American Officials Issue Highest-Level Travel Warning for Mexican State Bordering Texas
The United States State Department has issued a Level 4: Do not travel advisory for the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, which shares a border with Texas. The warning comes amid increased gun battles, kidnappings, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the region.
U.S. government employees have been ordered to avoid all travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo outside of daylight hours, as well as to avoid dirt roads throughout Tamaulipas. Authorities are advising Americans to refrain from touching unknown objects near or on roads and to plan their travel during daylight hours. They are also urging citizens to notify family and friends of their whereabouts for their safety.
The Level 4 warning indicates a “greater likelihood of life-threatening risks” and notes that the U.S. government may have a very limited ability to provide assistance, including during an emergency.
The warning comes as illegal immigration continues to be a major issue in the United States, with the issue playing a major role in recent elections. The Trump administration has made changes to immigration policy and has taken steps to crack down on illegal immigration.
In related news, a immigration raid was conducted in New York City, resulting in the arrest of individuals charged with serious crimes such as kidnapping and assault. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) also conducted a major operation in the country, targeting “murderers, kidnappers, and individuals charged with assault and burglary.”
The State Department has an interactive map on its website, which provides information on the risk levels for various countries and regions around the world, including Mexico.