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Murder in Mexico: What's the Danger to an American Tourist?

Feb 19, 2019 | 06:30 GMT

Mexican marines patrol the beach of Playacar, near the seaside tourist resort of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, on Feb. 14, 2019.

Mexican marines patrol the beach of Playacar, near the seaside tourist resort of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo State, on Feb. 14. Common sense and proper situational awareness will keep most American tourists safe when they venture to Mexico over spring break.

(DANIEL SLIM/AFP/Getty Images)

Highlights

Mexico broke its record for homicides last year, and the dynamics that are driving that violence are unlikely to abate in the near future.
At the same time, record numbers of U.S. citizens are either visiting Mexico as tourists or residing in the country, yet the number of Americans murdered in Mexico remains remarkably low.
Still, violent crime remains a problem in Mexico, and visitors and residents should take measures to mitigate the risk.

With spring break right around the corner, our Threat Lens team is once again in demand, as clients -- along with a wide array of friends and family -- are all wondering about the safety of a Mexican getaway for some spring sun. Of course, the concern is understandable. As our 2019 Mexico cartel forecast reported, murders in the country hit their highest rate ever last year and, worryingly, there's nothing to suggest that this year will be any different. Ultimately, however, the threat may not be as great as feared. ...

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