It’s that time of year, wildcats! Spring break is right around the corner! With spring break only days away, what better way to spend it than escaping the cold and warming up in a beautiful tropical environment? Top travel destinations, such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Playa Del Carmen, are on many spring breakers’ lists. However, this article may make you reconsider your spring break plans.
If you have not seen the news over the past week, a notorious cartel leader known as “El Mencho” was killed after the Mexican Government, aided by U.S. Intelligence, launched a raid to capture the drug lord. El Mencho was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), which was one of the United States and Mexico’s most wanted drug traffickers.
The (CJNG) cartel is responsible for a tremendous amount of fentanyl smuggling into the U.S. More than 70 people died in the military operation, with another 25 law enforcement officers and at least 10 Mexican National Guard troops being killed.
Across Mexico, there is widespread unrest from cartels burning gas stations, grocery stores, cars, and buildings. Attacks on Federal buildings are ongoing, and the U.S. State Department has issued several travel advisory warnings and shelter-in-place orders for places such as Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel. If you plan on travelling to these places, staying indoors is highly advised.
Dr. Chadwick DeWaard, Professor of Political Science here at Culver-Stockton, gives his professional opinion on what wildcats should do if travelling to Mexico. “Currently, the advisory is at a level 2 nationwide, but there are enhanced regional security alerts and guidance,” he then adds that “Mexican authorities are generally reliable about securing tourist destinations.” When asked about the cause of the military operation, DeWaard states, “It comes from pressure from the President (Trump) on Central American countries to clamp down on drug cartels”.
If you’re asking how long this unrest will last and trying to see if this will blow over before your desired travel date, DeWaard states, “It’s hard to say if this will continue…”
If you’re still unfazed by the news and advisories, Dr. DeWaard offers one last warning: “Don’t go to Mexico… follow the advice from the State Department.”
A different viewpoint on the situation comes from the Director of Campus Safety, W.G. Lewis. He suggests that if students were going to Mexico for spring break, they “Stick together… make sure everyone has each other’s location.” Lewis goes on to add, “unsuspecting college students can be targeted”.
Lewis also advises students to keep their phones with them at all times and to bring battery packs, but to make sure “they are charged and keep them charged.” Lewis himself has travelled to other countries before and notes that Americans “really stand out.” One final remark from Lewis, “I strongly urge students to stay together and to stay in the tourist part of town, and be extra cautious.”
A group of 8 wildcats has already planned to go to Cancun, Mexico, for spring break. One member of this travel party is freshman Dylan Rottinghaus. When asked about the trip and what he had seen on the news, he stated, “I’m a little nervous, but it should be fine in Cancun.” Rottinghaus also added that this trip will only add to the “dad-lore,” referring to an interesting story he could tell his kids one day. He has seen the travel advisories, but does not think the threat will be that serious where their group is going.
Another member of the travel party is a freshman, Liam Maddox. He expressed similar concerns about the attacks, but also isn’t backing down from his plan to enjoy the tropical climate. Maddox states that although a lot is going on, it’s a “high risk, high reward” situation.
They have not heard anything from their airline company, Spirit Airlines, so they are still planning to leave this Saturday for Cancun, Mexico. They expressed that they have no backup plan, so this is their only option.
Safe travels, wildcats, and have a happy spring break!
