Why are Criminal Dynamics Constantly Changing in Tamaulipas, Mexico? And rumors have run rampant about threats on a popular movie theater in the Nogales mall, and, perhaps seizing on people's worst fears, about threats on schools. Below, InSight Crime provides an overview of the major players and the circumstances that have led to the trail of bloodshed in this crucial corridor for drug trafficking and other illicit activities. Every year, thousands of Americans travel to Canada in order to save money on prescription drugs. We go through Sonorito (south of Ajo, Az) without and time or hassle, in a van. He hit one of the women, who succumbed to her injuries and died. Living here, Ive learned which pharmacies I can trust. The suspects then forced them into their vehicle, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The only problem I have experienced in Nogales has been the border crossing back driving a private car it has taken us up to 4 yes FOUR hours waiting on line and there are no bathrooms! Sonora Crime News. Its also right next door to Regis, a popular local bar, which is great! Table 7: Teen Birth Rates Crime: There is a lower crime index in Nogales compared to the national average. 209.182.203.225 Divided by International Avenue, the two communities are together known as Ambos Nogales (Spanish: "Both Nogales"). I have traveled alone and with my 2 children many times several times a month for years. It makes one wonder what happened on the other side of the border? I just finished my first trip there after living in Arizona for 11 years and had a really wonderful time in Nogales. He credits it with a slowdown of shootouts and murder in the past two weeks. Its on the pricey size at approximately $50-60 per night for a double room, has coffee in the room, is pet friendly and includes breakfast. "It's not directed at Juan who works in the carwash; it's not about them," Ramrez says. or no tengo monedas, I dont have any coins is good, I disagree with the person who said the locals ask for dollars, they would be extremely happy We left our car in a lot on the U.S. side of Nogales and walked across the border. The woman began to provide details of how everything had happened. Theyre hiking hats so we stuck out like gringo tourists. Crime in Nogales, Mexico. The other seven areEstado de Mexico, Jalisco, Morelos, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi and Zacatecas. Violence in the small border town escalated in January and resulted in the departure of a large number of families from a community where residents live in constant fear, hardly ever leaving their . The crime rate in the Guaymas San Carlos Area is very high. The Canadian government sayshotel employees, taxi drivers and security personnel "at popular tourist destinations" have physically or sexually assaulted foreigners. I know i was stared at occasionally but in a good way because i am white with blonde hair and speak spanish. As long as you are not acting like an idiot (crazy drunk, fighting, etc) and you pay attention to your surroundings (like you should EVERYWHERE), you will not have any issues in Nogales. Before you travel, you should learn the rules so that you dont face any problems when crossing the border into the United States. Once you leave the three or four tourist blocks, a whole different Nogales emerges. Then the computers went down! In 2017, the murder rate per 100,000 people was 365. My visit was uneventful, but its easy to see how a serious injury could occur. However, the people watching our every move made me a little nervous. In Nogales, the pavement is broken and uneven. To be safe, bring only what you need: U.S Customs and Border Protection has strict guidelines for bringing medicine across the border. U.S. government employees are not permitted to drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to "the interior parts of Mexico with the exception of daytime travel on Highway 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo," the State Department says. Nogales is safe enough, but here, every foreigner is closely watched, as if under a magnifying glass. We definitely want to explore Nogales a little bit more. You can be accused of anything, and extorted by an police officer, and theres nothing you can do, except pay them money. Is Nogales, Mexico safe? Mexico: murder rate 2009-2021. Ensenada is a coastal city and also happens to be the third-largest city when it comes to population. ", The Australian government says there have been reports of sexual assault, extortion and robbery "being committed by individuals presenting themselves as police officers, sometimes driving automobiles resembling police vehicles. Gilbert and Surprise are the two most populous cities and reported nearly half (49%) of all violent crimes among the safest cities and 53% of all property crimes. My friend has traveled alone this route many times over the years as a single woman. In 2021, there were 45,336 crimes in Mexico City per 100,000 inhabitants. Nogales, located on the US and Mexico border, is one of the most important ports of entry for U.S. tourists. We chose a small apartment when we moved to Arizona so we could still enjoy the privilege of travel when we want. Once you have found a few different options, you can then compare them to see which one is the best fit for you. Female travel alone is not recommended in this city. The tourists standing there were looking angrier by the minute that no one was helping. Jen, According to the FBI State and Local Law Enforcement Killed Officers and Assaulted report, Texas communities had the lowest rates of police officer deaths and assaults from 2010 to 2015. Shopping good, pharmacy prices much cheaper than US (and same name brand meds). Staying in hotels. Travelers should avoid public transportation in the Nogales based on the lack of safety on it. This analysis applies to Nogales's proper boundaries only. I was amazed with the scenery and was happy when I saw the wall. Since I still have a few more decades before I turn 62, we stayed put and watched the line inch forward. That is a risk to consider when crossing the border. The leader of a search group trying to locate missing loved ones even made a recent public appeal to cartel bosses to curb violence