U.S. State Department Issues New Warning for Mexico Travel, Cites Increase in Kidnappings, Murders, Violent Robberies

[Jeff Dunsavage]

The State Department report says 81 Americans were assassinated in Mexico last year, 10 more than in 2012, and an increase in kidnappings was noted in the states of Tamaulipas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Mexico and Morelos. During the first six months of this year the American embassy and consulates in Mexico received 70 reports of kidnappings of American citizens. Kidnappings were of the traditional kind, in which victims are physically removed from their surroundings, as well as “virtual,” in which the victim is detained in his hotel until payment is received.

The warning also said theft of vehicles using violence and thefts on highways are also “a serious problem” in many border areas, and there are cases in which Americans have lost their lives.

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