US issues security alert to Mexicali and suspends consular activities

MEXICALI, Mexico, Aug. 25, 2026 — The U.S. government has suspended its activities and official travel to Mexicali for Tuesday following threat information, prompting Mexican authorities to increase security and surveillance in the city.

The U.S. government has not publicly identified the nature of the potential threat. American citizens in Mexicali have been advised to avoid government buildings, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local media and follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday that the alert was based on information from U.S. agencies and involved the possibility of a criminal group.

“There is no further information about what this alert could involve, but simply to remain alert and maintain surveillance in Mexicali,” Sheinbaum said during her regular morning news conference, according to The Associated Press.

Later Tuesday, Sheinbaum’s security cabinet said Mexican authorities had “not identified any elements confirming a specific or imminent risk to the population.” Authorities nevertheless increased surveillance and patrols in Mexicali as a preventive measure, according to AP.

The city remained calm throughout Tuesday. Baja California Gov. Marina del Pilar Ávila later said Mexican authorities remained active and that security operations would be reinforced in the state capital.

The alert does not indicate that the Calexico-Mexicali border has been closed or that the general public is prohibited from crossing. The suspension specifically concerns U.S. government activities and official travel to Mexicali.

Officials have not provided additional details about what prompted the original U.S. threat alert.