Mexican Shootings of Illinois Residents Spark Renewed Fears for Travelers

Two recent incidents involving families from Illinois during the holiday season in Mexico — the murder of three family members and the shooting death of a father shortly afterward — have revived the discussion about traveler safety in various parts of the nation.

A teenager from Chicago, his uncle, and father, who had journeyed to the country for a birthday celebration, were shot on Christmas Eve while on a roadside in the central state of Durango. The 38-year-old father, Vicente Peña Jr., and 44-year-old uncle, Antonio “Tony” Fernandez, both residents of Chicago’s Logan Square area, lost their lives in the violent incident, along with a third family member.

The adolescent sustained serious injuries and was placed in a coma. He was subsequently airlifted back to the U.S. for further medical care.

As per officials, the group was traveling in an SUV with Illinois license plates at the time of the assault, which authorities described as part of a wave of rising violent crime in the region.

Though there is no indication that the slayings were linked to drug smuggling, the region is facing a power contest and a rise in violence following the detentions of “El Mayo” Zambada – the long-time chief of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel – and Los Chapitos – the four sons of infamous drug lord El Chapo.

The struggles for power in Sinaloa influence the neighboring state of Durango, as well as incidents in the so-called “Golden Triangle,” which encompasses Durango, Sinaloa, and Chihuahua, known for its drug production activities, remarked drug trafficking expert Elaine Carey.

Carey noted that a shift in power is taking place among cartels, and this transition might last for an extended period.

A Chicago adolescent is battling for his survival following a shooting that took the lives of several family members during a visit to Mexico.

“However, if that will occur, whether it is feasible, it may take months or even years,” she articulated, translated from Spanish.

As stated by the specialist, seizing control of the roads is crucial for gaining dominance.

Currently, officials are unable to access the area due to its complex geography and the local populace’s submission to drug lords, who secure silence not only through intimidation.

“Funds from drug trafficking are benefiting these localities in various aspects like a health system, churches, and more,” she mentioned.

Nonetheless, the “Golden Triangle” is not the sole danger zone.

Rockford resident Jesús Macías was shot in the central Mexican state of Zacatecas while visiting relatives for the holiday season. The U.S. State Department has issued a “Do Not Travel” alert for this location due to criminal activity and abductions.

Macías was shot after allegedly declining to halt at what his family described as a makeshift checkpoint established by unidentified individuals. Relatives informed NBC Chicago that authorities have not yet provided clarity regarding the shooting.

Travelers heading to Durango, where the family was attacked, are advised to “exercise heightened caution due to criminal activity,” as per the State Department.

“Violent crime and gang activities are prevalent in regions of Durango state,” the department cautioned.

Experts recommend that U.S. citizens with family in these regions consider delaying their travels and implement stringent security measures if a visit is unavoidable.