LAREDO (July 3, 2011)--Texas authorities are urging U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to the Mexican border city of Nuevo Laredo this July Fourth weekend because tourists may become drug-cartel crime victims.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Webb County Sheriff's Office have issued a travel advisory that says the Zetas drug cartel plans to target Americans who visit Nuevo Laredo and its surrounding Mexican suburbs this holiday weekend.

DPS Director Steven C. McCraw says according to information investigators have received, the crime spree may include robbery, extortion and carjacking targeting U.S. citizens.

Although officials say there is no indication the cartel-related activities will occur in Texas, the DPS and local authorities insist they're prepared should anything cross into the state.