SOUTH PADRE ISLAND -- The beaches in South Padre Island are once again packed with college students looking to have a good time, but this year many are opting to stay away from Mexico.
“I don’t wanna go into Mexico at all," Iowa State Student Mike Ploeger told Action 4 News. “I heard about all the drug cartels going on, it’s bad news down there.”
Many of the students, from all over the country said they are familiar with the dangers associated with visiting Mexico.
The latest travel warning from the State Department asks citizens to understand the dangers associated with increased drug violence along the border.
"I don’t wanna go because I’m scared, worried about what’s happened or what’s true about what’s happening over there," said Chelsea Luna, a spring breaker from Houston.
May tell Action 4 News there is plenty to do on this side of the border, without jeopardizing their safety.
But not everyone is heeding the warning.
“We’re not scared at all but we’ve heard to watch out down there,” Matt Willmore said. “But you know, we go down there to have a good time, we’re not worried about someone next to us.
The Kansas State student said he will go where the party is at, even if it means heading into a potential danger zone plagued by drug cartel violence.
"If you go down to Mexico, I mean, I’d probably stay with your group and then I’m not gonna go off alone," Mark Wiche said.
For others like them, who plan on visiting Mexico, the State Department also issued recommendations to keep them safe.
Those recommendations include visiting only legitimate businesses in tourist locations, and to avoid suspicious areas.
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