
Spring Break Travel Warnings: US Tourists Robbed at Gunpoint in Cancun Hotel
US tourists warned of spring break dangers. Students robbed at gunpoint in Mexico. FBI advises safety precautions and State Department travel advisories.

Three college students who traveled to Cancun, Mexico for their spring break were victims of a terrifying armed robbery at their beachfront hotel, turning their long-awaited vacation into a nightmare.
Parent's Account
A father of one of the Florida State University students, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed the harrowing experience his 20-year-old daughter and her two friends went through at the Ocean Dream Cancun by Guru Hotel. He expressed that the location was perceived as safe, but their very first day took a drastic turn when they were accosted by four armed individuals on the beach.
Confrontation
The armed individuals, two of them dressed in camouflage attire and the other two in Mexican police gear, brandished rifles at the students and coerced them to hand over $900 or face the alternatives of leaving the country immediately without their belongings, going to jail uncomfortably, or parting with $300 each.
Disturbing Aftermath
After complying with the robbers' demands, the students were left deeply shaken by the traumatic encounter. The father conveyed the fear and distress his daughter and her friends experienced, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Common Occurrences
Following the ordeal, it was revealed that other spring breakers had encountered similar incidents, indicating a prevalent pattern of targeting American tourists due to their perceived affluence.
Expert's Advice
Nicole Parker, a former FBI special agent and Fox News contributor, underscored the significance of exercising utmost vigilance while traveling to popular beach destinations in Mexico. She urged travelers to heed the travel advisories issued by the State Department, emphasizing the need for thorough research and precautionary measures to ensure safety.
State Department Warning
In a stark warning issued on February 26, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico highlighted the widespread prevalence of violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in the country. The advisory also outlined 10 potential threats and dangers, encompassing a range of concerns including non-violent issues like drowning, immigration, and medical emergencies.
Authorities Contact Information
Parker emphasized the importance of familiarizing oneself with the U.S. consulate closest to their location and promptly contacting them in the event of becoming a victim of crime. Additionally, she underscored the role of the FBI in assisting with extraterritorial investigations and encouraged victims to report incidents to the bureau for necessary intervention.
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