Chicago Joins Seattle, Washington DC, and New Mexico Take Radical Action Against Gang Violence – Are These Neighborhoods in US Safe for Tourists?

Published on December 29, 2025

As 2026 approaches, headlines about American cities being “unvisitable” because of gang violence may cause anxiety among travellers. In reality, no U.S. city or neighbourhood has been declared off‑limits to visitors by federal or local authorities due to gang shootings. The United States does confront pervasive gun violence, and officials have responded with targeted public‑safety measures, curfews, emergency orders and continuous community initiatives. These policies reveal a complex picture: urban leaders are working to reduce violence without shutting down whole districts, and foreign governments urge travellers to remain vigilant rather than avoid the country.

Official travel advisories stress vigilance rather than avoidance

A widely used foreign travel advisory notes that violent crime rarely affects tourists visiting the United States, yet it cautions travellers to exercise common sense. Visitors are advised not to walk through unfamiliar or quieter areas alone at night and to seek information about recent incidents from local law‑enforcement websites[1]. Mass shootings, while shocking, represent a very small percentage of murders, and travellers are encouraged to review guidance on how to respond to an active‑shooter incident[2]. Before leaving home, travellers should research their destination and follow the advice of local authorities[3]. The advisory emphasises that police and local officials may introduce curfews or emergency orders during protests or other large gatherings, and visitors must obey these instructions[4]. Rather than declaring neighbourhoods off‑limits, the guidance underscores situational awareness and respect for local regulations.

District of Columbia’s juvenile curfew law: targeted controls to curb group violence

In June 2025, Washington, D.C.’s mayor proposed the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act, which demonstrates how U.S. cities are tightening rules for specific circumstances rather than banning visitors. This emergency legislation responds to recurring incidents where large groups of youths converge in commercial areas and sometimes engage in violence or unlawful behaviour[5]. The Act extends curfew hours for minors, adjusts the daily curfew to 11 p.m. during summer months and, crucially, authorises the police chief to establish extended juvenile curfew zones[6]. Within these zones, curfew can begin at 7 p.m. and last 15 days, with possible extensions to 30 days based on public‑safety considerations[7]. Local business districts or advisory commissions can petition for such zones, and the mayor may declare an emergency curfew when circumstances warrant[8]. The measure aims to deter group violence and protect both youths and residents, not to prohibit visitors from entering entire neighbourhoods.

City officials emphasised that most young people comply with the law; nevertheless, they needed “stronger, more flexible tools to prevent violence and disorder before it starts”[9]. Law‑enforcement agencies have employed earlier curfews at venues like the Wharf and Navy Yard when disturbances occurred[10]. By empowering the police to enact temporary restrictions on unaccompanied minors, the law seeks to preserve public safety while allowing adults and families to enjoy these areas. For travellers, the takeaway is to be aware of curfew rules, especially when visiting Washington, D.C.’s nightlife districts during busy seasons.

New Mexico’s public‑health emergency: restricting guns, not travellers

Another official response to gun violence occurred in New Mexico. Following the tragic shooting of an 11‑year‑old boy in Albuquerque, the state’s governor declared gun violence a public health emergency in September 2023 and issued a public‑health order that temporarily banned carrying firearms in public parks and playgrounds in Bernalillo County[11]. The order also tightened oversight of firearm sales and introduced wastewater testing for fentanyl in public schools[12]. These measures were part of a broader effort to reduce violence, increase arrests for violent crimes, and collect guns through buy‑back events[13]. According to the governor, the order produced “measurable, positive” effects on public safety[14].

Importantly, the New Mexico order expired in October 2024 and was not renewed[15]. It served as a temporary tool to address shootings and substance misuse rather than a permanent ban on visiting public spaces. For visitors, the message is clear: state governments may impose temporary firearm restrictions in specific locations to curb violence, but such orders do not equate to blanket travel prohibitions. Travellers should stay informed about local emergency declarations, particularly when visiting urban parks or attending public events.

Seattle’s Downtown Activation Team: revitalisation through targeted safety operations

Seattle has long grappled with the perception that its downtown core is unsafe. In November 2024, the city’s mayor issued an executive order establishing a Downtown Activation Team (DAT) to coordinate place‑based activations, cleanings and safety operations. Initial results were promising: early operations in the Pike/Pine treatment area showed a 27 % decrease in violent crime and a 14 % decrease in emergency service calls compared with the previous year[16]. Emergency medical responses dropped by 30 %[16].

The DAT brings together nearly 15 city departments along with partners such as the Downtown Seattle Association and community organisations[17]. The programme conducts regular cleaning and restoration activities, targets disruptive behaviour, and invests in community‑led solutions[18]. The mayor stressed that public safety is the city’s highest priority and expressed optimism that expanding the DAT model to other neighbourhoods would make every part of Seattle “safe and feeling secure”[19]. Rather than closing areas to travellers, Seattle’s policy aims to activate and enhance neighbourhoods. For visitors, these initiatives mean a cleaner and safer downtown experience but may entail occasional disruptions due to scheduled restorations or targeted enforcement actions.

