If you’ve seen the news, you’ve probably seen reports of “violence across Mexico.” I’m seeing lots of inflammatory travel headlines asking, “Is Mexico safe right now??”
Yes, there have been incidents (mostly arson), with the cartels jockeying for power after the Mexican army arrested a major cartel leader, who then died.
I’m not minimizing that.
But it’s not everywhere, and from what I’m seeing and hearing from trustworthy sources, it’s not often as extreme as the news in the US has made it sound. Yes, people have had their cars burned, and businesses damaged, which is awful.
✈️ But to go from that to worrying that the entire country is unsafe for travelers is a sensational jump.
🇲🇽 Mexico is a big country. Just as violence in Minneapolis doesn’t mean the entire US is on fire, violence in Guadalajara doesn’t mean all of Mexico is on lock down.
🚫 It’s important not to generalize.
While the US Dept. of State is saying to “reconsider travel” to the state of Jalisco and other nearby areas, I’d like to see them being honest about whether people should travel to Minneapolis right now.
🇺🇸 Don’t fall for the fear-mongering and believe that foreign countries are inherently more dangerous than the US.
And I’ve been in touch with Mexican friends who live close to where the “El Mencho” raid happened.
My friends stayed inside yesterday, out of an abundance of caution, but said that the situation is largely calm.
Yes, some banks and Oxxos (a corner store chain) were lit on fire, and some highways were blocked. From what I’ve read, there has been one civilian death. (Not counting police, army and suspected gang members killed in the raid.)
🤖 But a huge problem has been the FAKE reports of explosions, and universities and airplanes on fire, with AI generated images created to put people in panic. That’s a lot of what my friends have been dealing with for the past 24 hours – trying to figure out what’s real.
Meanwhile, Emanuele and I are in Mexico City, where life goes on like normal, and the mamma bird outside our window is keeping us entertained. ❤️
As someone who has traveled extensively throughout Mexico, I can share from personal experience that the safety situation often varies greatly depending on the region. Mexico is a vast country with diverse areas, many of which are vibrant and generally safe for tourists. For example, popular destinations like Mexico City, Cancun, and Oaxaca often have strong security measures and remain welcoming to travelers even during regional unrest. The recent reports of violence, including arson linked to cartel power struggles, understandably raise concern. However, it's important to contextualize these incidents. They tend to be localized and do not reflect the broader daily reality experienced by most residents and visitors. For instance, while certain parts of the state of Jalisco have experienced disturbances following the arrest of a major cartel leader, many other regions continue their normal routines without interruptions. One challenge travelers face nowadays is the prevalence of misinformation, including AI-generated fake news about explosions and fires in universities or airports. This type of content amplifies fear unnecessarily. When planning travel, I recommend checking multiple official sources, local news in Spanish if possible, and seeking firsthand accounts from reliable contacts in the area. Additionally, common places like Oxxo convenience stores and highways may occasionally be affected during episodes of unrest, but such disruptions are often short-lived. Travelers can mitigate risk by avoiding known hotspots, following government travel advisories prudently, and staying aware of the latest local developments. Overall, I encourage potential visitors to not generalize isolated incidents to the whole country. Mexico’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty continue to attract millions safely each year. With careful planning and situational awareness, travelers can enjoy meaningful experiences while respecting the complexities of Mexico’s security landscape.
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