A member of the ruling political party in Mexico has alleged that local media coverage of an updated Canadian travel advisory for Mexico was utilized to criticize Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Global Affairs Canada modified its travel advisory for Mexico on Nov. 13, lowering the threat level for specific areas in the Pacific Coast city of Mazatlán, located in the state of Sinaloa. Nonetheless, some local media erroneously reported that Canada had issued a new travel warning for Mexico involving 14 out of the country’s 31 states, plus Mexico City. This reporting began on Monday evening and persisted throughout the week.
It is common for updates to Canadian travel advisories to spark news stories in the targeted countries, often before seeking clarification from Canadian authorities. The surge in reporting followed an anti-government protest in Mexico City on Nov. 15, where concerns about growing insecurity in the country were prominently voiced. The protest, primarily organized by Generation Z youth groups, turned violent as masked protesters dismantled barriers protecting the National Palace, leading to clashes with riot police using tear gas and smoke bombs.
The demonstration coincided with the recent assassination of Carlos Manzo, a vocal anti-cartel mayor in Uruapan, Michoacán, fueling widespread protests in the state. Deputy Maribel Solache González, a member of Mexico’s governing party, criticized the opposition’s use of security rhetoric to undermine the government, linking it to the Canadian travel advisory issue.
The president of Mexico mentioned that advisories like these hold little weight considering the 11% increase in Canadian tourism to Mexico this year. However, it remains unclear if the Mexican government sought clarification from Canada regarding the advisory. Opposition lawmakers argued that the Canadian advisory reflects the country’s reality, with concerns raised about security measures in various regions.
Deputy Mario Zamora Gastélum, representing the opposition party in Sinaloa, highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the state, emphasizing the need for government attention. Similarly, Deputy Paulina Rubio Fernández criticized the federal government’s security strategy, pointing out the prevailing violence across states.
The Canadian travel advisory warns against non-essential travel to certain areas in Sinaloa and Jalisco, while Francisco Aguilar Ordóñez from Acapulco called for a complete retraction of the advisory, emphasizing the hospitality and safety measures in place for Canadian visitors.