, as well as a significant number of casings of different calibres, according to the governments Local Coordination Group, in charge of security in Zacatecas. Drug-related violence has killed more than 300,000 people in Mexico since 2006 [File- Tomas Bravo/Reuters] The bullet-ridden bodies of 18 men were discovered after an apparent gun battle between. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. Some of the victims showed signs of being tied by their hands and feet. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state. Photo: El Tiempo. Last Updated: Reissued with updates to health information. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Were losing the ability to be shocked, said Javier Torres Rodrguez, whose brother was killed in 2018. Theres not a clear security policy.. The U.S. Department of State recommends to visitors stay in defined tourist areas because those are considered safest, however its always important to stay vigilant about your surroundings and personal belongings. Cartel monsters hang nine bodies from bridge in Mexico turf war Crime and violence are widespread. increasingly relied on the armed forces to tackle the violence. Terrorist attacks do not often happen here. In 2019, there were 560 killings linked to organized crime, up to 920 in 2020. Mexico covers 1,972,550 km 2 (761,610 sq mi), making it the world's 13th-largest . But the very next day, the carnage continued. Mexico (Spanish: Mxico), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America.It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico. Photo: Google. Zacatecas is a battle ground for the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacin - CJNG) and smaller groups with whom each have . The head of the Drug Enforcement Administration told CBS News that the two cartels are behind the influx of fentanyl in the U.S. that's killing tens of thousands of Americans. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Mexico. And it increased in the last years. According to local reports, at least six individuals broke into the bar, firing shots, and proceeded to search the tables to locate the victims. Eight people died and five were injured in a shooting at a busy nightclub in the town of Jerez, in northern Mexico, police said Sunday. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Lately, it has become a national horror show, with cadavers found dangling from bridges, stuffed into plastic bags or even tied to a cross. Zacatecas, the state Fresnillo is in, has the countrys highest murder rate, with 122 deaths in June, according to the Mexican government. Violence has. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours. Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Yucatan state Exercise Normal Precautions. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Also, it's better to avoid bars and nightclubs. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Only one of them showed signs that could be consistent with acts of torture, which would need to be corroborated by a full autopsy, said the states attorney general, Francisco Jos Murillo Ruiseco, in a video posted on Facebook. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. All rights reserved. Under Calderns successor, Enrique Pea Nieto, the governments rhetoric on crime softened as Mexico sought to shed its reputation as the headquarters of some the worlds most murderous mafia groups. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state. But the collection of programs and law-enforcement actions never coalesced into a clear public policy, critics said. Violent day in Zacatecas leaves 14 murders and 11 kidnappings Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:Guadalajara Metropolitan Area,Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit),Chapala, andAjijic. Like other central states including Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi and Aguascalientes, Zacatecas has witnessed a grisly rise in violence. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. There was a burst of gunfire, and then the assailants were gone. Zacatecas is a city and municipality in Mexico, and the capital and largest city of the state of Zacatecas. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. There are areas of the country that are simply out of state control.. This article was published more than1 year ago. He said the crime was the result of fighting between gangs, and that the way the bodies were left was a provocation. He said that since a special safety operation was initiated in Zacatecas 43 days ago, there has been a 25 percent decrease in murders. Were still going to come out north of 30,000 homicides that have been officially counted by any standard this year, said Ernst. Dec. 1, 2011. Aguascalientes state Exercise Increased Caution. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. The bodies of 16 people were found in two different cities in Mexico's Zacatecas state on Saturday amid a turf war between two powerful drug cartels. One of the most violent clashes between the two rival cartels happened in June of last year, leaving 19 people dead. Local media have reported a series of shootings since Wednesday when the bodies of two police officers were found hanging from a bridge in Zacatecas. InSight Crime Analysis An initial autopsy performed on seven of the 10 bodies showed that they ranged in age from 18 to 45, and that the cause of death was asphyxia caused by strangulation. Zacatecas, which has one of the highest per-capita homicide rates in Mexico, is a key transit point for drugs moving north to the U.S. border, especially the powerful synthetic painkiller. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. Sixteen bodies found in violence-prone Mexican state | Crime News | Al Baja California Sur state Exercise Increased Caution. There is an unstoppable situation of violence and a tragic deterioration of public security in Mexico, said Angelica Duran-Martinez, an associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Authorities in Zacatecas confirmed last week that a U.S. resident was among four people killed in the state around Christmas time. . were found in front Monreals vilas office, ongoing turf war between the New Generation Jalisco Cartel (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. MEXICO CITY, Mexico Mexico's organized crime violence has burst into full view in recent days, as police in the north-central state of Zacatecas reported finding 14 bodies dumped on a . MXICO DF - Ms de 150 escritores y artistas conocidos internacionalmente firmaron una peticin para pedirle al presidente mexicano Felipe Caldern cancelar las concesiones . We are improving, we are advancing, we will not stop protecting the people.. Violent crime and gang activity are common. And I see that its going through the worst crisis in its history., Amlo promised to take Mexicos army off the streets but he made it more powerful, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. Mexico City Assailants left 10 beaten, murdered bodies in front of the governor's office in the north-central Mexican state of Zacatecas on Thursday. EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) - Authorities in Zacatecas have ramped up security in two contiguous towns where eight people were gunned down during the weekend.. Durango state due to crime. April 27, 2023. