Mexicali security alert warns of potential threat

The US consulate in Tijuana issued a security alert Tuesday for Mexicali, warning US citizens of a “potential threat” in the Mexican border city and suspending all its activities there.

The consulate told Americans in Mexicali, the capital of Baja California state, to avoid government buildings, take cover if an incident occurred and monitor local media for updates.

Baja California governor Marina del Pilar wrote on X that “prevention, patrolling and surveillance measures” were in force across Mexicali.

The alert came days after Mexican security forces seized 120 kilograms of fentanyl from a local gang linked to Mexico's Sinaloa cartel. Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said on X that the operation followed information sharing with the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Mexicali and nearby Tijuana serve as entry points for drugs moving from Mexico into the United States. Baja California is among Mexico's five most violent states because of the presence of drug cartels, according to official figures.