How dangerous is watching the World Cup in Mexico, really? | CNN

When millions of foreigners visit Mexico for the World Cup this summer, they will encounter much more than colorful soccer murals, towering statues of players and lively fan festivals. In the country’s biggest tourist hotspots, visitors will see tighter security measures and heavier police presence meant to safeguard both fans and Mexico’s public image. Nearly 100,000 security personnel will be deployed by the government to the country’s three host cities – Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey – as well as other places hosting training centers and team base camps. It’s part of an ambitious security strategy called Plan Kukulkan – named after a serpent deity in Maya mythology – that involves dozens of federal, state and local agencies, as well as cooperation from World Cup co-hosts Canada and the United States. Mexican officials insist the plan will keep the country safe despite its history of cartel violence, crime and impunity. While experts acknowledge that Mexico is stepping up its security efforts this summer and that fans will be relatively well protected, they caution that parts of the country are still susceptible to threats that could impact tourists and r