Need Help RE travel in Mexico

[DarrinD]

I have to drive to Ensenada, Mexico on business. I've called State and there are no travel advisories for my route, but who knows.

Can someone direct me to a better source for laws regarding weapons? I know the basic laws regarding absolutely no firearms or ammunition or casings, etc.

But, I can't find any laws regarding edged weapons/knives? I would feel better with my folder down there. If no knives are allowed, what improvised weapons would you suggest that can be carried on person? Like a sturdy pen, as one moderator suggested. Unfortunately this came up quick and I leave tomorrow so any advice is most welcome.

Thanks,
Darrin

[TUNNEL RAT 33]

as far as improvised weapons go i use a surefire flashlight ( aviator) . can be useful as a kubaton or to temporarily blind an attacker .

[ZDL]

drive across the border and buy something then sell it on the way out... :confused:

[ST911]

Carry items that are not conspciuously weapons, or field expedient weapons that blend in plain sight. Sturdy pens, lights.

A small fixed blade combined with certain food (breads, cheeses, etc), or fishing tackle, etc, is a good method.

Small pocket folders are usually safe. Leave them in your pocket.

A carabiner makes for a handy brass knuckle.

A small pipe with plumbing fixture, or similar car part makes for a handy bludgeon.

Dress inconspicuously, move deliberately, and be as stealth as possible.

Navigating in and out, situational awareness, water, and E&E are important.

[DarrinD]

A carabiner makes for a handy brass knuckle.


Thanks for all the tips I omitted. But what the hell is a carabiner? I hope it's not obvious. . . . My SOG folder is a bit on the long side (4.25") and has finger grooves so it doesn't look like a dinner knife. I'll bury it in a lunch box with a ham sandwich and hope they don't take it and throw me in the local pokey? :confused: And then there's my masterful "Darrin-Fu" . . . . or, not. I just keep remembering the AZ citizen who got thrown in jail for having a couple hunting caliber cartridges on the floor under the seats in his vehicle.

[VooDoo6Actual]

I do a fair amount of Protection Work for businesses/Execs/people "SOTB".

That whole area from Tijuana, Rosarito, La Fonda, Puerto Nuevo (best LOBSTER EVER BTW), Ensenada etc. is HOT so be in at least Yellow/Orange

W/ all the Cartel Hits going on,

I would BUY a Machete for $10.00 USD and a 4"+ folder for $8-10 USD as a throwaway.

Also a Framing Hammer (about 24-26 OZ. VAUGHAN will work just fine and it's a TOOL, NOT a weapon until it's USED so it's legal.)

Mayor of Ixtapan de la Sal got whacked last week and there were 24 murders the week before.

4 headless men were found in Rosarito several months ago and their heads found in Tijunna.

The THREAT is real and "SA" (situational Awareness) "SASS" (Situational Assessments) are PARAMOUNT.


Don't be out LATE, stay on BUSY areas/streets throughfares/esplandes etc. and blend as best you can.

Here's some links in case you think it's Bravo Sierra.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20081011-9999-1m11tjdead.html

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/index.html

http://article.wn.com/view/2008/10/05/Unease_about_potential_for_spillover_rises_in_US/

http://newspapertree.com/features/2920-mexico-wars-elections-and-human-rights


Here's a little ditty about some of it...

"A total of 91 people have been killed in Tijuana in 45 events tied to the drug-gang feud since Sept. 26, Baja California Attorney General Rommel Moreno Manjarrez said at a news conference last night. Among the victims was a Tijuana police officer who was on duty and carrying drugs when he was killed, Moreno said. The officer is considered to be the first death in the killing spree. "


Stay safe, 1*, check your 6 and be switched on to your OODA LOOP...

GODSPEED

DO NOT TAKE YOUR OWN WEAPONS OTHER than TOOLS like Screwdriver or Hammer as examples...

Oh, and the GOOD news is the PESO is now 15/1 USD on the Street !

