Mexico, US, and Iraq as New Shocking Security Changes and Crime Waves Impact Global Travel Plans in 2026!

Starting January 1, 2026, the cost of U.S. visa and permit procedures for foreign nationals will experience a significant increase. The price for a tourist visa will exceed eight thousand pesos, following the introduction of an additional fee. According to reports by La Crónica newspaper, the current cost for B1 and B2 tourist visas stands at $185, approximately 3,400 Mexican pesos. However, beginning in 2026, applicants will be required to pay an extra $250, bringing the total cost to $435 or over eight thousand pesos.

This additional fee, known as the “Visa Integrity Fee,” will be part of the upcoming U.S. fiscal bill package aimed at improving the security and integrity of the U.S. visa system. The U.S. government has indicated that these changes are part of broader efforts to fortify the visa system’s security.

In addition to the increase in tourist visa fees, the cost of the I-94 permit, which records the entry and exit of certain categories of border residents traveling temporarily, will also see a rise. The fee for the I-94 permit, which is currently priced at $6, will increase to $30.

This fee adjustment has been described as a strategy to bolster the security of the visa system, while the increase in permit costs is being labeled as a method to recover funds. The U.S. government has not yet clarified whether these fee adjustments will affect individuals who schedule their appointments after 2026, or if they will be applicable to those who have already made arrangements for next year.

Bank Robbery Incident in Mexicali

In Mexicali, a state judge has indicted an individual named Jorge Iván for the alleged robbery with violence of a female bank customer. The victim was accompanied by her husband when she visited a bank branch located at North Fresnos Avenue and Justo Sierra Boulevard in the Los Pinos neighborhood on July 10 to withdraw cash. As the woman made her way to her vehicle, a Honda CRV, she was approached by a man who attempted to forcibly seize her purse. Despite the victim’s resistance, the assailant used physical force, pushing the woman to the ground, which resulted in injuries to her arms and knees.

The thief successfully made off with the victim’s bag, which contained 5,000 pesos, $400, a voting card, a bank card, and a Samsung cell phone. The suspect then fled the scene. However, law enforcement officers coordinated efforts across various units, which led to the swift identification and arrest of the suspect.

During the arraignment hearing, the judge found sufficient evidence to justify pretrial detention, citing concerns for the safety of the community. The judge also ordered a two-month period for further investigation into the case.

Seven Arrested in Mexicali for Attempted Murder and Robbery

In Mexicali, seven individuals were apprehended early on Thursday morning after a robbery was reported at a convenience store in the Abasolo neighborhood. The robbery occurred in the northeast region of Mexicali, and during the incident, two municipal police officers sustained injuries from physical blows. Three of the arrested individuals were injured by gunfire when officers responded to the attack that put their lives at risk. These wounded individuals were transported to the General Hospital for treatment.

The police operation resulted in the seizure of several items, including a white Toyota Corolla, a knife, a black propane gas pistol, and stolen items from the Oxxo store. These stolen items included three cartons of beer from various brands.

The incident began at 11:47 p.m. on Wednesday when an employee at the convenience store contacted the police, reporting that a group had violently robbed the establishment. The employee provided information regarding the vehicle used in the getaway. Mexicali police officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, initiating a high-speed chase that ended on South Corregidora Street, where the vehicle crashed into a fence.

At this point, the suspects, realizing they were outnumbered, sought refuge inside a nearby home. Four additional individuals attacked the officers, escalating the situation. In an effort to regain control, one officer discharged his firearm into the ground. Tensions continued to rise, and more police units arrived to assist in arresting the suspects, who had been attempting to disarm one officer with violence.

Faced with imminent danger, officers responded by firing their weapons, resulting in injuries to three of the suspects. All seven individuals were taken into custody, and the situation was brought under control.

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