By David Martin Davies, Texas Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-889461.mp3
Dallas, TX –
Spring break offers college students a chance to put aside the books and get away from campus. But Texas DPS says those students could get a lesson in drug gang violence if they cross the border into Mexico. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies has the story.
Davies: For years spring breakers on South Padre Island have routinely crossed the border to take advantage of the low drinking age and shop. But this year the Texas Department of Public Safety is warning spring breakers not to travel to Mexican border cities. Tela Mange is the DPS spokesperson.
Tela Mange: We're telling folks if they're planning on going to south Texas and they were thinking about going across the border into Mexico, we're urging them to rethink that and to stay in the United States.
Davies: The DPS is seeking a flare up of Mexican drug cartel violence in Nuveo Laredo and Reynosa. There have been reports of massive gun battles and explosions right across the border. Officials say warring drug factions are vying for control over drug transport routes leading to Texas. Mange says this is the first time that the DPS has taken this step to warn college students away from the border.
Tela Mange: In the past we've said, in our spring break news releases, "be careful, be aware of your surroundings. Check the state department website for alerts. This is the first time we've said "you might want to stay over here."
David Martin Davies Texas Public Radio News.