and you do not want to go to a Mexican prison.

Mexico spring break warning from the examiner.com

March 9, 10:32 AMNance Carter
"Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year. While the vast majority enjoys their vacation without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested, and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives."
This stern quote is taken from the U.S. State Department's document entitled "Spring break in Mexico - know before you go!"
This year the warnings are especially serious, with the Texas Department of Public Safety warning students not to travel to Mexican border towns this spring. DPS director Steven C. McCraw advises:

There is an increase in Mexican drug cartel related violence in the northern Mexican border cities. Parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety cannot be guaranteed.

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In addition, the U.S. State Department reminds students and their parents that while traveling in Mexico, even though students may be U.S. citizens, they will be subject to Mexican law, which may impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the U.S. If arrested, contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Note that Consular officials cannot arrange for release of American citizens.
The majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes and deaths suffered on spring break are the result of alcohol use. Certain behaviors are not tolerated there and may lead to prosecution - and you do not want to go to a Mexican prison. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. Drug possession can result in imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is even tried. If the student is 16 years or older, they will be tried as an adult.
Even if safety is not on a student's mind, it is on the parents'. Strong undertow and rough surf are common on Mexican beaches and swimmers should heed warning flags. Pool drains may not necessarily meet U.S. safety guidelines. Caution should be taken while on balconies. Travelers are advised to only ride in licensed and regulated "sitio" (SEE-tee-oh) taxis. There is a risk of robbery, kidnapping, and rape if in another type of cab.
Many jet skis, mopeds and other vehicles for rent may be in poor condition. Make sure before signing any contract that your own insurance will cover costs incurred if there is an accident, as foreign vehicles may be under-insured or not insured at all. The Department of State has received reports of equipment rental operators using locals to form a “mob” to intimidate customers into paying exorbitant amounts for damage to rented equipment. Also note that operators of any vehicle that causes damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people may be arrested and held in custody until full payment is made, either in cash or through insurance. U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Mexico. Cars can be seized by the government if the owner is not driving or a passenger. Of course, this does not apply to rentals.
Following is a list of popular Spring Break destinations and their warnings:
Acapulco: Drug-related violence has been increasing in Acapulco. Although this violence is not targeted at foreign residents or tourists, U.S. citizens in these areas should be vigilant in their personal safety. Avoid swimming outside the bay area. Several American citizens have died while swimming in rough surf at the Revolcadero Beach near Acapulco.
Cabo San Lucas: Beaches on the Pacific side of the Baja California Peninsula at Cabo San Lucas are dangerous due to rip tides and rogue waves; hazardous beaches in this area are clearly marked in English and Spanish.
Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel: Cancun is a fairly large city, approaching 500,000 inhabitants, with increasing reports of crime. Crimes such as rape, commonly but not exclusively occur at night or in the early morning hours, and often involve alcohol and the nightclub environment. Therefore, it is important to travel in pairs or groups, be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions. To protect against property crimes, valuables should be left in a safe place or not brought at all. If you are a victim of a crime, immediately notify the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Cozumel or the U.S. Consulate in Merida at the telephone numbers provided below.
If you rent a moped or other vehicle in Cancun, it is advisable to purchase third-party insurance, as the insurance offered on some credit cards will not cover you in Mexico. Should you have an accident or cause damage to the vehicle, you may be required to pay the full amount of any repairs, in cash, as determined by the rental agency, or face arrest.
In Cancun, there is often a very strong undertow along the beach from the Hyatt Regency all the way south to Club Med. Already this season, several U.S. citizens have drowned when overwhelmed by ocean conditions. In Cozumel, several drownings and near-drownings have been reported on the east coast, particularly in the Playa San Martin-Chen Rio area.
Matamoros/South Padre Island: The Mexican border cities of Matamoros and Nuevo Progresso are located 30 to 45 minutes south of the major Spring Break destination of South Padre Island, Texas. Travelers to the Mexican border should be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to increased violence in recent years between rival drug trafficking gangs competing for control of narcotics smuggling routes. While it is unlikely that American visitors would get caught up in this violence, travelers should exercise common-sense precautions such as visiting only the well-traveled business and tourism areas of border towns during daylight and early-evening hours.
Mazatlan: While the beach town of Mazatlan is a relatively safe place to visit, travelers should use common sense and exercise normal precautions when visiting an unfamiliar location. Avoid walking the streets alone after dark, when petty crimes are much more common. Beaches can have very strong undertows and rogue waves. Swimmers should obey warning signs placed along the beaches which indicate dangerous ocean conditions.
Nogales/Sonora: Puerto Peñasco, a.k.a. “Rocky Point,” is located in northern Sonora, 60 miles from the U.S. border, and is accessible by car. The majority of accidents that occur at this Spring Break destination are caused by individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. Travelers should exercise particular caution on unpaved roads, especially in beach areas.
Oaxaca City: There have been ongoing demonstrations and protests in Oaxaca City due to civil unrest since June 2006. Several groups have engaged in violent demonstrations in Oaxaca City, which resulted in the death of an American citizen in October 2006. Prior to traveling to Oaxaca City, U.S. citizens should monitor the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City’s web site, http://mexico.usembassy.gov/mexico/citizen_services.html, as well as http://travel.state.gov for the most up to date Safety and Security information. U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations and other activities that might be deemed political by the Mexican authorities. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.
Oaxaca (coastal): There have been a number of drownings along the beaches of the southern coast of Oaxaca, namely Zipolite Beach. Professional lifeguard training has contributed to a drop in fatalities, but swimmers are advised that currents can quickly become treacherous, even for accomplished swimmers.
Tijuana: Tijuana has one of the busiest land border crossings in the world. The beach towns of Rosarito and Ensenada also attract a large number of tourists. Drinking alcoholic beverages excessively on a public street is prohibited. Tijuana boasts a large number of pharmacies; to buy any controlled medication (e.g. Valium, Vicodin, Placidyl, Morphine, Demorol, and Ativan, etc), a prescription from a Mexican federally registered physician is required. Possession of controlled medications without a Mexican doctor's prescription is a serious crime and can lead to arrest. The prescription must have a seal and serial number. Under no other circumstances should an individual purchase prescription medicines.
Before you go - Register with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in case it is necessary for a consular officer to contact you in an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation were that to become necessary, but they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are. You can register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site.
Now go have fun.
Mexico can be reached via JFK International or LaGuardia Airports. A flight to Cancun takes approximately four hours. Take the LIRR to Jamaica station and catch the JFK AirTrain for $5 each way.
For more info: Read U.S. State Department's International Travel Safety Info for Students and

