The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, its highest warning level, for Tamaulipas, Mexico, due to escalating violence including gun battles, kidnappings, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This state borders McAllen, Texas.
As a safety precaution, U.S. government employees are instructed to avoid all travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo after dark and to stay off dirt roads throughout Tamaulipas.
American citizens are advised to avoid unpaved roads, to avoid touching unfamiliar objects along roadsides, and to travel only during daylight hours. They are also urged to inform family and friends of their travel plans.
The Level 4 advisory signifies a high risk of life-threatening danger, and the department cautions that it may have limited capacity to provide assistance to Americans in these areas.
The State Department strongly advises U.S. citizens against traveling to Tamaulipas and urges those already there to depart as soon as it’s safe to do so. The website even suggests preemptive measures such as preparing a will and providing DNA samples.
Last year, the mayor of McAllen expressed frustration with the lack of congressional action on immigration.
Immigration was a significant election issue, with both President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris visiting the border.
Since taking office, President Trump has implemented substantial changes to U.S. immigration policies, and his administration is taking active enforcement measures. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in an immigration raid in New York City.
Noem publicized the raid, highlighting the arrest of an individual with charges including kidnapping, assault, and burglary.
A DHS spokesperson stated that the operation targeted individuals charged with serious crimes such as murder, kidnapping, assault, and burglary.
Earlier this month, then-incoming border czar Tom Homan reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to a large-scale deportation operation focused on public safety threats.
While Tamaulipas remains under a Level 4 advisory, other areas of Mexico have lower-level advisories. The State Department maintains an interactive map online to help Americans assess risks when planning international travel.