Border crossing US/Mexico at Brownsville

[maroo]

We are considering a mission trip to Matamoros, Mexico.

While the majority of our large group would be in large buses as we travel - and we will probably be staying at a compound once we arrive and not getting on the streets again until we leave...

There is a small group of us that will HAVE to take our American van across the border. It is the only way to transport Lauren's wheelchair.

So...my question...

Have any of you been there recently? I realize, after a bit of research, that the situation there is tense...and I understand it is a bit different to drive an American car across than to rent one with Mexican plates... but I am just wondering if any of you guys have done it recently?

If so...how does it work?

Is it really THAT unsafe?

 

[AustinTink]

I'm from Brownsville. My mother and siblings still live there. I refuse to go to Matamoros with my child when we visit, it's just too unstable. Most of my siblings feel the same way.

My mother and brother still go across the border. Even after my brother was pulled over by a crooked cop, who shook him down for all the cash in his pocket and almost took his truck, he still goes. Dumb!

You can pm me if you'd like specifics about the area. But, please, if you must go to Matamoros don't be out on the streets at night. That's when the majority the violence goes down. BTW, this really is nothing new, even though the media would have you believe it is. I saw two shootings in Matamoros when I was in high school almost 25 years ago.

All this being said, if you are staying on a secured compound you *should* be safe. I say should because my BIL's place of business is on a secured compound. The drug lords couldn't get in by car so they landed a helicopter. Yikes!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Check with your Insurance Company!!!!!!!!!!

Most US Insurance is not valid in Mexico. I know when I lived in El Paso I was able to get a special rider on my insurance which allowed me to drive ony into the 25km zone.

You will probably need a special policy, and it may have to be with a Mexican company, to drive your van in Mexico.

 

[MizTink]

i went to brownsville/matamoros with my 3 kids and ex-husband about 3 years ago to visit his family. we had absolutely no problems while there. i guess i was a little naive, but i did notice that my ex kept a close on us when we were out.

 

[maroo]

I went on this same trip 12 years ago.

But from what I am reading on the State Dept website, there are some "new" things going on with the drug cartels.

We will definitely buy the Mexican insurance, though. I think you can still get that near the border? I just wonder if it really insures their vehicle enough considering it has a bunch of wheelchair accessibility junk built in??

 

[AustinTink]

i went to brownsville/matamoros with my 3 kids and ex-husband about 3 years ago to visit his family. we had absolutely no problems while there. i guess i was a little naive, but i did notice that my ex kept a close on us when we were out.

I used to cross 3 years ago, too. Things are getting worse. While there has always been danger, the cartels are getting much more bold.

 

[AustinTink]

I went on this same trip 12 years ago.

Yep, 12 years ago I didn't have my son yet and would cross to Matamoros. We would go across to have dinner and drinks and bring home curios. Not anymore.

Put it this way, my mom's maid crosses every week to the US to work. One week, she went home and her parents were missing and the house was burned. It happens, it's happening, it is real.

I smile when I see threads on here talking about people's Mexico vacations and how they never felt threatened. If only they knew the reality right now.

 

[Hannathy]

There is no way I'd go there now. Most of the companies around here have stopped sending their employees to Mexico and the ones that have to do not allow them to stay in Mexico if it is close to the border and have drivers for them. And they have to take training before they go.

It is extremely dangerous and I can't believe a church would be sending any volunteers there. I know my kids would not be going!

so your answer is it really that unsafe-YES!!!!

 

[maroo]

thank you so much for all the feedback!!

This really helped us!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would not go, too risky to bring your own vehicle.

Heck last yr my dad who fishes in Mexico every June had his vacation canceled by the place he stays at! He has been going on this trip for many yrs.

The owner said that the drug cartels were in his area and he could not guarantee their safety. (Think old men that only go there to fish.)

 

[rie'smom]

My dad and mom have friends there that they would fly down and visit. For the past 3 years, their friends have come to visit them instead because it is so dangerous. The friends say to "stay the hell away" from that area.

