Pubdate: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 Source: Brownsville Herald, The (TX) Copyright: 2005 The Brownsville Herald Contact: http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1402 Author: Sergio Chapa and J. Noel Espinoza U.S. CONSULATE ISSUES WARNING FOR AMERICANS IN TAMAULIPAS Advisory Attributed To Rash Of Border Violence In response to a recent wave of drug-related violence, the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros released an advisory on Friday for Americans living or visiting the state of Tamaulipas. According to Consulate statistics, at least 26 deaths have been attributed to violence associated with the illegal drug trade in the northeastern Mexican state since the beginning of the year. Two weeks ago, incoming Reynosa Police Chief Rene Izaguirre Rodriguez was kidnapped and shot to death. On Monday, the former mayor of Soto La Marina and two of his sons were found handcuffed and shot to death on a road between Tamaulipas' capital Ciudad Victoria and the tiny Gulf of Mexico fishing village. On Thursday, six prison employees from a maximum-security federal prison west of Matamoros were kidnapped, blindfolded, bound and shot to death. Authorities believe each of the violent deaths was tied to the illegal drug trade along the U.S.-Mexico border. Although none of the violence has been directed at Americans, U.S. Consul John Naland said Americans living in or visiting Tamaulipas could be become caught in the crossfire. "Yesterday's attack at the federal prison demanded that we put out something," Naland said. Friday's advisory urges American citizens living in or visiting Tamaulipas to be alert and aware of their surroundings. Americans are specifically warned about their vulnerability in red light districts, using ATM machines and driving on non-toll highways. Naland said Friday's advisory replaces a previous warning issued only for Reynosa, where Americans were allegedly being robbed by police last year. "We've had no reports (of those incidents) since that time," Naland said. Despite Friday's warning, Matamoros officials said the recent violence should not stop tourists from visiting the area. "We're deeply sorry for what happened, but we still think Matamoros is a peaceful place to visit," said Fernando Perez Chapa, a spokesman for the city. "We don't think security is out of control." Perez said recently elected Mayor Baltazar Hinojosa Ochoa favors the bolstered security provided by federal authorities and Mexican soldiers. "We still believe it's safe for our citizens and visitors to come to our city," Perez said. "Unfortunately, incidents like these happen in our city." Naland said all American victims of crime in Mexico should report the incident to the Consulate at 011 (52) (868) 812-4402. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth