U.S. Consulate General of the United States of America
Monterrey, N.L., Mexico
January 15, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to the deteriorating security conditions in the states of Coahuila and Durango, Mexico.

The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico.  This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states.

On December 10, 2008, a U.S. businessman visiting Saltillo, Coahuila, was kidnapped and authorities have made no progress in locating him.

Although essential travel is still permitted to these states, U.S. government employees are advised to exercise heightened personal security practices when traveling in these areas.  Many of these security practices are detailed in “A Safe Trip Abroad,” which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.

American citizens are advised to refer to guidance in the Department of State’s most recent Travel Alert for Mexico located on the internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html and Country Specific Information for Mexico, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html for additional information regarding the current security situation in the country.

For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Consulate General, located at 411 Avenida Constitucion Poniente in Monterrey; telephone (81) 8047-3100; after hours emergency telephone 044 (81) 8362-9126 (from Mexico); ACS unit fax (81) 8342-5433; e-mail MonterreyACS@state.gov; web page http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov.