MCALLEN, Texas — The U.S. Consulate in Mexico issued a travel advisory warning people of gun violence and improvised explosives in Tamaulipas, the Mexican state that borders South Texas. The level four security alert comes after shots were fired at Border Patrol in Fronton.


What You Need To Know

  • A travel advisory was issued for Tamaulipas, near the U.S.-Mexico border, due to gun violence and improvised explosive devices (IEDs)

  • Travelers are urged to avoid dirt roads, avoid touching unknown objects in the road and only travel during daylight hours

  • Officials say IEDs have been found around several cities in Tamaulipas, including Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando

  • The level four security alert comes after shots were fired at Border Patrol in Fronton

Officials in Tamaulipas say improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have been found around several cities in the state, including Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso and San Fernando. They advise those who encounter IEDs to avoid moving or touching the device.

Government employees have been instructed to avoid travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo, and to steer clear of dirt roads.

A level four alert pertains to avoiding travel due to crime and kidnapping.

IEDs have been increasingly manufactured by criminal organizations in the region, according to the consulate. It says one such device destroyed a Government of Mexico vehicle on Jan. 23 and injured its occupant.

Consulate officials highlight several actions to take during this time:

  • Avoid dirt roads and stay on paved roads
  • Do not touch unknown objects in or near roads
  • Plan travel during daylight hours
  • Monitor local media for updates
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Notify friends and family of your safety

A map of restricted areas in Mexico:

U.S. Border Patrol on Monday reported that shots were fired at some of its agents patrolling in Fronton, a city in Starr County. No injuries were reported, and Texas Department of Public Safety spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez said the gunfire came from cartel members on the Mexico side of the border.

Three international bridges in the McAllen and Pharr areas connect Texas to Mexico, including McAllen-Hidalgo International Bridge, Pharr International Bridge and Anzalduas International Bridge.