Embassy of the United States

U.S. Citizen Services

Warden Message

Mexico (all) August 1, 2008- Possible Demonstrations Arising from the Scheduled Execution of Jose Ernesto Medellin

The U.S. Embassy has received information that numerous demonstrations may occur in Mexico on or around August 5, 2008, to protest the scheduled execution in Texas of prisoner José Ernesto Medellín, a Mexican citizen.  The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens in Mexico to be especially mindful of demonstrations taking place in their town or city, or in areas to which they intend to travel.  

Travelers should be aware that various political activists abroad frequently seek to use public demonstrations to forward a variety of political objectives and that it is likely that such activists may use the occasion of anti-execution demonstrations to raise other issues involving the United States or to incite anti-U.S. sentiment in general.
 
The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.  Travelers should avoid political demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's travel website, http://www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Please visit the Safety Issues section for additional safety information.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

You can reach the U.S. Consulate in Merida by dialing our main number.  From the United States, dial 011-52-999-942-5700.  From within Mexico, dial 999-942-5700.  You can also access us on-line via our website at http://merida.usconsulate.gov/.