Findings

Congress finds the following: (1) On October 18, 2024, while traveling in the Mexican state of Sonora near Puerto Peñasco, Nicholas Quets was targeted by armed criminals associated with the Sinaloa Cartel and the 31-year-old American was tragically shot and killed in a violent attack. (2) The brutal murder of Nicholas Quets reflects the ongoing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations and cartel violence in the region. (3) Nicholas Quets was shot while traveling along the Altar-Caborca highway (Federal Highway 2) in Sonora, which is frequently listed under a Reconsider Travel advisory. (4) It is not known if Nicholas Quets was aware of any travel advisories on his chosen route. (5) The Department of State issues Travel Advisories to inform United States citizens and other travelers of safety and security risks in foreign countries and regions. (6) Department of State Travel Advisories identify certain foreign regions, including areas near United States land borders, that present elevated safety or security risks due to criminal activity, violence, kidnapping, or other threats. (7) Individuals entering or departing the United States through land ports of entry may not be aware that nearby areas identified in Department of State Travel Advisories pose heightened safety or security risks. (8) Clear and visible signage at land ports of entry and surrounding areas would improve traveler awareness of such risks and promote public safety.