March 6, 2009 - Because of a recent increase in crime and violence in various parts of Mexico, UCLA students are strongly advised not to travel there during the March 21-30 spring break, the campus's Office of Student Affairs said. Students are especially advised to avoid travel in Mexican cities near the U.S. border or their neighboring areas.
The situation has caused the U.S. State Department to issue a travel alert for Mexico regarding the border areas with the U.S., where conflicts among rival drug cartels and between cartels and Mexican authorities have led to numerous firefights in many cities and towns. The State Department also warned travelers about the risks of travel in any area of the country.