PM me for any specific questions you may have.

[thopkins22]

But what the hell is a carabiner?.

The D shaped climbing/rappelling clips. http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/gear/biners_overview.php

[Honu]

ditto the machette :)


the guatemala and honduran machetes can/are quite good sometimes not sure about the mexican border ones ? but bring it back as a souvenir

[VooDoo6Actual]

Darrin,

PM replied to.

[TUNNEL RAT 33]

i forgot about the carbiner - put your keys on it so it looks like a key chain . buy one big enough that your hand fits in it . they hit real nice ! lol

[Aubrey]

I went to TJ this week on business myself. Besides the security threats, there are health considerations as well. The Centers for Disease Controls site has recommendations on immunizations. Hepatitis A is recommended; others for specific areas.

[DarrinD]

Got back today. Crazy dangerous country, but the advice from members here, the State Dept, and others, I felt as safe as possible. I ended up finding a 6" straight edge knife with sheath and wore it without problem or comment. Only $10 and I'll be keeping it bc it's no throw-away; it does need a better edge though.

Anyway, thanks to all for your comments and PMs. I hope my client sells the business.

[VooDoo6Actual]

good copy

Glad things worked out safely.

[AZ Old Guy]

Let me make a simpler suggestion. Don't go south of the border. Go to a nice Gulf Coast Florida resort (hurricane season is basically over). Then, if you really need your fix on south-of-the-border atmosphere, spend a day driving around East L.A. The only thing you miss out on are Cuban cigars. Oh, and you retain your civil rights.

[DarrinD]

Let me make a simpler suggestion. Don't go south of the border. Go to a nice Gulf Coast Florida resort.

When I'm on vacation I do go to a nice resort, and the Gulf Coast is beautiful. However, sometimes clients want to do business in locations that we would prefer not to travel to. But it all went smoothly this trip and am back in the U - S of A.

[ZDL]

When I'm on vacation I do go to a nice resort, and the Gulf Coast is beautiful. However, sometimes clients want to do business in locations that we would prefer not to travel to. But it all went smoothly this trip and am back in the U - S of A.

Glad you got back safe. That place is... interesting to say the least.

[AZ Old Guy]

When I'm on vacation I do go to a nice resort, and the Gulf Coast is beautiful. However, sometimes clients want to do business in locations that we would prefer not to travel to. But it all went smoothly this trip and am back in the U - S of A.

Glad to hear all went well. Next year, why not spend a happy week in Chiapas. You could follow that up with South Ossettia. Lots of places to go for thrill seekers. Just practice the 'duck-and-cover' drill.

[i303]

Hey Darrin,

I know this is post trip but I'll post for others who are contemplating the same trip. I do still have to go to TJ every now and then. TJ, all of Mexico, mostly border towns, is a place where situational awareness need to be at high levels, as previously mentioned.

The rash of violence being reported is drug cartel related and unless you are in that business you shouldn't worry about being a target. Almost all of the whackings are cartel v. cartel, along with that open combat cartel v. government. I think the running score is over 3200 for calendar year '08 YTD killed. That is solely DTO related and not including run of the mill homicides, to include local drug dealer knocking another one off.

However, being that Mexican LEO's are busy with that, what is not being reported are kidnappings which are becoming rampant. These include "express kidnappings" where you will be snatched up and taken for a tour of that city's ATM's system where you will drain your accounts for your "guides". And MExican LEO's can be an entrepernuers to include them being the culprits which is quite common and the reason so many are assasinated relating to DTO business. Along with kidnappings, robberies and car jackings are going way up.

Advice for someone who has to travel south of the border are:

1. As mentioned be on high alert status. Watch your six. Keep your windows up and lock your doors. Don't trust anyone who approaches you. Or at least take notice. If you think it doesn't look right, you are probably right.

2. Have a plan(s). Have back up plans. Plan A should always be get out of the area. If at a border town plan A should include an egress back to the US. Jump the fence if you have to.

I'm being serious about this one. Don't worry, the BP won't beat you down on the spot just for that and I'm sure as soon as you open your mouth they will have an idea what it's all about. Along with that flag down a BP agent for assistance. If you don't see one you might see a camera pole. Try to get it's attention, but then again it may be down. At least you are in the US.

3. Don't look conspicous. Dress down and simple. Don't drive big expensive cars and trucks. Rent in Mexico if possible and get something simple. Most US companies won't allow rentals to go south FYI. Try to blend as much as possible. Avoid expensive jewlery and watches also. Try not to look like a stupid gringo on vacation. You are not only a target to someone trying to rob you but also local LEO's who will also try to rob you by extorsion. I can't comment on taxi's b/c I don't take them. I haven't heard of anything negative about them, just don't flash your cash and consider them eyes and ears for local douchebags. If they are asking you a lot of questions be vague, don't talk to your SO/buddies in the cab about money or what you paid for that one legged midget hooker and how much money you saved, etc. Don't let the cabbie take you to a place he recommends. I will guarantee you won't like it b/c it will not meet your expectations regardless how "Eet ees dee best of all Tee-juah-nah". Better know where you are going or at least have an idea. You might want to get a cab and drop off a block away from your hotel.

4. Money, hide most of your money ON YOUR PERSON, and just have available smaller bills. Unload your wallet of unnecessary crap. Also don't pack around all your credit cards and ATM cards. Use an ATM card with the smaller balance in the account.

5 If you do get pulled over by local LEO's and they ask you to pay a fine on the spot, which coincidentially they will offer to escort you to the local ATM, BE POLITE, use tact, and tell them you would like to see the judge. They do have them on duty at their HQ. Also the right amount of proper bullshitting might help. Like telling them your BIL is PGR or AFI officer. That and $40 got me out of that $236 4 KPH over speeding ticket.

The local LEO's will even try to broker you a deal comparing how paying $236 for 4 KPH over is much better than paying $1372 for a DUI. You can be firm but don't be condesending. In Mexico you can be held up to 72 hours w/o being charged for a crime. Get Mexican car insurance, liability minimum. If you are involved in a wreck you will be considered to be arrestable. Plan A might be weighed in, just don't try the bee line straight to the border. They will be waiting for you there. Use proper judgement.

6 Weapons, AKA Plan B. As previously mentioned one round can land you in a Mexican jail for years. There is no such thing as a speedy trial in Mexico. Knowing this use your noodle. And what I mean whatever you decide you might want to bring it better be ultra concealable, and conceal it there, and disposable. Considering spending one day in a Mexican jail and just about any piece is disposable.

Mexican LEO's, and probably kidnappers and robbers too, are not the best when it comes to doing a proper search. Specifically in the "family jewels" region.

As far as edged weapons, well you better know what the F you are doing. Don't forget Mexico is full of...well Mexicans. And if there is one weapon they are good at, guess which one it is. And likely if it is a robber, 50-50 chances are that they will use that weapon in particular. And walking around with a Louisville Slugger will void the "don't look conspicous" act. Have that in your car.

If I had to suggest a blade I suggest one that is better at slicing, such as a box cutter or game skinning blade. It wil be required that you get personal. They might not expect that from a gringo. I might suggest fend/distract to the face with weak hand and step in between their legs with your weak side leg. Use your feet/knee and "spread em" and in your strong hand do a groin punch in a swing motion from under and go up. You may want to practice that move and immediately put Plan A in to action.

Of course there are the others such as pepper "eh-spray", tasers, and whatnots. I'm not too sure what are the laws, I don't think there are restrictions either to have them or going back and forth at the border. You may not want that on your person if encountering LEO's but I don't believe it's jailable if you were just in possesion.

Well that covers my suggestions. I will add consider that dress option. You may want to include wearing proper foot wear. All too often I see clows going south wearing of all things, flip flops, birkenstocks, crocs, dress shoes (high heels for women) basically things you wouldn't wear if you had to walk on a shit covered sidewalk. I know you guys might think "what's this guy on?" I would say let's not worry about my details but this detail should be worried about.

At minimum I recommend running shoes with at least ankle length socks. I would opt for the next thing up like hiking or cross trainers. Flip flops are fine if you only plan a trip from your hotel room to the pool or beach at the hotel. Anything further wear something that will make Plan A run smoother.

As far as the rest of your clothes, well most Americans don't have much problems there. Along the northern part of Mexico it can get cold, even TJ in June. I tend to dress like a LEO, well because I am one. A plain colered polo shirt or t-shirt, jeans or 5.11 type, and above mentioned.

If I can't stress enough as to why I mention this issue, well let me put it this way: I have "encountered" US citizens at 3:30 a.m. who have recently jumped the border fence (remember Plan A) bleeding from running barefooted because their flip flops flew off within the first 3 strides from running for thier lives, wearing only a sweat soaked and blood stained t-shirt from being punched and kicked on the face in 60 degrees and requesting my assistance. Of course my assistance does include a ride to the port of entry where I escort them to the line where they would normally be inspected by someone at the port. Sorry, I couldn't help them with the shoes, but at least I had a blanket.

Also I get to see all sorts of things stupid drunk and sober people do at the border. Missing footwear always seem to be one thing that somehow becomes an issue. And yes, tennis shoes do get stuck and will come off easily in sewage soaked mud along the TJ river.

Hope this helped for future trips.

[i303]

Well I failed to notice the travel tips posted by Darrin. But how much of a coincidence that I mentioned much of the same thing, and a bit more in some areas.

Intersting enough, I recently posted a related issued on XCR Forum. However I cannot comment as to why the UFO issues got introduced after my initial posting because I don't see the connection. Lots of links and here it is:

http://xcrforum.com/index.php/topic,1611.0.html

GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING



Get Ready US-Terrorism Coming to a City Near You

Just thought I'd share with ya'll a bit 'o what I deal with now on a daily basis. This isn't the terrorist you are accustomed to think they are but they've been responsible for over 3000+ this year so far and a lot closer than you think.

Browse the following news links. They are only border/Mexico related. I find it fascinating how this seems to darn near by pass completely the US news, but rest assure it is at our door steps and already spilling over. No, no tin foil hat thing. No conspiracy. No "sky is falling". I just see it everyday now where it used to me once or so a month.

Many links to videos and articles. Again, these are only border related.

See for yourselves.

We'll start with this:

I'm getting this video. I already seen it and we all agree it's 100% on the money:
WATCH THIS ONE!! Check out the trailer, the video is about 1 hr 45 min long.
http://www.drugwarsthemovie.com/
http://www.renavatio.com/dw.html
http://journals.aol.com/jnsampson/give-me-your-tired-your-poor-you/entries/2008/01/23/drug-wars-the-colombianization-of-mexico/1177
In the video has more real footage than re-enactments, but the re-acts last longer. You can tell which is which. The part you see where the gun goes to the head and is shot (but cut out in th trailers) is real.


Followed by a few that I've personally dealt with:

My most recent work as of last week. I had to deal with south side agency to ID and attempt to track down the shooters. Pics are worth 1000 words in any language:
http://www.lacronica.com/galerias/homeNew.aspx?numgaleria=11195

Now let's move to other border regions,
I had to deal with this one a while back, I've met one of the cops killed:
http://www.svherald.com/articles/2007/05/17/news/doc464c17745ab95135960173.txt

Here is more along with dickhead John Ladd's expertise and his drunk ass dad, Jack Ladd. He's a rancher with a whopping 100 head of cattle. He's more of a bullshit farmer than a real cattleman, but the story is on the money. The Barnett's a total different story, but they weren't asked:http://www.svherald.com/articles/2007/05/17/news/doc464c17745ab95135960173.txt

