By José Antonio Pérez
During a recent visit to Puerto Peñasco, United States Consul General Virginia Staab stated that certain events registered in Sonora over the past few months will lead to changes in wording on travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department, though affirmed that Puerto Peñasco is safe for tourists to visit.
Staab stated this after holding an informative “town hall” meeting on Dec. 10th with US citizens living in Puerto Peñasco. These town halls seek to develop constructive dialogue with the US Consul, answer questions, and address concerns of the American community.
At the meeting, Staab addressed concerns of US residents regarding information on insecurity circulating on social networks, noting these problems are being addressed in exchanges and in coordination with Mexican authorities. She noted in some cases, information found through social networks is misinformation.
Precisely because of this, she emphasized, the Consul continues to visit Puerto Peñasco every three months to clarify doubts the U.S. community residing in Puerto Peñasco may have.
Just before the Town Hall of the United States Consulate in Nogales, a Passport Fair was also held for citizens of the United States seeking to renew their passports or seeking notarial support services.
While emphasizing Puerto Peñasco is a safe place for visitors, the US Consul from Nogales acknowledged the perception of insecurity following the incident in Bavispe, Sonora (near the state line with Chihuahua) against members of the LeBaron family in early November. She also recognized the negative impact on the area following reports of clandestine graves.
For more information on the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, visit them on Facebook at: US Consulate Nogales
The US Consulate Nogales District is the northern part of the state of Sonora, extending 600 miles from Agua Prieta in eastern Sonora, to San Luis Rio Colorado in western Sonora, and about 60 miles south of the U.S.-Mexico border.