I understand missions but I can't believe they would send you on what may well be a suicide mission. I'm asking that you confer with your group leader and ask them to not send you all to Matamoros.

 

[nathalee81]

We are considering a mission trip to Matamoros, Mexico.

While the majority of our large group would be in large buses as we travel - and we will probably be staying at a compound once we arrive and not getting on the streets again until we leave...

There is a small group of us that will HAVE to take our American van across the border. It is the only way to transport Lauren's wheelchair.

So...my question...

Have any of you been there recently? I realize, after a bit of research, that the situation there is tense...and I understand it is a bit different to drive an American car across than to rent one with Mexican plates... but I am just wondering if any of you guys have done it recently?

If so...how does it work?

Is it really THAT unsafe?

I really would be very weary of traveling across the border right now. I would be scared to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. . Also, you may want to read this-a warning about carjackings in Tamaulipas.

http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/wm172011.html

It is really sad that the situation has deteriorated to this point. When I was little we lived about 15 minutes from the border. We went to Mexico every other weekend or so, even had a place we would regularly eat (I remember it well because they would serve me Shirley Temples!). Also, the first place we took family or friends that visited was across the border. Very sad situation.

OP-if you do decide to go, please be safe and take care of yourself and family. You may want to register with the Dept. of State if you decide to go. I found this link where you can do this on-line: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/

Good luck and please be safe.

 

[Kat77]

Another Texan here pleading don't go! It's too risky.

 

[LBIJim]

If you insist on going, yes, you will need a Mexican insurance policy for your vehicle. I've never been to Matamoros, but I know there are companies licensed to sell Mexican insurance on the US side right near the border in places like El Paso and San Diego. I assume Brownsville would have something similar.

Ask about how you would be fully covered for all your special equipment. It's probably worth the expense. Be cautious and stay safe.

Jim

 

[maroo]

We are definitely NOT going!

Thank you all so very much for your input!

There is just too much risk involved considering their extenuating circumstances.

You guys are great!

 

[rie'smom]

We are definitely NOT going!

Thank you all so very much for your input!

There is just too much risk involved considering their extenuating circumstances.

You guys are great!

I am so happy that the trip is canceled and you will be safe!

 

[nathalee81]

We are definitely NOT going!

Thank you all so very much for your input!

There is just too much risk involved considering their extenuating circumstances.

You guys are great!

Oh, this is good to hear. Thanks for letting us know your decision.

 

[SaraJayne]

We are definitely NOT going!

Thank you all so very much for your input!

There is just too much risk involved considering their extenuating circumstances.

You guys are great!

I'm glad you decided not to go. Your lives aren't worth the risk.

 

[MoniqueU]

veI am from CA and have frequented different parts of Mexico from the age of 5 on up with and without my kids. I still LOVE puerto penasco south of Arizona on the Sea of Cortez and even though that is not a hotbed area for killings I wouldn't even consider it. And I 1000 percent wouldn't consider it in Brownesbill onr anywhere along the texas boarder. I can't even believen any parent would give this a thought e speically with a child in a wheelchair. I would think it is child endagerment at the very least. I can't understand the thought process that would make this an option for anyone and espeicially not a family with children. Just unreal and borderline for an unfit parent!

 

[nathalee81]

veI am from CA and have frequented different parts of Mexico from the age of 5 on up with and without my kids. I still LOVE puerto penasco south of Arizona on the Sea of Cortez and even though that is not a hotbed area for killings I wouldn't even consider it. And I 1000 percent wouldn't consider it in Brownesbill onr anywhere along the texas boarder. I can't even believen any parent would give this a thought e speically with a child in a wheelchair. I would think it is child endagerment at the very least. I can't understand the thought process that would make this an option for anyone and espeicially not a family with children. Just unreal and borderline for an unfit parent!

I think that might be a bit much. I believe this persons tag says they are from Mississippi-she doesn't live close to the border. Those who live close to the border are much more aware of the situation in Mexico (where I am we have daily news stories about the violence-especially since more and more the violence is spreading to border towns).
Regardless, the OP has come back and said they are NOT going.