Arco Norte Robbery

I was last on the Arco Norte in February 2020. At that time I noticed a man watching traffic from overpasses out in the less populated areas. These men had some type of flag or cloth they would appear to use to signal others - not necessarily the traffic they were monitoring. We were traveling alone on a motorcycle so I was somewhat concerned about the intent. It might have been harmless and related to trucking but still it struck me - a 20 year visitor and traveler in Mexico - as something that could be worrisome.
Most if not all of these monitored overpasses had no exit or entrance ramps. I saw this at least 6 times at different overpasses in that area.

When I was in the military, I lived in different countries. We were told to only carry minimal amounts of money and not flash expensive items. We carried enough money that any robbers wouldn't get too upset at what little money we had but enough to get by for the day. Probably a good rule of thumb for here in the U. S. and when we travel to Mexico

I carry two wallets - one hidden on the motorcycle (it's a 17 year old motorcycle worth less than $2K USD), two driver's licenses, two sets of debits cards, and extra cash.
Anyone who knows the values of motorcycles isn't likely to take ours.

Yesterday, on the autopista to Nuevo Laredo, a family was stopped by gunmen, robbed of their SUV, and left them high and dry at the top of Mamulique. The event was recorded by a trucker who was shot at in the incident.

Assaulted, Robbed, and Left On Autopista Laredo.

In addition, there have been over 100 people kidnapped since April on the highway between Km 26 and the Laredo bridge. No signs of anyone and no ransom asked for. Military, Guadia Nacional, and local police have done nothing. The only thing that helped the American family, mother, and two adolescents who disappeared two weeks ago was the intervention of the FBI last week. Still no signs.

We have been told by the governors of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua and Durango, to steer clear of the border.

“El Bronco” advierte no viajar por la carretera de Monterrey a Nuevo Laredo "El Bronco", Governor of Nuevo Leon Advises No Highway/Autopista Travel Monterrey/Laredo

I can't imagine living/visiting a place where I'm not allowed to properly defend myself and family. I just don't like depending on some thug's mercy.

None of this violence is new. It happens everyday. It has been going on for decades all over the country.

There is no difference between the government, police, military, and the mafia.

Without consequences for committing crime it will continue.

It will not stop until the "people" arm themselves and fight (KILL) for their freedom.

OR

Have you hugged your favorite criminal today???

playaboy wrote:
None of this violence is new. It happens everyday. It has been going on for decades all over the country.

There is no difference between the government, police, military, and the mafia.

Without consequences for committing crime it will continue.

It will not stop until the "people" arm themselves and fight (KILL) for their freedom.

OR

Have you hugged your favorite criminal today???

Wow, I guess that's what makes it such a great place to come and visit!

Wow. Talk about extreme. If it is that bad why do you stay there?

I've traveled in Mexico for 21 years. There has always been an overstated degree of risk that I have thankfully never experienced. We were warned in San Antonio (1999) that in taking our 13 year old daughter into Mexico we risked her being kidnapped and her organs being harvested. Some of the most startling warnings came from people who were born in Mexico and now lived in the United States.
Like many other things in life there's a huge difference in what we hear versus what we actually experience. Danger is a state of mind more than a set reality. Sure, bad things happen in Mexico. Bad things happen here in the US.
Stories like the Arco Norte robbery should serve to expand our understanding of risks rather than to scare tourists away.

Until a few years ago we never worried about being in Mexico
One bad experience was outweighed by dozens of good things. However today is not like 10 or even 5 years ago. Petty crime has turned into major robberies and often with violence. The cartels usually do not mess with tourists. The low level creeps are scary. We have not been to our home since the pandemic and wonder what awaits us. I have a new Denali pu but will leave it Canada and tow our 09 Silverado. Not flashy!