Chicago’s progress: crime reduction without travel bans

Chicago often features in conversations about violence, yet official statistics reveal a nuanced story. The Chicago Police Department’s 2024 year‑in‑review reported that homicides were down 8 %, shooting incidents down 7 %, and shooting victims down 4 % compared with the previous year[20]. Robberies declined for five consecutive months and were 17 % lower than in 2023[21]. Specialised task forces targeting robberies and vehicle hijackings reduced these crimes by 25 % and 26 %, respectively[22]. The department also recovered 12,733 guns from the streets during the year[23].

These figures indicate that Chicago’s public‑safety strategies—community engagement, technology‑assisted missions, and partnerships with federal and state law‑enforcement agencies—are making headway. City leaders have not declared any neighbourhoods off‑limits; instead, they focus on reducing crime and improving the perception of safety. Travellers planning to explore Chicago’s vibrant neighbourhoods should follow general urban safety precautions, such as staying in well‑lit areas after dark and being aware of their surroundings.

Why rumours of “no‑go zones” are misleading

False claims that American cities are creating “no‑go zones” for travellers because of gang shootings often circulate online. In practice, official responses to violence have focused on temporary, targeted measures and community‑driven strategies. When violence flares or protests turn disruptive, local authorities may impose curfews for minors or restrict certain activities (like carrying firearms) in public spaces. These measures are tailored to specific incidents and are typically short‑lived.

Foreign governments’ travel advisories urge visitors to research their destinations, avoid poorly lit areas at night and follow instructions from local authorities[24]. They do not list any U.S. neighbourhoods or cities as entirely unvisitable. In fact, these advisories underscore that violent crime rarely affects tourists[1].

Where crime remains a concern—such as parts of Chicago, Baltimore, St. Louis or Oakland—municipal governments are investing in surveillance, expanding community programmes and enacting targeted interventions to reduce shootings. For instance, Washington, D.C.’s ability to designate extended curfew zones for minors, Seattle’s data‑driven downtown restoration project, and New Mexico’s temporary firearm restrictions illustrate the range of tools officials are using to address violence without shutting out visitors. These policies highlight a commitment to balancing public safety with civil liberties and economic vitality.

Practical guidance for travellers in 2026 and beyond

If you are planning to visit the United States in 2026 or later, there are several practical steps you can take to stay safe:

1. Stay informed about local laws and orders. Curfews, emergency orders or firearm restrictions may be implemented in response to specific incidents. Check city or state government websites before and during your trip.
2. Research your destination. Use official resources, such as law‑enforcement or tourism websites, to understand the safety profile of the neighbourhoods you plan to visit[3].
3. Avoid unfamiliar areas at night. Travel advisories advise against walking alone in quieter areas after dark[1]. Rely on licensed taxis or rideshare services when moving between districts.
4. Follow the instructions of local authorities. During protests, festivals or unexpected incidents, authorities may issue temporary orders like curfews[4]. Complying with these directives will help ensure your safety and avoid legal issues.
5. Be prepared for emergencies. Familiarise yourself with active‑shooter guidance and emergency contact numbers[2]. Keep your mobile phone charged and ensure you know the location of exits and safe areas when attending large events.

Conclusion

The narrative that American neighbourhoods will become unvisitable from 2026 due to gang‑related shootings is not supported by official evidence. While gun violence remains a serious concern, U.S. authorities at federal, state and municipal levels are responding with targeted, time‑bound measures rather than blanket prohibitions. The District of Columbia’s juvenile curfew law, New Mexico’s temporary firearm restrictions, Seattle’s Downtown Activation Team and Chicago’s crime‑reduction initiatives all demonstrate how governments are working to mitigate violence while keeping cities open and welcoming[9][12][25][20]. Travellers who stay informed, exercise situational awareness and follow official guidance can safely enjoy the diverse and vibrant urban experiences that the United States continues to offer.

References

1. UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. “USA – Safety and security”. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/safety-and-security
2. Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington, D.C. “Mayor Bowser Announces Emergency Legislation to Amend District’s Juvenile Curfew Laws”. Available at: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-announces-emergency-legislation-amend-districts-juvenile-curfew-laws
3. Office of the Governor of New Mexico. “Public Health Order on firearms expires – Key components of order will remain under MOU’s”. Available at: https://www.governor.state.nm.us/2024/10/16/public-health-order-on-firearms-expires-key-components-of-order-will-remain-under-mous/
4. Office of the Mayor of Seattle. “Mayor Harrell Issues Executive Order Advancing Compassionate and Coordinated Approach to Public Safety and Public Health Challenges in Public Spaces”. Available at: https://harrell.seattle.gov/2024/11/15/mayor-harrell-issues-executive-order-advancing-compassionate-and-coordinated-approach-to-public-safety-and-public-health-challenges-in-public-spaces/
5. Chicago Police Department. “2024 In Review – News Release”. Available at: https://www.chicagopolice.org/wp-content/uploads/2024-in-Review.pdf