Spring Break in Mexico

 

Thanks for the post... but these are the same warnings year after year....but from what I recall, my home city of Philadelphia didn't earn the nickname of Kiladelphia for being oh so safe. The crimes that happen here, happen everywhere in the world. And I feel alot safer in Cancun at midnight walking my dog, then I did in Philly. Some of the items listed in the Cancun section are "crimes" that happen within the Hotel Zone, by the tourists that are here, Not the locals. I was witness the last two days at a Resort, the absolute drunken messes these Spring Breakers are. I have pics of a girl that was so drunk in the pool she couldn't keep her head up, and all her "friend " did to help her was stick her tongue down her throat. And people around the pool just sat there an laughed. We helped three people out of the pool and had security take them to there room. One of which by wheelchair cause she couldn't walk.
The bad rep that Cancun gets, has alot to do with the people that come here on vacation and think all limits are off.

Sorry for my rant, but these things piss me off like no other.

 

You got her pegged Steve!
Disable the links on the OP so she doesn't get any more $1.50 payments

 

Nance Carter could have saved a lot of words by just saying if you are going to vacation outside of your own country don't do stupid things and be respectful of the local laws.

But it's easier to make money by playing on fears so we won't see an article written like that will we?

 

thanks once again steve for reassuring me about cancun! just like last april once again i am hearing from people who find it hard to believe that we are leaving our child at home with his grandparents and traveling to mexico! i think that no matter where you travel in the world bad things are happening, even in our small kansas community. people just need to use good judgement and be aware! can't wait to see you again for another booze cruise! take care and see you in april!