U.S. Suspends Mexicali Operations Amid Criminal Group Threat

The United States government suspended all official operations and restricted government travel to Mexicali, Mexico, on August 25, 2026. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission to Mexico issued security alerts urging American citizens to avoid government buildings and seek shelter if an incident occurred, citing an unspecified potential threat.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later clarified that the alert was based on intelligence from U.S. agencies regarding a possible criminal group. Following this information, Mexican security forces, supported by data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, conducted an operation to seize arms and drugs from a criminal organization known as Los Rusos. The United States Northern Command stated the operation was intended to dismantle cartel activities that posed a threat to the United States.

While the U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 3 travel advisory for northern Baja California due to risks of kidnapping and terrorist violence, border operations at the San Luis Port of Entry remained normal. Residents in Arizona border communities reported heightened tension and an increased military and law enforcement presence on the U.S. side of the border. Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila announced that security operations would be reinforced in the state capital to maintain stability.