Cartel violence at the southern border has escalated, prompting the U.S. consulate to issue a dire warning for Americans to avoid travel to Tamaulipas, Mexico. Explosions, armed clashes and kidnappings have overrun the region, leading to a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory. Officials stress that if Americans become trapped in the violence, government assistance will be extremely limited.
The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous for U.S. citizens, even on American soil. A hiker was shot near the Moon Valley Trailhead in California’s Jacumba Mountains when suspected cartel gunmen opened fire on a group of hikers. The wounded hiker was airlifted to a hospital while the attackers fled back into Mexico, taking advantage of unprotected border areas.
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
Texas is also seeing rising violence, with U.S. Border Patrol agents recently caught in a shootout with cartel members near Fronton. The confrontation began when gunmen fired from across the Rio Grande, forcing agents to return fire and call for backup. Though no injuries were reported, the attack highlights how these criminal organizations have become emboldened in their confrontations with U.S. authorities.
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
Adding to concerns, explosive devices have been found along routes used for travel and trade in Tamaulipas, with warnings posted urging people to avoid touching unidentified objects. Security experts warn that cartels are now using tactics once seen in war zones, further escalating the crisis.
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
Meanwhile, political violence in Mexico is reaching unprecedented levels. During the country’s last election cycle, an alarming number of candidates were assassinated, raising fears that cartels are dictating political outcomes through intimidation and murder. With the Mexican government seemingly unable to rein in the violence, many are questioning whether the country is effectively a failed state.
🚨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
As American deaths from cartel-imported drugs, gang activity and violence reach record highs, the calls for decisive action are growing. With Mexico losing control and U.S. citizens increasingly in danger, the question remains — how much longer can this be allowed to continue?
