By admin 
SAN LUIS, AZ (AZFamily) — The State Department has issued a security alert for Mexicali, temporarily suspending government travel and consular services in the northern Mexican border city due to an unspecified “potential threat.
Read more Darline Graham wins GOP primary runoff to replace her late brother in US Senate
The alert, released Monday night, has put local residents on edge along the Arizona-Mexico border, despite the calm conditions currently reported at ports of entry.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation during her Tuesday morning press conference, stating that the warning involves a potential criminal group. Sheinbaum added that the report was based on intelligence provided by U.S. agencies.
Mexicali is located roughly 40 miles west of San Luis, Arizona. While daily operations at the San Luis Port of Entry appeared normal on Tuesday, local law enforcement agencies said they are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with federal authorities.
The security alert has sparked deep concern among border residents who have family members living and working in Mexicali.
Jose Arguelles, a resident of Yuma, Arizona, described a morning of panic when he was temporarily unable to reach his father, who lives in Mexicali.
“It’s been very vague on both sides—from both the Mexican government and the United States government,” Arguelles said, noting that he was eventually able to contact his father. “Basically, they are told not to go near government buildings. They are told not to go across the border if they don’t have business today. Other than that, it’s been quiet.”
For those crossing the border, the heightened tension was palpable. Mylee Vasquez, who lives in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, and crosses the border frequently, said she took extra precautions on Tuesday.
Read more Pinal County residents fight proposed data center
“Scary things happening in Mexico are already happening,” Vasquez said. “With attacks, it’s even more scary.”
Vasquez noted that while she did not observe unusual activity on the Mexican side of the border, the U.S. side showed a clear response. “When I crossed the border to the Arizona side, I saw military presence and law enforcement,” she said.
The U.S. government is advising citizens currently in or traveling to Mexicali to:
- Avoid government buildings in Mexicali.
- Seek shelter immediately in the event of an incident.
- Notify friends and family of their safety.
As of Tuesday evening, the threat has not disrupted operations at border crossings in Arizona or neighboring California, with most residents reporting a normal evening.
See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it.
Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.
Read more Sheriff Nanos dispels online rumors about death of TPD recruit