AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Department of Public Safety is advising Texans on spring break to avoid Mexican border cities because of drug cartel violence.

DPS Director Steven McCraw on Thursday, in a statement, cited an increase in Mexican drug cartel-related violence in northern border cities.

McCraw says “parents should not allow their children to visit these Mexican cities because their safety cannot be guaranteed.”

A U.S. State Department Web site also lists travel alerts related to violence in Mexico.