More Cananea:
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/articles/2007/05/18/news/news1.txt


Other border violence stuff:

Tijuana Shootout Jan 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiX1vtnZ4Uk

Other TJ shootout:
http://www.10news.com/news/16011447/detail.html?rss=sand&psp=news

Newer TJ stuff, but it's now over 70 killed in les than 2 weeks:
http://www.rightsidenews.com/200810072161/border-and-sovereignty/new-drug-cartel-in-tijuana-43-gruesome-executions-past-week.html

More of the same recent TJ stuff:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081007/wl_nm/us_mexico_drugs
http://www.campominutemen.com/reports/2008/10/to-subject-shocking-images-executions.aspx

Old news for a "record setter" in TJ:
http://www.borderfirereport.net/foreign-news-report/tijuana-sets-new-record-for-murders.html

Here is a summary index page. It's supposed to be about all news TJ related but care to guess what's the main problem?(10/08) Again, just TJ:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/index.html

Hidalgo Co. TX recent BP v. cartel exchange:
http://www.team4news.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=206109

Old news, same area:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51080

The latest, well sorta because there will be a new shootout, and I mean battle, or execution somewhere along the border every 12 hours or so now:
http://www.kveo.com/news/local/31147224.html

Now here is what I mean of the first things to expect b/c they are already happening:
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/06/28/another-home-invasion-in-phoenix-bycartel-hitmen-mexican-military/
More:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/256618
http://www.stratfor.com/weekly/mexican_cartels_and_fallout_phoenix

Old news...at least to me it is:
http://www.lagunajournal.com/mexican_soldiers_crossing_into_t.htm

More of the same old, same old:
http://www.azcentral.com/specials/special03/articles/0819borderviolence.html

Cool videos, in Spanish but you get the message:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWjYtSuT2u8

In Texas, drug (smuggling) related:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dktVIJSlcck&feature=related

Hudspeth County TX. I've had the same chases many times as you'll see in the video. I have pics of some aftermath.http://www.kfoxtv.com/bordersecurity/6911788/detail.html

Testimony related to above:
http://www.aila.org/content/default.aspx?docid=18457

Another one, same outcome:
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47497

Not exactly on border, but it's related to border drug cartel. Cool vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN3i8_8NxUs

Border Violence videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCBWrKPmdfE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z9K-UbN3Ms&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb4fXpBibEs&feature=related

Good video, but with a hugemongous raging anti-gun message big time:
Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyDHNeJxazU
Part II:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz8k39p8z4U&feature=related

More other of the same shit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZkDNKo6ojk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AB45FVHoGRM&feature=related

So you may all understand a bit about the narco-culture, and it is a culture:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4axj2pyX84


Always interesting local news link (TJ/Mexicali-Border):
http://www.radiopatrulla.com/xampp/

Now for fellow Agents I knew personally that have fallen:

http://www.kriseggle.org/
I've worked with Kris even though he was NPS. It was odd that Kris got killed since it was BP Agents all around him.

http://www.odmp.org/officer/19141-senior-border-patrol-agent-luis-alberto-aguilar
I worked the night before Louie git killed, same area waiting for same vehicle that ran him over. And no, it was not an accident.

And the latest one (US related)........ drumroll please...................... :
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,439043,00.html

Let's see how long before that story gets buried. And BTW, a lot of the text used to mention "Mexican" a lot. Now it says "hispanic a few times.

Now what's odd (not really) is how is none of this hitting mainstream media and this is the worse it's ever been in our history? And add to that, not one word mentioned by either candidates? I guess Americana are too concerned with the financial "crisis", the elections, and Joe the plummer to pay attention to the war we are having down here.

BTW, there are way too many other links, but feel free to poke around and search things like "Mexico, border, shootings, executions, assasinations, drug war, naco-terrorism, zetas (do look that one up, they have recruiting videos on youtube), well there are many more.

It's there, it's real, and it's happening now.