Traveler Safety Concerns Rise as Illinois Families Face Deadly Shootings in Mexico
A tragic incident over the holidays has left Illinois residents in shock as two separate families faced deadly shootings in Mexico, raising concerns about traveler safety in the country. The first incident involved a Chicago teen, his father, and uncle who traveled to Mexico for a birthday celebration trip. The family was attacked on Christmas Eve while traveling in an SUV with Illinois license plates in the north-central state of Durango. The teen’s father, Vicente Peña Jr., 38, and uncle, Antonio “Tony” Fernandez, 44, both from Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, were killed in the attack, along with a third relative. The teenager was seriously injured and airlifted to the U.S. for further treatment.
Unfolding Violence and Power Struggles
Authorities have reported a surge in violent crime in the area, although there is no indication that the murders were related to drug trafficking. The recent arrests of key figures such as “El Mayo” Zambada and Los Chapitos, the sons of El Chapo, have sparked increased violence and power struggles among cartels in the region. Drug trafficking specialist Elaine Carey highlighted the impact of these power struggles not only in Sinaloa but also in neighboring states like Durango. She emphasized that a transition of power between cartels is currently underway, which could potentially extend over months or even years.
Challenges in Travel Safety
Another Illinois resident, Jesús Macías from Rockford, was shot in the central Mexico state of Zacatecas while visiting family for the holidays. The U.S. State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for the state due to high levels of crime and kidnapping. Macías was shot after refusing to stop at an improvised checkpoint set up by unknown individuals, indicating the dangers faced by travelers in certain regions of Mexico. Authorities have yet to provide clear answers regarding the shooting, leaving families concerned about the lack of security and accountability in these areas.
Caution and Security Measures
In light of these incidents, experts advise U.S. residents with family in these high-risk areas to postpone travel plans and exercise extreme caution if travel is unavoidable. The State Department has issued warnings for parts of Durango state, where violent crime and gang activity are prevalent. Travelers are urged to stay vigilant and prioritize their safety when visiting regions affected by escalating violence and criminal activities.
