U.S. Consulate in Matamoros Issues Warning About Travel in Mexico

Posted: Dec 23, 2011 7:59 PM Updated: Dec 23, 2011 9:53 PM

MATAMOROS, MEXICO - The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros is warning folks not to cross the border this Christmas if they don't have to. The consulate issued an emergency warning after attacks in Veracruz Thursday. Some folks are listening to the warnings and choosing to spend the holiday alone but safe.
Nearly 2 million people are expected to cross the Mexican border for the holidays. They're risking the violence on the other side to see their families. Traffic backed up Friday at the Valley ports of entry. Mexican-bound buses filled up quickly at the McAllen station.
"This is the first time we're going for Christmas, so we're excited," says Elia Vera.
Vera and her son are headed for grandma's house. It's more than an hour bus ride south of Reynosa. They make the trip often and know what to expect.
"Seeing all the soldiers around with guns ... it's a relief when we get through it because then we don't see any more of that stuff. Once we get to my father-in-law's ranch, it's fine," says Vera
The U.S. Consulate says the risks run throughout northern Mexico. The bus attacks in Veracruz will be fresh in travelers' minds.
"It's better just to stay here and be safe," says Marta Sanchez.
Sanchez runs the Lupe Program here in the Valley. She tells her clients to avoid crossing the border. She says illegal immigrants rarely risk going back for the holidays.
"It's more dangerous because it's more costly," says Sanchez.
She wishes more folks with passports would listen to her warnings, including her own family.
"My aunt just left yesterday, too, on the bus. They're scared to go, but it's important to be with family," says Sanchez.
She says most of her family, friends and clients are willing to spend the holidays alone.
Sanchez says there is a program to help track travelers crossing the border. It asks that everyone checks in when they return so they can keep a close count.

http://www.krgv.com/news/u-s-consula...avel-in-mexico