The U.S. Department of State recently issued a warning that travel to Mexico is unstable because of violence related to drug trafficking along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The University of Arizona Police Department sent out a campus alert last week to inform students and faculty about new dangers of traveling south of the border.

Eugene Mejia, UAPD spokesman, said violence in Mexico has increased because criminal organizations are fighting for drug trafficking control.

Recent incidents include kidnapping attempts, shootings and threats, Mejia said.

"There has been violent behavior - not necessarily targeted toward Americans, but they could potentially be at risk by being innocent bystanders," Mejia said.

Mejia said that since September 11, 2001, Americans are warned more often of dangerous situations in other countries, and since Mexico is a close, popular destination for many UA students and faculty, he felt the need to bring extra attention to the situation.

"These are the types of incidents people need to know about," he said.

Mejia said the risk is mainly along the Arizona-Mexico border, but students and faculty should be cautious when traveling anywhere in Mexico.

"Americans aren't the focus of the violence, but, because of it, they could suffer injury," he said.

The UA's spring break is March 14 to 18, a month before the warning will expire if no major incidents happen, and Mexico is a popular destination for many college students.

Mejia said it is especially important that students be aware of danger.

Mejia said before students travel to Mexico, they should check with the state department on the status of the warning. Students should also talk to people who have traveled to Mexico lately and let others know when they are leaving and planning on returning, he said.

The most crucial precaution students can take is to travel with a large group.

"There is always safety in numbers," Mejia said.

Mejia said that UAPD's job is not only to keep the UA campus safe, but also to avail students and faculty of information they might not know. The warning will expire April 25 if no new incidents pose risks for American travelers.