Drug Related Violence

    Monterrey continues to be one of the safest big cities in Mexico . However, the region has experienced a dramatic increase in violence associated with organized crime. In 2009, a record number of drug-related executions and kidnappings were recorded in the state of Nuevo Leon , including the murders of several high-ranking law enforcement officials. Other areas in Mexico were also impacted by similar violence during this time period. 

    The violence has primarily targeted members of drug trafficking organizations and Mexican law enforcement officials. There is no evidence to indicate that criminals are specifically targeting U.S. citizens. However, foreign visitors (including Americans) have been among the victims of homicides and kidnappings in the nearby border region.