US restricts government travel to Mexican border city over threat concerns

Travel restrictions have been placed on U.S. government employees in the Mexican border city of Nogales, Sonora, according to officials.The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico on Saturday issued a warning restricting government activity over an unspecified threat in Nogales, Sonora, in Mexico.”Due to threat information, U.S. government activities in, and travel to, Nogales have been restricted to essential movement during daylight hours only,” the U.S. Consulate General in Nogales said in a statement.STATE DEPARTMENT URGES AMERICANS TO AVOID MEXICAN CITY JUST ACROSS TEXAS BORDER”We are alerting U.S. citizens of this threat and change in posture,” the statement continued.Sonora’s State Security Board said it contacted U.S. consular officials after the alert was issued but did not provide information identifying a specific threat. State authorities said they had no information establishing a concrete risk to the public, though they would continue preventive security operations in Nogales.The alert also reminded Americans that the U.S. Travel Advisory designates Sonora as a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” area.Anyone in the area is urged to exercise increased caution and be aware of their surroundings, seek shelter in the event of an incident, notify friends and family of their safety in the event of an incident, follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement, and monitor local media for updates.U.S. lawmakers also encouraged people in the area to pay attention to the warnings issued by the U.S. government.”For Americans in or near Nogales – or who may have family members or friends there: please heed the guidance and warnings from the U.S. government,” Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., said on X.”We are praying for the safety of U.S. citizens and personnel who may be in harm’s way,” he added.AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKSIt remains unclear what threat in Nogales triggered the security warning.