U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in Mexico to discuss the United States' potential role in quelling the crisis in Venezuela. 

According to The Associated Press, the U.S. may take steps to ease the crisis if peace talks do not continue between the government and opposing forces. 

A senior administration official said Wednesday that the stalled talks must resume to prevent more violent unrest, which has marred the country for the past few months. 

Kerry and Mexican officials will reportedly discuss what each country can do to help push talks forward. The State Department said that Washington may have to exert its influence with another country in South America that has a stronger connection to the Caracas government. 

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, could not discuss the specific plans. 

It is known that Congress is considering implementing sanctions against Venezuelan officials as a punishment for human rights abuses that have occurred during the violent clashes. 

On Tuesday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the U.S. sanctions are "detestable," and criticized the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote to allow the Obama administration to impose a visa ban on the country, and to freeze the assets of government officials who have been involved in human rights violations. 

Regional governments have not backed the U.S. sanctions, nor have they condemned Maduro's government. However, most governments are hopeful that talks between Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador and a representative from the Vatican can ease the tensions in the country. 

Forty-two people have died in violent clashes between protestors and government forces since anti-government protests began in February. 

The government has cracked down on protests, and protests have also quieted down due to the opposition's uncertainty about taking part in negotiations with the government. 

Nevertheless, discontent is still simmering below the surface, as the country is suffering from food shortages and high inflation.