With all the cold weather, it’s only natural that many of you are thinking about spring break plans that include sunshine and a beach. If you’re thinking about a trip to Mexico, please be mindful of the risks.
In January, the U.S. State Department issued a new travel advisory for Mexico. Popular destinations including Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas are under a Level 2 Advisory, meaning exercise increased caution.
While there are no details about how to increase your caution, there are specific concerns involving drug violence as well as alleged tainted alcohol being served at some resorts and bars.
Raquel Rutledge of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has been investigating alleged tainted alcohol incidences by those vacationing in Mexico. Over the last seven months, she has received more than 150 allegations of blackouts, robberies and sexual assaults.
What Are Your Rights When You Travel?
Once you leave the United States, you do not carry your rights with you. If you are the victim of any criminal activity while in Mexico, local or federal officials may or may not assist you. They may or may not investigate. They may or may not make an arrest.
If you are the victim of a crime, any U.S. Consulate located within Mexico, can assist you in:
Contacting local authorities where an alleged crime occurredHelp you replace a lost or stolen passportProvide information on Mexican Legal ProceduresProvide information on filing a police reportProvide information on hiring a Mexican attorneyOffer resources for victims of crime
Please note that U.S. Consulate personnel cannot investigate any alleged criminal activity. They cannot insist on an arrest or prosecute anyone on your behalf. All of those actions are left to the sole discretion of Mexican authorities. In addition, the Mexican government does not provide monetary compensation to crime victims.
As for sickness or injury, the Mexican Constitution states that all citizens and foreigners have the right to free emergency medical attention, but this applies only to government hospitals or clinics. Private hospitals and private clinics can (and have) demand cash payment before you are treated – even in an emergency.
If your spring break plans include travel to Mexico, we encourage you to research your destination. Is your hotel/resort safe? Have there been any incidences involving tainted alcohol? Is drug violence occurring nearby? While crime can certainly happen anywhere, some countries protect their visitors more than others.
We urge extreme caution in Mexico. This is especially true in regard to parents who allow their children to travel alone or in groups to Mexico for spring break.
The Harris Firm has represented clients who have had extremely serious incidents happen to them while in Mexico involving tainted alcohol. Please feel free to contact us if you believe this may have occurred to you or a family member.
