DESCRIPTION:
For over 40 years drug cartels have been involved in extensive drug trafficking operations across the US-Mexico border. Due to the efforts of President Calderon in Mexico and law enforcement officers in America, cross border smuggling of drugs has become much more difficult to these operations. With these difficulties, the cartels gangs have become more aggressive and dangerous with their tactics. Violent crimes have surged throughout border cities and the violence that primarily occurred on the Mexican side has begun to spill into the United States.
WHAT IS BEING DONE?
Rising violence in Mexico and abroad is forcing foreign companies to change their operating procedures and shipping routes, while also tightening security for their employees. Some companies are asking employees to only travel during daylight hours and if possible to travel in groups when in Mexico.
Mexico is also deploying more guards in order to protect commuter routes for Americans. The area of Ciudad Juarez, which is the main hotspot of violent activity, is home to nearly 400 factories and 230,000 employees that are mostly owned by the U.S. Officials have created special commuter routes leading to and from the industrial parks to protect the workers and managers. They’ve engaged 300 city, state, and federal police and over 5,000 soldiers to protect the corridors. These routes also lead to and from international bridges traveled daily by U.S. plant managers, engineers and suppliers.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a nationwide travel alert for U.S. citizens traveling to, working, or living in Mexico. It states:
Violence amongst Mexican drug cartels in the border states, on both sides of the US-Mexico border, has exponentially increased in the past years. More than 200 Americans have been killed in the area since 2004.1 Murders, drug smuggling, human smuggling, beatings, tortures, and most notably kidnappings, are all on the rise. The majority of these crimes are occurring within the borders of Mexico, but when the gangs and cartel members begin to relocate operations, the violence follows.
Why Should You Care??
Being a highway professional carries extra potential for involvement in these experiences. Truck drivers carry a risk as they are involved in operations that might interest these criminals. Law enforcement personnel also run an elevated risk of attack by Mexican gang members. Whether traveling to Mexico for personal reasons or simply making scheduled deliveries or pickups, you must maintain situational awareness at all times and be extremely conscious of your environment. Knowing the background of the route you will be taking, the types of neighborhoods encountered, and even the company history you are working with will prove beneficial in your safety. If ever approached by unknown individuals always maintain a sense of guard and assess the level of suspicion of their intentions. If a situation does not feel right to you, do not hesitate to avoid the circumstances at all costs.
For over 40 years drug cartels have been involved in extensive drug trafficking operations across the US-Mexico border. Due to the efforts of President Calderon in Mexico and law enforcement officers in America, cross border smuggling of drugs has become much more difficult to these operations. With these difficulties, the cartels gangs have become more aggressive and dangerous with their tactics. Violent crimes have surged throughout border cities and the violence that primarily occurred on the Mexican side has begun to spill into the United States.
WHAT IS BEING DONE?
Rising violence in Mexico and abroad is forcing foreign companies to change their operating procedures and shipping routes, while also tightening security for their employees. Some companies are asking employees to only travel during daylight hours and if possible to travel in groups when in Mexico.
Mexico is also deploying more guards in order to protect commuter routes for Americans. The area of Ciudad Juarez, which is the main hotspot of violent activity, is home to nearly 400 factories and 230,000 employees that are mostly owned by the U.S. Officials have created special commuter routes leading to and from the industrial parks to protect the workers and managers. They’ve engaged 300 city, state, and federal police and over 5,000 soldiers to protect the corridors. These routes also lead to and from international bridges traveled daily by U.S. plant managers, engineers and suppliers.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a nationwide travel alert for U.S. citizens traveling to, working, or living in Mexico. It states:
- It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of going to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations and who to contact if one becomes a victim of crime.
- The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, however all areas of Mexico should be visited with caution.
Violence amongst Mexican drug cartels in the border states, on both sides of the US-Mexico border, has exponentially increased in the past years. More than 200 Americans have been killed in the area since 2004.1 Murders, drug smuggling, human smuggling, beatings, tortures, and most notably kidnappings, are all on the rise. The majority of these crimes are occurring within the borders of Mexico, but when the gangs and cartel members begin to relocate operations, the violence follows.
Why Should You Care??
Being a highway professional carries extra potential for involvement in these experiences. Truck drivers carry a risk as they are involved in operations that might interest these criminals. Law enforcement personnel also run an elevated risk of attack by Mexican gang members. Whether traveling to Mexico for personal reasons or simply making scheduled deliveries or pickups, you must maintain situational awareness at all times and be extremely conscious of your environment. Knowing the background of the route you will be taking, the types of neighborhoods encountered, and even the company history you are working with will prove beneficial in your safety. If ever approached by unknown individuals always maintain a sense of guard and assess the level of suspicion of their intentions. If a situation does not feel right to you, do not hesitate to avoid the circumstances at all costs.
So far I agree with everything you wrote. Good job.
