ALERT: U.S. Urges Caution for Citizens Over Threat in Mexicali

Key Points: The U.S. suspended travel and activities of its personnel in Mexicali on August 25 due to a threat with no specific details disclosed. Baja California reinforced its security operations and enabled the numbers 911 and 089 for emergencies and complaints. The alert comes days after the seizure of 120 kilos of fentanyl linked to «Los Rusos,» the armed wing of a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The U.S. government issued a security alert for Mexicali, Baja California, on the evening of Monday, August 24, after receiving information about a possible threat. The measure suspended travel and official activities of its personnel in the city throughout Tuesday, August 25.

The alert was distributed by the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana on its official X account. It is directed primarily at U.S. citizens living in Mexicali or planning to visit it. So far, authorities have not specified the origin or nature of the risk.

What Does the Travel Notice Say?

The statement indicates that U.S. government activities in Mexicali, as well as travel to that city, were suspended on August 25. The Consulate explained that this is a precautionary measure in response to information about a potential threat. The note does not identify a responsible party or the type of incident that could occur.

Among the recommendations, citizens are asked to avoid government buildings in Mexicali and remain aware of their surroundings. It is also suggested to follow Mexican authorities’ instructions at all times. In case of an incident, the Consulate urged people to seek shelter and notify family members of their situation.

The notice also recommends monitoring local media for updates. The Consulate made two emergency lines available: the Embassy in Mexico, (55) 5080 2000, and the State Department number for consular affairs, +1-888-407-4747. The latter also operates from U.S. territory.

Baja California Among Highest-Risk States

The State Department classifies Baja California as one of Mexico’s highest-risk states. The entity shares that category with Sonora, Chihuahua, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Chiapas, and Morelos. The agency recommends its citizens reconsider any travel to those areas.

A notice of this kind does not equate to a travel ban or a formal border closure. It is a precautionary warning issued under State Department protocols. It seeks to protect its diplomatic personnel and the U.S. community while the risk is clarified.

Border crossings between Mexicali and Calexico continued operating normally throughout the day. This has been confirmed by local authorities who urge the public to remain calm. The flow of people and goods between both cities was not interrupted.

State Government Strengthens Surveillance

After learning of the alert, Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila reported that security operations in Mexicali remain active and reinforced. The governor highlighted coordination among the three levels of government in prevention and patrol tasks. She wrote on X that the actions «continue on a permanent basis» to protect the peace of Mexicali families.

We keep active and reinforce security operations in Mexicali, in coordination with authorities at the three levels of government.

Prevention, patrol, and surveillance actions continue on a permanent basis to protect the tranquility of families…

— Marina del Pilar (@MarinadelPilar) August 25, 2026

 

President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the matter during her morning press conference on Tuesday. She said the alert could be related to criminal group activity in the area, although she clarified that available information is still limited. Sheinbaum noted that the notice came from U.S. intelligence agencies themselves.

State authorities asked residents to report any emergencies to the 911 number. They also enabled the 089 line for filing anonymous complaints. Both channels operate 24 hours a day.

The Context: Recent Blows Against «Los Rusos»