Travel Alert: Danger Lurks Beyond Mexico’s Resort Walls

The U.S. State Department has once again raised the alarm about travel to Mexico. On August 12, they issued a Level 2 travel advisory. That means Americans should be extra careful when visiting our southern neighbor. The warning cites violent crimes like murder, kidnapping, robbery, and even terrorism as growing dangers. Let that sink in. Terrorism and kidnapping are not just words in a movie — they are real threats in today’s Mexico.

This is not just about avoiding a bad vacation. This is about life and liberty — the first duties of any responsible government. When tens of millions of Americans visit foreign countries, it’s the job of our leaders to ensure they are warned and prepared. But the truth is, this situation didn’t happen overnight. For years, the Mexican government has failed to keep its streets safe. Cartels run entire regions. Gangs control towns. And far too often, tourists are caught in the middle.

Mexico remains a top destination for American travelers. In 2024, over 13 million Americans visited Mexico. Places like Cancún, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas are still seen as paradise. But paradise comes with a price — and that price is often your safety. The State Department admits that in many parts of Mexico, even our consulate officials may not be able to help you in an emergency. That should send a chill down every American’s spine. If our own government can’t protect us abroad, we better be protecting ourselves.

Thankfully, experts like former Secret Service agent Robert McDonald are offering advice grounded in common sense. McDonald has protected top officials and foreign dignitaries. He says most resorts are relatively safe — key word: relatively. But the moment you step off the property, you are taking a risk. You could run into cartel activity, gang violence, or worse. This is not fearmongering. This is reality.

McDonald’s advice is clear: stay on the resort grounds, use trusted transportation, and don’t wander into local neighborhoods. That may sound limiting, but when the stakes are this high, caution is patriotism. It’s about responsibility — the kind our Founders expected of us. Yes, they wanted liberty, but they also warned us to be ever vigilant.

And let’s remember — this isn’t just about Mexico. These safety tips should be followed anywhere large crowds gather. Whether you’re at a concert, a ball game, or a cruise port, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Know your exits. Stay with people you trust. And most of all, don’t assume someone else will protect you.

This is the mindset that built America. Our ancestors didn’t wait around for someone to save them. They prepared. They trained. They planned ahead. We must do the same — whether we’re traveling abroad or walking through a busy city at home.

And here’s the bigger picture: The chaos in Mexico is a reminder of why America must secure its own borders. The cartels that terrorize tourists in Cancún are the same ones smuggling drugs and weapons into our communities. This is not just Mexico’s problem. It’s ours too. That’s why President Trump’s fight to build the wall and restore law and order is more important than ever. A nation without borders is a nation without safety — and without safety, liberty cannot survive.

So if you’re traveling to Mexico, go with caution. Use wisdom. Use common sense. But let this also be a wake-up call. We must demand accountability from our neighbors and from our own government. Protecting Americans — at home and abroad — is not optional. It is the first duty of a constitutional republic. And it’s time we started acting like it.