U.S. Embassy Issues Travel Alert for Southern Mexican Border amid Growing Violence and Security Concerns

The United States Embassy in Mexico has issued a travel alert due to security concerns in Chiapas, a state on the southern Mexican border. In response to the growing violence and security concerns, US officials have restrictions on traveling to Chiapas. The alert is available on the Embassy’s official website.

The US Government has designated a danger area that includes most of the border between Chiapas and Guatemala, from the Pacific coast to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Cities such as Netzahualcóyotl, Ocosingo, El Ocote, San Francisco Pujiltic, and Mapastepec are included in this area. However, travel to Tapachula, the largest city on the border of Mexico with Central America, is permitted.

The alert advises travelers to monitor local press for updates and call 911 in case of emergency. Travelers are also encouraged to review their personal safety plans and follow the instructions of local authorities. The warning comes amid ongoing violence in Chiapas due to disputes between drug trafficking cartels vying for control of the border with Central America.

More than 100,000 children and adolescents were affected in 2023 in Chiapas by disputes between criminal groups, according to a report by the Network for the Rights of Children in Mexico (Redim) and the Network for the Rights of Children and Adolescents in Mexico (Redias). The alert coincides with a visit to the southern border by Claudia Sheinbuam, the presidential candidate of the ruling National Regeneration Movement (Morena), who is touring the area this weekend.