Federal officials issued a security alert Tuesday in the popular tourist destination of Mexicali, Mexico, warning of potential attacks by the Sinaloa cartel against local law enforcement. The U.S. State Department suspended government activities and advised against official travel to the city, urging American citizens to avoid government buildings and seek shelter if an incident occurs.
The alert was based on intelligence indicating that the Los Rusos faction of the Sinaloa cartel is threatening law enforcement facilities. According to Ed Calderon, a security consultant and former Baja State Police officer, the group has been targeting individuals associated with state police agencies.
This situation follows recent high-profile raids in Mexicali conducted by Mexican federal and state forces in collaboration with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). In August, these operations resulted in the seizure of 120 kilograms of fentanyl pills attributed to Los Rusos.
Calderon suggested that the cartel's actions are retaliatory and that American travelers and workers at U.S. government buildings could become collateral damage due to the proximity of facilities. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advised U.S. citizens in Mexicali to monitor local media for updates and to inform friends and family of their safety during any incidents.
Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, is a border city across from Calexico, California. It is known for its cuisine, desert attractions, and medical tourism. The Calexico-Mexicali border crossing is a significant point of entry, handling millions of vehicles and pedestrians annually.
Authorities on both sides of the border have been targeting Los Rusos. The U.S. Department of Justice and the DEA have offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Juan José Ponce Félix, also known as "El Ruso." Félix is wanted for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, and for orchestrating violent attacks, kidnappings, and weapons smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the alert, stating it was based on information from U.S. agencies. She indicated that while there was no further detailed information about the potential threat, maintaining vigilance in Mexicali was advised.