Information for Travelers
Warden Message
U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez
September 3, 2008
Subject: Threats of Increased Violence in Ciudad Juarez
This Warden Message is being issued to inform American citizens traveling to or residing in the Mexican state of Chihuahua of an increase in violent criminal activity fueled by a war between drug cartels. Over 900 homicides have taken place in Ciudad Juarez in 2008, including 200 in August. Drug-related murders are occurring throughout the state of Chihuahua and are not confined to major cities. The U.S. Consulate General has no information indicating that American citizens are being targeted because of their nationality; however, U.S. citizenship does not provide a shield from the violence. The narcotics-related violence has taken a heavy toll on municipal and state police forces, and their ability to respond to or control street crime has deteriorated. This has resulted in an increase in armed robberies, carjackings, car theft, bank robberies, and other crimes in Ciudad Juarez and throughout the state. The federal government of Mexico has provided an additional security presence in parts of the state to try to curb the violence. The U.S. Consulate General urges all Americans to consider carefully the risk of all travel to Ciudad Juarez and within the state of Chihuahua. While shootings have happened at all hours, the risks increase in the evening and after dark. Killings have occurred in residential neighborhoods, on major thoroughfares, and at shopping centers. U.S. citizen victims of crimes or their families are urged to contact the American Citizens Services unit of the U.S. Consulate for advice and assistance. Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/ and the U.S. Department of State's travel website at www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both residing and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens residing and residing in Mexico are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens may also contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy via e-mail or by calling the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez at (52) (656) 611-3000. This complete message is available on the Embassy’s website at http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/main.html. The American Citizens Services Section of the U.S. Consulate General Juarez, Mexico is open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., telephone: 011-52-656-613-1655. After hours, please contact the Consulate’s on-call Duty Officer at 011-52-656-265-8484.
