61,000 Canadians in Mexico Register Amid Stabilizing Conditions

The recent surge in the number of Canadians registering in Mexico has been notable, with registrations climbing significantly amidst a backdrop of stabilizing conditions from recent cartel violence. As of Tuesday, over 61,000 Canadians are registered with Global Affairs Canada (GAC), highlighting a growing concern for safety among expatriates.

Current Situation for Canadians in Mexico

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that the security situation in Mexico is improving. Flights to and from Mexico have resumed, alleviating some concerns among travelers and residents.

As of Monday morning, approximately 26,000 Canadians had voluntarily registered with GAC. This number surged to more than 55,000 by Tuesday morning, with the latest update surpassing 61,000, including over 16,600 in Jalisco state, the epicenter of recent violence.

Voluntary Registration and Authorities’ Advice

The registration process is voluntary, meaning the actual number of Canadians in Mexico could be even higher. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and advising Canadians to adhere to safety protocols.

• Officials encourage Canadians to follow government advice.
• Current shelter-in-place orders remain in Jalisco and Nayarit states.

Violence Warnings and Recent Events

In Puerto Vallarta, Canadians were instructed to “shelter in place” following violent incidents related to the death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” His assassination has triggered significant unrest, including road blockages and fires set by suspected cartel supporters.

Experts suggest that the violence serves as a cartel message to reassert control over its territory. Alejandro Garcia Magos from the University of Toronto emphasized that while some disturbances may persist, there is an expectation that the situation will stabilize in time.

Magos pointed out that the government’s successful targeting of criminal leaders could lead to the fracturing of cartel operations, ultimately reducing the threat to public safety.

As events unfold, Global Affairs Canada continues to update its security warnings, ensuring that Canadians remain informed about the risks associated with travel in certain areas of Mexico.