Racial tension has spiked dramatically in the U.S. in the past week due to the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. Both African-American individuals were killed by police in seemingly unjust circumstances, which is why riots have broken out across the nation calling for an end to police shootings. The anger caused by systemic police abuse even led to the murder of five police officers.

As a result of the violence, foreign countries have begun warning travelers to use extreme caution if traveling to America.

In an official press release which was released on July 8, The Bahamas' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration stated the following:

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration has taken a note of the recent tensions in some American cities over shootings of young black males by police officers.

At the commencement of the Independence holiday weekend, many Bahamians will no doubt use the opportunity to travel, in particular to destinations in the United States.

We wish to advise all Bahamians traveling to the US but especially to the affected cities to exercise appropriate caution generally. In particular young males are asked to exercise extreme caution in affected cities in their interactions with the police. Do not be confrontational and cooperate."