State Department issues travel warning for Mexico

U.S. Department of State issued a travel warning Tuesday for Americans traveling to certain parts of Mexico.

The advisory cautions citizens to avoid traveling to certain locations due to increased criminal activity.

Areas such as Baja California Sur, where the popular tourist destination Cabo San Lucas is, and Quintana Roo, where Cancun and Riviera Maya are located, have seen a spike in homicide rates this year.

The State Department said U.S. citizens have been the victims of violent crimes – including kidnapping, carjacking, robbery and even homicide in certain Mexican states

As CBS2’s Valerie Castro reported, the travel warning raised concerns about two specific popular tourist areas known for family friendly resorts.
The white sand beaches and enticing all-inclusive resorts in Mexico are an easy vacation destination. The warning includes two Mexican states with popular locales including Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Los Cabos.

Gun battles between rival gangs or with Mexican authorities have taken place on streets in public places and in broad daylight, the State Department warned.