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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth