The Reality of Traveling Abroad: A Lesson in American Privilege

When I was 19 years old, I had a terrifying experience that changed my perspective on what it truly means to be an American abroad. I was traveling by train through Mexico with my 16-year-old brother. It was the middle of the night, somewhere between Mexico City and Guadalajara, when the train suddenly came to an abrupt stop.

Half-asleep, I started to wake up as the flickering lights illuminated the train car. Just as my vision cleared, I was struck across the face—by the butt of an M16 rifle. Dazed and confused, I opened my eyes to find myself staring down the barrels of two more M16s, both held by uniformed Mexican Federal Police officers. They shouted at me to get up and open my luggage for inspection.

I was terrified, but somehow, I kept my composure. With my hands in the air, I carefully lifted my luggage onto the ground, unzipped it, and stepped back as the officers rummaged through my belongings—using the muzzles of their rifles. They didn’t find anything, of course. Without a word, they turned and left, disappearing into the night. I exhaled, shaken but relieved.

Looking over at my younger brother, I realized how close we had come to something far worse. In that moment, I learned a powerful lesson: The rights and protections I had always taken for granted as an American ended the moment I crossed the U.S. border.

A Hard Lesson in Reality

Fast forward to today, and this lesson is just as relevant—perhaps even more so. Recently, a couple from Michigan was arrested upon landing in Cancun, Mexico, ready to start their vacation. Their crime? A financial dispute over a property transaction, which led them to reverse charges through their credit card company. A Mexican court ruled against them, turning what might have been a routine chargeback in the U.S. into a criminal offense in Mexico.

Now, I don’t know the full details of their case. Maybe they were wronged, or maybe they took advantage of a loophole. But one thing is clear: they assumed that being American somehow protected them outside of America. It doesn’t.

The Illusion of American Immunity

As Americans, we are privileged. Our Constitution is one of the most powerful legal documents in human history, offering unparalleled rights and protections. But those rights do not extend beyond our borders.

Many Americans travel abroad with a sense of invincibility, believing that their nationality grants them immunity from foreign laws or that the U.S. government can swoop in to rescue them at a moment’s notice. The truth is much harsher. When you step onto foreign soil, you are subject to that country’s laws, customs, and judicial system—no matter how unjust or unfamiliar they may seem.

A Word of Caution for Travelers

This isn’t to say you shouldn’t travel. Exploring the world is an incredible experience. But travel with awareness. Respect the laws and customs of the countries you visit. Don’t assume that what’s legal or normal in the U.S. applies everywhere else. And most importantly, understand that your rights as an American do not follow you beyond the U.S. border.

Be proud to be an American. But don’t let that pride turn into arrogance—because, as I learned at 19, that mindset can put you in serious danger.