aimed at locals. Nogales does not suffer much from terrorism so the risk of it is minimal here. The man, however, was nowhere to be found. Vendors along Avenida Obregon in downtown Nogales say it's still safe for visitors to come across. Stats and Summaries. Often people can come up and ask for money without hesitate. View all posts by Jen. They used to go to the movies but now stay in, he says. Thanks for the write-up and your articles! Both Mexican and US Customs and Border Protection are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The dentists and pharmacies all have someone outside calling you to stop in for a minute. More than 31 million Americans visited Mexico in 2016,the National Travel & Tourism Office says, and State Department data shows there were reports of 75 American homicide victims there. I made many friends over the years of visiting. It disrupts drug smugglers' ability to get their loads across the border, causing panic and uncertainty among drug smugglers, he says. Juarez: historic downtown, yep Can i get back into the U.S.with just a drivers license..Since Im a felon and cant get a passport. Traveling to those states is as dangerous, according to the State Department's safety ratings, as traveling to Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. One has a gated entryway and another has a garage attatched to the room! Don't flash with valuables and cash, keep an eye on your belongings and you'll be safe. A strong partnership between law enforcement and community members is critical for reducing crime, according to the FBI. I have made some great friends there. Maybe 800 MG Ibuprofen and stuff like that. Shootouts and kidnappings, once isolated incidents among rival drug cartels, have become more frequent and public in Nogales, Sonora: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Americans cross the border to go to the dentist and buy cheap prescription drugs and and then leave. There is not much risk of scamming in the city, but you should be careful when withdrawing money ATM and communicating with local people. Salazar lives in Colonia Colosio, reportedly the largest squatter . Traditionally, most of the deceased and injured in drug- related violence have been identified as people involved in the drug-trafficking business. Holes big enough for your entire foot and leg to pass through are also common. Because most purchases are expected to come with Haggling, you should not be afraid to make an offer. In comparison, 49 million Americans traveled to all other foreign countries, and 69 were reported killed by homicide. It is not necessary to be a native Spanish speaker to engage in commerce. Nogales is in the state of Sonora, one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. Strolling through Tucson and Sedona's perfectly maintained sidewalks can spoil a person. We were treated kindly and politely at all points. Remember, if you are from the USA, you are considered wealthy as the exchange rate is amazingly in your favor. Lunch or dinner? Dental Laser the best! I would recommend visiting Nogales and doing just that- at least getting a taste of real Mexican culture. The police station is close by which is nice. One has to fly into Tucson (about an hour away) or Hermosillo (about 3 hours). The risk to US residents living along the border is that they will be able to obtain dangerous medications at the border and then purchase them from Mexican pharmacies. . THERE IS NO REASON TO EVER GO TO NOGALES. Cocaine, synthetic drugs, weapons, migrants, gasoline - this range of criminal economies has seen violence escalate in Mexico's northern state, Scammers in Mexico have yet again evolved their modus operandi by using express credit apps to extort users and drain. Travel Insurance - The medical travel insurance is required for travelers in any country as well as Mexico. . People stared at us everywhere we went. The downtown area consists of bars, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, and a large number of curio stores, which sell a large variety of artesanias (handicrafts, leather art, handmade . ONLY travel in daylight hours. Taxi drivers polite and fast. . The requests for money began immediately. 5 cities improved in rank this year: Buckeye, Maricopa, Prescott Valley, Sahuarita, and San Luis. Americans with plans to go to 11 other Mexican states should reconsider, the agency says. If you return to the United States from Mexico with these substances, you will not be given a prescription by a reputable doctor. A few blocks away, on Pirgos Street, the kidnappers told the victims to get out of the vehicle. A small federally-owned airport with a single runway for general aviation. There's no evidence that drug traffickers are targeting Mexicans not involved in the trade or U.S. citizens passing through or visiting, Coulson and Ramrez say. I have now been here for 2 years, and I can honestly say I feel safer here than I did when I lived in Phoenix, AZ. Nogales, city, seat (1899) of Santa Cruz county, southern Arizona, U.S. A port of entry on the Mexican border, it adjoins Heroica Nogales in Sonora, Mexico. I would also sometimes stay at a hotel on the Mexican side of the border, again alone, with no issues. Part Two Outlines Some Social Problems, Investors And Buyers: Very Confusing Sustainability Choices In The Auto Industry, Phantom Auto Buys Voysys To Boost Remote Operation Capabilities. Crowds at a restaurant are always a good sign. "Obviously, this, well, causes fear among Nogalenses fear that they are going to find themselves in a shootout.". God bless you. Que Dios te bendiga. Theres a very rich and diverse culture just over the border. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. 