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Yes, terrorism, not an issue here, but all of many other crimes as robbery, hijacking, and violence are common here. From the United States 1-844-528-6611. Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. This was one of Mexicos most violent elections on record, with at least 102 people killed during the campaign, yet another sign of the countrys unraveling security. Its a force that comes out of trying to mix oil and water, said Eduardo Guerrero, a Mexico City security analyst. She can remember sitting on the stoop with neighbors until midnight as a young girl. Her 10-year-old daughter can barely sleep, she said, and Guadalupe keeps dreaming of her sons killing. This story has been shared 159,213 times. Across Mexico, more than 300,000 people have been killed in a wave of bloodshed since the government deployed the army to fight drug cartels in 2006. Local authorities said 10 of the bodies were discovered in Fresnillo, while the other six were found in General Panfilo Natera, 110km (70 miles) to the southeast. Roco Muoz-Ledo (CNN Espaol) Una agresin contra la Polica Estatal Preventiva del estado mexicano de Zacatecas dej este mircoles cinco presuntos agresores muertos, inform en un . U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, includingCopper Canyon. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. Zacatecas has been the scene of bloody turf battles between the Jalisco and Sinaloa drug cartels. In Fresnillo, the National Guard hasnt done enough, according to the citys mayor, Sal Monreal, a member of the presidents Morena party. There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:San Miguel de Allende,Guanajuato City, andsurrounding areas. The state has the obligation to guarantee peace and tranquility, the security of all citizens, Lopez Obrador said in his usual morning conference. In October, the neighbouring statesagreed to overhaultheir approach, which Mexican officials have long portrayed as a relic of the past, and to instead step up efforts to address the root causes of crime and curb cross-border arms smuggling. Zacatecas on alert after mass killings reported on consecutive weekends The state has taken some steps to address this crisis, but it can do much more. In general, the city is quite safe. Additionally, a 20-year-old woman from Zacatecas has been positively identified by her family members as one of the victims. U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions: Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. (modern). However, as elsewhere in Mexico, you must stay updated on the news on this subject. Hidalgo state Exercise Increased Caution. The bullet-ridden bodies of 18 men were discovered in Zacatecas state after apparent confrontation between suspected cartels. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. The fear has overwhelmed us., Were Living in Hell: Inside Mexicos Most Terrified City, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/world/americas/inside-mexicos-most-terrified-city-fresnillo.html. The Horrors of Zacatecas Could Happen Anywhere in Mexico - InSight Crime Also, consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Mexico Crime 0 120 71.57 Crime rates in Zacatecas, Mexico Safety in Zacatecas, Mexico Contributors: 23 Last update: February 2023 These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Subscribe to our channel for the latest updates on Russias war in Ukraine. Despite campaigning on a promise to take the military off the streets, Lpez Obrador, or Amlo as hes commonly known, has increasingly relied on the armed forces to tackle the violence, deploying the army and the national guard across the country. First published on January 7, 2022 / 5:11 AM. The issue of violence is terrifying, said Victor Pia, a lifelong resident of Zacatecas state who lives in the city of Fresnillo. In January this year, an SUV with 10 dead bodies was dumped in front of the offices of the state governor, David Monreal vila, in the state capital, also called Zacatecas. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders. But the violence went on. Eighteen bodies found after suspected drug cartel shootout in northern There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. One showed possible signs of torture. Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter. Mexico now suffers an average of about 96 murders per day, with nearly 29,000 people killed since Amlo took office. The situation is out of control.. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. Definitely helps to know Spanish if you come to visit. Theres nothing here, she said. Fresnillos mayor, Sal Monreal, said the National Guard hasnt done enough. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Simultaneously Caldern also began pursuing the so-calledkingpin strategyby which authorities sought to decapitate the cartels by targeting their leaders. But be sure to negotiate the price before starting a trip. Its the capital of a landlocked province. Zacatecas: Dodging bullets in Fresnillo, Mexico's city of fear | U.S Murillo said that of the five bodies identified so far, three had been detained previously on drug or robbery charges. In response, the government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sent in security reinforcements. And then came the day last month when armed men burst into her home, dragged her 15-year-old son and two of his friends outside and shot them to death, leaving Guadalupe who didnt want her full name published out of fear of the men too terrified to leave the house. A police officer in Mexico's Zacatecas city holds up caution tape at the scene of a shooting. Zacatecas has been plagued by a shortage of municipal police, who would abandon their posts in fear of retaliation by criminal elements. Baja California and Zacatecas, in particular, are among the Mexican states with the poorest peace levels. On July 12, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory urging Americans to reconsider travel to Mexico, including Zacatecas, which the government warned of crime and kidnappings. The Mexican Army and the National Guard launched an operation to search for the kidnapped people, who were not identified. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. According to the first versions, the events occurred after an armed attack when individuals tried to stop the vehicle in which the Colombians were traveling, but the driver continued on. On Nov. 18, authorities discovered that 10 bodies had been hung from a bridge overpass. Children exercising as part of a local crime-prevention program. The kidnappings in Jerez de Garca Salinas occurred just hours after clashes erupted between armed groups, also in Jerez, leaving at least four people dead. Violence in Zacatecas: 10 bodies dumped in front of governor's office