Arizona border communities on edge after US points Mexicali journey alert

SAN LUIS, AZ (AZFamily) — The State Department has issued a safety alert for Mexicali, quickly suspending authorities journey and consular companies within the northern Mexican border metropolis as a result of an unspecified “potential threat.

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 stated, noting that he was finally in a position 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 these crossing the border, the heightened stress was palpable. Mylee Vasquez, who lives in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, and crosses the border ceaselessly, stated she took additional precautions on Tuesday.

“Scary things happening in Mexico are already happening,” Vasquez stated. “With attacks, it’s even more scary.”

Vasquez famous that whereas she didn’t observe uncommon exercise on the Mexican facet of the border, the U.S. facet confirmed a transparent response. “When I crossed the border to the Arizona side, I saw military presence and law enforcement,” she stated.

The U.S. authorities is advising residents presently in or touring to Mexicali to:

• Avoid authorities buildings in Mexicali.
• Seek shelter instantly within the occasion of an incident.
• Notify family and friends of their security.

As of Tuesday night, the risk has not disrupted operations at border crossings in Arizona or neighboring California, with most residents reporting a traditional night.

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