The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have placed travel restrictions on U.S. government employees in the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora, citing an unspecified threat. The directive, issued Saturday, limits government activity and travel to essential movement during daylight hours only.
The U.S. Consulate General in Nogales stated that U.S. citizens are also being alerted to this change in posture. However, Sonora's State Security Board indicated that U.S. consular officials were contacted following the alert, but no specific threat information was provided. State authorities reported no knowledge of a concrete public risk but stated that preventive security operations would continue in Nogales.
The U.S. Travel Advisory already designates the state of Sonora as a Level 3 area, advising travelers to "Reconsider Travel." Those in the area are advised to exercise increased caution, remain aware of their surroundings, seek shelter if an incident occurs, notify friends and family of their safety, follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement, and monitor local media for updates.
U.S. lawmakers have echoed the government's warning. Representative Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., urged individuals in or near Nogales, or those with connections there, to heed the guidance from the U.S. government, expressing prayers for the safety of U.S. citizens and personnel potentially in harm's way. The specific threat that prompted the security warning remains unclear.
