The U.S Department of State warns United States citizens planning to travel to Baja California to reconsider because of organized crime.
As a result, there have been innocent casualties and some Americans kidnapped.
"Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish drug trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common,"the State Department wrote in a Mexico Travel Advisory.
As a safety precaution, it is recommended for travelers to stay on main roads and avoid remote locations, warning that "of particular concern is the high number of homicides in non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most of the killings appeared targeted; however, assassinations by criminal organizations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed."
The Department of State established a series of rules to follow by U.S. employees visiting or transiting through Baja California, especially when traveling to the Mexicali Valley "due to the greater possibility of violence between rival cartel factions" in that area.
The recommendations for US officials and employees mention the roads to travel and the times that it is preferable to travel.
The Department of State also recommends that Americans not distance themselves from tourist areas.
The announcement comes on the eve of spring break, which is Monday through Friday next week.
Students traditionally include this weekend and the first weekend in April.
