Last Sunday, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of a heated dispute between the U.S. and Colombian governments over the repatriation of illegal immigrants, follow-on threats of reciprocal trade tariffs, and a suggestion that American citizens in Colombia maintain a low profile.
While the government of Colombia backed down quickly in order to avert a trade war, tempers continue to rise within several countries in this hemisphere as the Trump administration fulfills its promises to secure the border, stem the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants, and launch a massive deportation operation. As a result, threats against Americans have begun appearing online. Quoting one such video making the rounds on social media:
"All I gotta say is, if you're American... A very pale American... I hope you don't have plans for Spring Break in Mexico because there's alot of people that are mad right now. And among other things, you wouldn't want them spitting in your food, or your drink, at those all-inclusives in Cancun."
Be Forewarned
Readers living in or near large migrant communities, as well as those planning travel to a second or third-world nation, should be mindful of the broader implications of the individual's warning above.
Consider the magnitude of what is happening: The U.S. has launched an operation to arrest and deport millions of illegal aliens, many of whom come from elsewhere in this hemisphere. Many have taken advantage of lax enforcement of immigration laws and the benevolence of the American people to secure public assistance, put down roots, and normalize their existence. In many instances, those leveraging the system in this manner have been doing so for years, regularly sending money back to their home countries to support family and friends, and further expanding dependence on those illegally--established roots.
Now, the new administration's immigration reform and border security initiatives put this normalized existence under serious threat, and the entirety of the illegal migrant population nationwide has been shaken. Some know they are first on the list in terms of targeting and removal priority (such as the worst criminals and violent offenders), but all know that the game is up and its just a matter of time before they leave on their own or are removed. Even if not being intentionally targeted, a normally benign encounter with law enforcement, such as a simple traffic stop, can now end with one being arrested, jailed, and sent out of the country on a "goodbye charter."
Assuming successful legislative efforts, there is even potential in multiple states for illegals to be rounded up by bounty hunters (see this and this). Even if unsuccessful, the introduction of such legislation speaks volumes as to the mindset of the American public.
Further, the broad range of "entitlements" and welfare benefits currently available to illegal aliens will progressively be turned off. At each step along the way in the coming months, more and more individuals will be impacted here and beyond our borders. The net result will most certainly be an increase in anti-American sentiment, which directly translates into increased risk.
If you or your children have Spring Break plans south of the border, you would do well to consider an alternate destination, ideally stateside.
Bangs and Booms in Reynosa
On Monday, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of a security alert issued by the US Embassy in Mexico warning against travel in and around Reynosa (just across the border from McAllen, TX - see map above), due to the threat of gun battles and roadside improvised explosive devices.
According to the embassy message, increasingly frequent gun battles are occurring in and around Reynosa in the late night and early morning hours. Separately, the Mexican government has issued a warning regarding improvised explosive devices, which have been found in and around the area of Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, and San Fernando along dirt and secondary roads.
As a precaution, U.S. government employees have been ordered to avoid all travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo outside of daylight hours and to avoid dirt roads throughout the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.
U.S. citizens in country are encouraged to observe similar travel restrictions.
AlertsUSA continues to monitor the national and international threat environment and will immediately notify service subscribers of any new alerts, warnings, or advisories impacting the overall threat picture for American citizens, as events warrant. |
