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US Embassy in Mexico sends security alert for city near Texas border

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by TheHill.com - 04/27/26 10:50 PM ET

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by TheHill.com - 04/27/26 10:50 PM ET

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The U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Monday ordered government employees to avoid the border city of Reynosa amid reports of “violent criminal activity.”

In a security alert, the embassy noted that its consulate in Matamoros, Mexico, has “received reports of violent criminal activity including roadblocks” in Reynosa. U.S. government employees have been “ordered to avoid the greater Reynosa area,” the alert added.

Reynosa, with a population of more than 700,000 people as of 2020, is the largest city in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Located in the northwest corner of Mexico, it is roughly nine miles from McAllen International Airport in southwest Texas.

Reynosa, in fact, is connected to Texas via the McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, which passes over the Rio Grande.

The State Department also advises Americans to not travel to Tamaulipas, citing concerns over terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

“Organized crime activity is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. It includes gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault,” the State Department’s advisory states.

Five other Mexican states — Colima; Guerrero; Michoacan; Sinaloa; and Zacatecas — also carry “do not travel” distinctions, with the State Department citing similar reasons.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that those in the Reynosa area maintain a high level of vigilance and keep a low profile; monitor local media for updates; be aware of their surroundings; notify friends and family of their safety; review their personal security plans; follow the instructions of local authorities; and call 911 if they need emergency assistance.

U.S. citizens in Mexico can also access information, resources and guidance via a navigator offered by the State Department.

Earlier this month, two U.S. officials died in a car crash alongside one Mexican official and an officer in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Multiple outlets reported that the U.S. officials were CIA agents and were returning from the scene of a counternarcotic operation with their Mexican counterparts.

Chihuahua, in the northern part of Mexico, is on the opposite side of the country from Tamaulipas.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday that her government “didn’t know” about the role of the U.S. officials in the operation, according to The Guardian. Sheinbaum also said that she requested that the U.S. follow Mexican national security law in future operations, with the latter government in agreement.

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