In response to American criticism of his security record following a tragic kidnapping this month near the border that cost the lives of two Americans, Mexico’s president asserted on Monday that his nation is safer than the United States.
The attack on four Americans on March 3 in the Mexican city of Matamoros and their subsequent kidnapping were closely covered by US media and prompted criticism from American lawmakers, particularly Republicans.
Two of the Americans were already dead when they were discovered by Mexican officials. Since the kidnapping, five alleged members of a Mexican drug cartel have been detained.
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador disregarded travel advisories from the United States that portray much of Mexico as dangerous. Lopez Obrador has threatened to urge Mexican-Americans not to support Republican candidates if they continue their criticism.
When questioned about the concerns at a news conference, he responded, “Mexico is safer than the United States. Traveling throughout Mexico securely is not a problem.
López Obrador cited a recent increase in Americans residing in Mexico as evidence that both American tourists and Mexicans living in the U.S. are aware of how safe the nation is. There was a significant increase in US visitors to Mexico last year.
He attributed unfavorable security reports to a “anti-Mexico” campaign by conservative American lawmakers.
A request for comment to the president’s remarks received no response from the American embassy in Mexico.
In 2020, the murder rate in Mexico was 28 per 100,000 inhabitants, about four times higher than in the United States, according to figures from the World Bank. Although Mexico’s homicide rate dropped by around 7% last year, the current administration is on track to set a record for any six-year period.
All but two of Mexico’s 32 regions have different travel risk ratings from the U.S. State Department.
In addition to the kidnappings, U.S. authorities report that two Texas women who crossed into Mexico to sell clothing at a flea market in late February have been missing ever since.
Sisters Marina Perez Rios, 48, and Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 47, as well as their Mexican friend Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz, 53, have been missing since February 27. The FBI has been informed, according to a police spokesperson in Penitas, close to McAllen.
Seven women, including a group of six, have been reported missing in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico over the past week, according to police in the region, which has been plagued by severe gang violence.
Additionally, a spokesperson for state prosecutors reported that 10 people were killed in a gunman attack on a bar on Saturday night in the Guanajuato town of Apaseo El Grande. Eight deaths were first reported by the prosecution, but the official said two more victims who were shot and injured have subsequently passed away.
