Demonstrations tomorrow in D.F.

[Doyle Phillips]

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Mass Demonstrations Expected in Mexico City (November 20, 2014)


This message is to inform U.S. citizens that several mass demonstrations are expected in Mexico City on Thursday, November 20, 2014
to protest the disappearance of 43 students in Guerrero state. Beginning at approximately 10:00am, university students plan to blockade all avenues and boulevards leading to Mexico City’s Benito Juarez international airport such as: Circuito Interior, Blvd. Puerto Aereo, Eje 1 Norte, and Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza. Traffic to and from the airport is expected to be severely impacted by the blockades. The Embassy has advised personnel to consider changing travel plans or alternate routes to and from the airport, including travel via metro (Terminal Aerea stop on the yellow line). U.S. citizens arriving into Mexico City’s airport should expect to wait at the airport for several hours for the protest to end. If riding the metro or the city bus system, U.S. citizens should take extreme care with valuables and belongings. Passengers arriving at any airport in Mexico should take only authorized airport taxis after pre-paying the fare at one of the special well-publicized booths located inside the airport. U.S. Embassy employees in Mexico City are prohibited from using “libre” taxis (hailed on the street), and are authorized to use only “sitio” (regulated stand) taxis.



Additionally, several social organizations, unions and university students will meet at approximately 5:00pm at the “Plaza de las Tres Culturas” (Tlatelolco), the Revolution Monument, and the Independence Monument (Angel) to then march to Mexico City’s central square (Zócalo). Traffic along the planned routes, Paseo de la Reforma (where the Embassy is located), and nearby roads will be impacted by the protests.



There are reports that similar protests may take place in other cities in Mexico. U.S. citizens are urged to monitor local news outlets for information about possible protests in their area.



· The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners; 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. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Demonstrators in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major arteries, or take control of toll booths on highways. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if in the vicinity of any protests.



· Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates and any news of other protest activity throughout the country of Mexico. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.



We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mexico enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.travel.state.gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.



Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Mexico, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mexico. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.



Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.



The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is located at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, D.F. and is open 8:00am to 5:00pm, switchboard phone number (dialing from the United States) 011-52-555-080-2000, The Department of State has temporarily disabled hyperlinks>. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, please dial the main switchboard number and ask to speak to an American Citizen Services staff member for assistance. --dp