U.S. government adds Mexicali Valley to high-risk travel list amid crime surge

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The U.S. government has officially added the Mexicali Valley region to its list of high-risk travel destinations due to a sharp increase in violent crime.

The decision comes after months of rising criminal activity in the area, which lies just south of the U.S.-Mexico border near Yuma, Arizona.

"We've always known that there's been challenges in the Mexicali Valley," said Jonathan Lines, Chairman of the Board for the Border Security Alliance and Yuma County Supervisor. "They've actually found quite a few assets of the cartels in those areas over the past four months. So I'm grateful the government has taken the precautions to warn people about those areas."

According to Lines, more than 500 assassinations and murders have occurred in the past four years within a 60-mile radius of Yuma, underscoring the scale of violence in the region.

The travel advisory has sparked mixed reactions among American citizens. Some, like Stephen Craig, say the warning is justified and are changing their behavior accordingly.

"I'm more cautious about going into Mexico...very much more cautious," Craig said.

Others, like American citizen Dave, haven't experienced any problems and are puzzled by the warning.

"It's the first time I've been down here and I've had no issues; it's been perfect. I don't understand why the government would do that," he said.

Despite differing opinions from travelers, local officials say the move is necessary to prioritize safety.

"We're very much in support of this administration's crackdown to provide a more focused national security effort...to keep the trafficking, both human and narcotics, out of the region," Lines said.

As tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border continue to rise, officials urge travelers to stay informed and cautious when considering trips to areas under heightened advisory.