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TUCSON - The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for Americans living in Mexico or traveling to that country.

It comes after the arrest of dangerous and high ranking members of the Zeta drug cartel.

The warning has some people thinking twice about crossing the border.

News 4 Tucson spoke to several people who wouldn't go on camera, but said they've seen the ruthless cartel violence first hand in Nogales, Sonora and know what the cartels are capable of when angered, but others said as long as you stay out of their way, you'll be okay.

Brenda Contreras lives right on the border in Nogales, Arizona, but said she hasn't been to Mexico in three years.

"I've heard that there's a lot of violence and problems with drugs there," said Contreras.

Her father lives there and because of the cartel violence, she said she doesn't dare cross to see him anymore, not even on Father's Day.

"It's just too dangerous," she said.

Her two and three-year-old children have never met their grandfather.

"I'm sad because I'm not with him, but my hope is that in the future I can see him one day," said Contreras.

U.S. authorities are discouraging Americans from crossing the border into Mexico.

They've had travel warnings before, but since the recent arrest of cartel members, they've stressed the warning even more, specifically stating the state of Tamaulipas.

Their alert explains that the cartel arrest could bring about some sort of retaliation and are urging Americans to keep a low profile in Mexico, and a heightened sense of awareness.

"It's a precaution, but in reality those that get in trouble and have problems are those that are doing wrong," said Jose Manuel Garcia.

Garcia said he goes to Hermosillo, Sonora to visit family at least once a month and has never had a problem.

"I think Americans can travel with ease as long as he or she does everything safely," said Garcia.

News 4 Tucson also spoke to Mexican Nationals that were in Nogales, Arizona shopping and they said they feel safe in their hometown of Nogales, Sonora, and if there is retaliation do not believe it will happen there.

Here is a link to the alert:

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=12548