Latin American Southern Cone Programs - Middlebury College

A word about Narcos
During your time in Mexico you will hear a lot about Narcos. The Mexican government is currently
engaging narcotraficantes or narcos from several regions throughout the republic in a bid to try and
curtail drug trafficking in Mexico. This has resulted in many high-profile arrests and an increase in
violence between warring narco-gangs, between narcos and police or army personnel, and between
narcos and people they believe to be involved in their business (such as journalists reporting crime
details and politicians). Currently, several areas of the country are experiencing higher than normal
levels of homicides. While Guadalajara is seeing an increased number of arrests and busts of narco
drug labs, the violence is not at the levels of Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua; Culiacan, Sinaloa; or other
border regions. Average citizens in Guadalajara and Xalapa are not concerned about becoming
accidentally involved in narco violence.
Narco violence is not directed at foreigners or students.
Mexico is a beautiful country full of interesting things to see and do. We hope that you take time to
explore and learn from your host country during the program. Abiding by the information above we
believe will increase your chances of having a safe semester. If you have any concern about this
information, please speak with Della or Jeff.
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