Warden Message 02/13/2009

In the aftermath of the large public demonstrations which disrupted traffic in several areas of urban Monterrey February 9-12, 2009, the U.S. Consulate General provides American citizens with the following suggestions regarding personal security during demonstrations.  While most demonstrations are peaceful, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly.

Americans are strongly encouraged to avoid being caught in demonstrations whenever possible. Resident Americans are advised to monitor local news to keep informed of recent demonstrations and be prepared for recurrences.  American visitors should ask hotel personnel or business colleagues about recent demonstrations and significant violent incidents.   Americans residing in Monterrey and other urban areas should learn alternative routes to and from their homes, schools, and places of work and use alternate routes if they learn about a possible demonstration.

Drivers should always be prepared for the possibility of a demonstration suddenly blocking traffic for several hours.  It is wise to carry a fully charged cell phone, extra batteries, drinking water and any crucial medications, and to maintain an adequate fuel supply in the vehicle.  Americans caught in a demonstration should communicate frequently with family or friends, and monitor news on the car radio.  One radio station which broadcasts news 24 hours a day in the Monterrey area is AW Noticias 1280 AM.   Climate permitting, drivers should keep car windows shut and doors locked.  Drivers should remain patient and calm and not try to get through any barriers or take any action which might provoke protesters.   If rock throwing or other violence breaks out, crouch down on the car floor and notify the police emergency center at 066.  Americans can also call the Consular Section of the Consulate during working hours at 8047-3145, (or after hours at 8362-9126 to speak to a duty officer)  so that the Consulate can request assistance from local authorities.

Americans are encouraged to inform the Consulate of large demonstrations, even if no assistance is needed.  Reports can also be sent by e-mail to MonterreyACS@state.gov.

The Nuevo Leon State Government Office of Civil Protection website at http://www.proteccioncivil.gob.mx provides useful information on the current security situation and advice for dealing with police or military roadblocks and security emergencies on the streets.  Additional information on security practices for travelers is detailed in “A Safe Trip Abroad,” which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html. 

American citizens are also 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.