The wave of cartel violence along the southern border has reached a boiling point, prompting the U.S. consulate to issue an urgent warning for Americans to avoid travel to Tamaulipas, Mexico. The region, sitting just across from McAllen, Texas, has been overrun by cartel battles, kidnappings and roadside explosives, placing it under a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory.
American officials have now ordered government personnel to steer clear of Reynosa and Rio Bravo after dark and to avoid dirt roads altogether. Travelers have been advised to stay on main highways, notify family members of their location and avoid touching unfamiliar objects that could be disguised explosives.
While the US accelerates deportations of people into Mexico's violent border state of Tamaulipas, the US consulate in Matamoros issues a travel warning, citing "increasingly frequent gun battles" and Iraq war-style "improvised explosive devices."https://t.co/DN2ehAQeh4 pic.twitter.com/bj2YFAkQSR
— Adam Isacson (@adam_wola) January 28, 2025
The ongoing threat of cartel violence is not confined to Mexico. Just days ago, a group of hikers was ambushed near the Moon Valley Trailhead in California’s Jacumba Mountains. The attackers, believed to be cartel operatives, fired indiscriminately at the group, injuring one hiker who had to be airlifted to safety. The assault took place in an area lacking border security infrastructure, highlighting how lawless elements are increasingly targeting American citizens.
The U.S. State Department has issued the highest-level travel warning for some Mexican towns next to the U.S.–Mexico border due to elevated risks over kidnappings, gun battles, and improvised explosives devices (IEDs).
A bulletin released by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in…
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) January 28, 2025
In Texas, Border Patrol agents recently found themselves in a shootout with cartel members near Fronton. The gunmen, positioned across the river in Mexico, opened fire on U.S. authorities, forcing agents to take cover and return fire. Though no injuries were reported, the event further underscores the growing boldness of cartel operatives who are no longer deterred by American law enforcement.
We need to get all our people out of Mexico and start moving personnel and gear down to the border in prep for war.
Time to stop playing!US consulate warns of gun battles, IEDs, kidnappings in Mexican border towns near Texashttps://t.co/djaEJBmJWx
— 🍊Big Maga Dave🍊 (@daverich503) January 28, 2025
Mexico’s ongoing political crisis only worsens the situation. The last election cycle saw an unusual number of candidates targeted and assassinated, with cartels ensuring that anyone opposing their dominance does not survive the campaign trail. This unchecked violence raises serious concerns about whether the Mexican government is capable of maintaining control or if it has already ceded authority to the cartels.
🚨Alert: War with Mexican Cartels is Coming!! United States Consulate General in Matamoros has issued Level 4 Alert – Do Not Travel in the following locations: Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, San Fernando, Tamaulipas, Mexico” @USCGMatamoros
The report also highlights… pic.twitter.com/VR7w6zhc9A
— US Homeland Security News (@defense_civil25) January 28, 2025
The violence has prompted growing calls for tougher action, with some questioning if Mexico, which has caused far more damage to the U.S. than Iraq ever did, may require intervention. As cartels extend their reach into American communities and Mexico itself appears powerless to stop them, discussions about potential U.S. action are becoming harder to ignore.
