
The U.S. has heightened its travel alert for northeastern Mexico, citing escalating cartel violence that poses significant danger to travelers.
Quick Takes
- The U.S. embassy warns of frequent gun battles and IEDs along the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Specific areas of concern include Reynosa, Rio Bravo, and the state of Tamaulipas.
- IEDs have been strategically placed, with a notable recent attack in Rio Bravo.
- The advisory emphasizes avoiding travel outside daylight hours.
Cartel Violence Raises Security Concerns
The rise in cartel violence has prompted the U.S. embassy in Mexico to issue a severe travel warning. This advisory underscores the risk of encountering gun battles and IEDs. Notably, the increased violence coincides with the U.S. government’s immigration policy changes, which have disrupted cartel operations. As cartels vie for control over smuggling routes, travelers face heightened risks in regions near McAllen and Brownsville, Texas.
Travelers to Tamaulipas and surrounding areas are warned to exercise extreme caution. These warnings specifically highlight the dangers present in Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, San Fernando, and the state of Tamaulipas. Reports of late-night and early-morning gun battles underscore the need for vigilance.
🆕Read the latest Imminent Warning⇩https://t.co/vABwwwiVmN
US TRAVEL ALERT LEVEL 4 "DO NOT TRAVEL" ISSUED AFTER DETECTING IEDs AT THE US-MEXICAN BORDER; TRAVELERSÂ SHOULD AVOID THE AREA#Mexico #USMexicoBorder #BorderSecurity #IEDs #OSINT pic.twitter.com/cEHNqY7hKS
— The Counterterrorism Group (@The_CTGroup) January 29, 2025
Increased Use of IEDs
IEDs are becoming a weapon of choice for cartels, with incidents reported on secondary roads. A significant event on January 23 involved an IED that destroyed a government vehicle in Rio Bravo. These devices pose considerable threats to security and have led to heightened cautionary measures by the U.S. government. Travelers should adhere to the advisory’s recommendations to stay on paved roads during daylight hours.
An incident in Fronton, Texas, further highlights the danger. U.S. Border Patrol agents exchanged gunfire with suspected cartel members. This underscores the threat that criminal groups pose on both sides of the border.
Policy Changes and Increased Violence
The ramp-up in violence is partly attributed to modifications in U.S. immigration policy. The end of open-border policies has led to disruptions in cartel operations, intensifying their competition for control over lucrative smuggling routes. Former DEA agent Michael Brown noted that cartels are increasingly operating like terrorist organizations, focusing on profit while using IEDs to counter other cartels and human traffickers.
“As a precaution, U.S. government employees have been ordered to avoid all travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo outside of daylight hours and to avoid dirt roads throughout Tamaulipas” – U.S. embassy in Mexico
With the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration, cartels’ billion-dollar operations face serious obstacles. The advisory’s comparison of Tamaulipas to conflict zones like Pakistan and Afghanistan highlights the severity of the threat. Travelers are urged to reconsider plans and prioritize safety.
Sources:
- US Issues Mexico Travel Warning
- US Issued Mexico Travel Warning – IED, Gun Battles
- Billion-dollar Mexican cartel ops disrupted by Trump’s border crackdown as US issues do-not-travel warning