US Issues Security Alert in Mexicali, Suspends Consular Services
The US suspended consular work in Mexicali over a threat warning; Mexican officials report no confirmed risk and have increased patrols.
The United States has issued a security alert for Americans traveling to Mexicali, a major border city in northern Mexico, and has temporarily suspended consular activities there. The notice, released Monday night, cited information about a potential threat but provided no further details.
US authorities urged citizens to avoid government buildings, seek shelter in case of an incident, and stay aware of their surroundings. The alert did not specify the nature of the threat or its intended target.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that the warning was based on intelligence from US agencies and pointed to the possibility of a criminal group. She added that there was no additional information about what the alert might involve, but that authorities would remain vigilant in Mexicali.
Despite the alert, the city remained calm throughout Tuesday. Later that day, Sheinbaum's security cabinet stated that no elements confirming a specific or imminent risk to the population had been identified. As a precaution, Mexican authorities increased surveillance and patrols in the area.
Around midnight, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila said on social media that security operations would be reinforced in the state capital. Mexicali, home to over one million residents, is one of the most populous cities along the US-Mexico border and maintains close commercial and social ties with Calexico, California.