5-6 minutes entry back into the U.S. Its a no-brainer. I would say to everyone, no matter where you visit, always be aware of your surroundings, do your research. I also have a significant other who lives in nogales now. Being on the street at night is quite dangerous, it is also better to move around the city only in groups. Finally, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacin - CJNG), which maintains a constant war with the Sinaloa Cartel in several regions of the country, has moved in on Sonora, though its role there appears to be limited. You can leave your car all day for $5.00, plus they have clean restrooms. SEE ALSO:How Mexicos Small Armies Came to Commit a Massacre. We going to check it out. Evidently our conversation partners were over the age of 62 because by the time we turned around, they had pushed their way up front as well. "You just don't know where the chase is going to go. Friends and I go to Puerto Penasco a couple of times a year to fish (but its not about the fish). ", Kidnappings are common, and there have been allegations of complicity by police officers," the Australian government says. In 2007 and 2011 (when I was stationed in Arizona), military personnel were prohibited from crossing the border. It's empty everywhere; people are not going out because they are afraid something will happen.". On a state level, homicides are slightly behind last year's pace with 230 registered through August, compared with 234 at the same time the year before, Sonoran government numbers show. Most merchants prefer US dollars (paper currency, not coins) over Mexican pesos to settle transactions. Really enjoyed this read. I think all the cartel rhetoric has stopped many from visiting, but I have seen more violence on our side of the border in Tucson and Phoenix. Technically they have to let a US person back in the US. I appreciate your comment and like you said WATCH YOUR SURROUNDINGS. On the same day as the kidnapping, in the Sonoran city of Empalme, armed men carried out the execution of an unidentified person in broad daylight. It's a grisly toll that marked the sharpest year-to-year jump in Mexico nearly 60% and the continuation of long-standing state and national trends, according to federal data analyzed by KJZZ. Glad you found this useful. I went to Nogales in 2018 and again last month if that helps. But Mexico is still waiting for the funds as it wages its battle against the criminal organizations. The current travel alert expires in October, at which time officials must decide whether to reissue it and whether to revise any of the warnings. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1965571cda293b Both writers are correct. The total for five tacos and two drinks, $9. Crime rates are also lower in Nogales, Arizona than in Nogales, Mexico. In the last 5 years Nogales has seen increasing violent crime and rise of property crime. Medicine entering the country must be accompanied by a doctors prescription under U.S. law. An otherwise routine night at a local casino turned ugly Thursday for two women and a man in Nogales, Mexico. Because there are so many fakes on the market, you should only buy if you think you have negotiated a good price. Wo they all had gotten a kick outta me speaking their language with ease and were proud that i tool time to learn to fit in and underatand their way of life. The three-level law-enforcement operation will continue indefinitely in Nogales, Ramrez says. Was never asked for insurance or anything. And passing through Nogales so I wanted some heads up. John Burcham for The New York Times. The total of 67 premeditated homicides recorded from January through August in the city, most drug-related, averages out to one every four days, figures from the Sonoran government show. Since my last post in July, I have moved to Nogales, Mexico. More help could come soon to Mexican law enforcement. Men, women, children, just sitting. What a nightmare. Like the county-owned (and confusingly similar in name) Nogales International Airport (OLS IATA) in Nogales, Santa Cruz County, Arizona it has no scheduled flights.The nearest airports for commercial flights from Mexico are . Yes but you dont have the problems like the U.S. government and media would like one to believe. One of the best ways to find a reputable and safe pharmacy in Nogales, Mexico is to ask around. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. Come to find out a taxi driver accused me of running off and not paying him, he was lying! Oh awesome! Additionally, Sonora's port of Guaymas provides access to the Pacific, allowing for the entry of the precursor chemicals used in the production of methamphetamines and fentanyl. Keep a full tank of gas BEFORE you cross the border. Once again & I do feel better and ready to make another visit. You are not watched as if under a magnifying glass. NOGALES, SONORA Officer Lamberto Ruiz climbs into his police truck and looks through a spiderweb of cracks fanning out from a bullet hole in his windshield. Nogales is the most populous city in the state of Sonora. Ill have a new post about it soon. At the moment, Nogales is not a very safe place to live. However, CBP has discontinued the senior line although some still try it with the help of coyotes. Don't worry; compared to Arizona's property crime rate, Nogales still has a lower average of 16.32%. "I find myself with the need to ask you, the heads of the cartels in Sonora[Jos Crispn] Salazar, [Rafael] Caro Quintero and the rest of you cartel leaders, to not kill us, to not disappear us, said Ceci Patricia Flores Armenta, who is the head of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora. "We've made preparations over the years, but the threat is clearly more significant than it has ever been," Dever says. Single person estimated monthly costs: Mex$ 14,419. It handles national and international air traffic for the city of Nogales. Reporter Berenice Rosales from La Estrella, the Arizona Daily Star's Spanish-language newspaper, contributed to this story. I appreciate your perspective. "Now we have violent deaths, gunfire from high-powered weapons such as AK-47s, we have crimes where four people die in a single act," says Arturo Ramrez Camacho, chief of police in Nogales, Sonora, in Spanish. How long will it take to cross the border? I have never had to use a passport, only my drivers license and once in a while they will ask for birth certificate. At the nation's more than 300 ports of . Level of crime: 41.67: Moderate: Crime increasing in the past 3 years: 50.00: Moderate: Worries home broken and things stolen: 37.50: Low . We decided to take a few safety precautions before we left home: Crossing into Mexico is quite simply, the most ridiculously easy border crossing ever. 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