The United States has restricted government travel to the Mexican border city of Nogales after receiving unspecified threat information, allowing officials to make only essential journeys during daylight hours.
The security alert was issued by the US Consulate General in Nogales on Saturday, September 5. It said American government activities in, and travel to, the city had been limited as a precaution.
“Due to threat information, U.S. government activities in, and travel to, Nogales have been restricted to essential movement during daylight hours only,” the consulate said. “We are alerting U.S. citizens of this threat and change in posture.”
The warning did not identify the nature of the threat, specify how long the restrictions would remain in place or indicate whether other areas could be affected.
Authorities in Sonora said they had contacted US consular officials after the alert was issued but had not been given details establishing a concrete danger to the wider public. The state’s security council said preventive operations would continue in Nogales and elsewhere in Sonora.
US citizens in the area were urged to remain alert, seek shelter if an incident occurs, inform friends and relatives of their safety, follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement and monitor local media for updates.
The US State Department already classifies Sonora as a Level 3 destination, advising Americans to reconsider travel because of terrorism and crime. Its guidance warns that criminal activity and violence can occur anywhere in the state and imposes specific limits on government travel in Nogales, including restrictions on taxis, public buses and ride-hailing services.
Andy Biggs, a Republican congressman from Arizona, urged Americans in or near Nogales to follow the official advice.
“For Americans in or near Nogales – or who may have family members or friends there: please heed the guidance and warnings from the US government,” he wrote on X. “We are praying for the safety of US citizens and personnel who may be in harm’s way.”
