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TribBlog: DPS to Spring Breakers: Ten Cuidado

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw issued a warning today to spring breakers planning to travel to Mexican border cities like Juarez or Nuevo Laredo: Don't.

South Padre Spring Break

Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw issued a warning today to spring breakers planning to travel to Mexican border cities like Juarez or Nuevo Laredo: Don't.

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

More than 4,500 people have died in the drug-fueled violence in Juarez alone in the last two years, according to recent reports in the El Paso Times. Recent spikes of violence have been reported in the border cities of Nuevo Laredo, Piedras Negras and Reynosa. And the U.S. State Department has issued travel alerts for Mexican border cities.

Oh, and also, DPS officials said, please don't drive drunk.

"We want Spring Break to be memorable, but in a good way,” said David Baker, assistant director of Texas highway patrol.

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