The US State Department, citing “threat information,” has issued a Security Alert to US Government employees advising that “activities in, and travel to, Nogales , Sonora , Mexico have been restricted to essential movement during daylight hours only. We are alerting U.S. citizens of this threat and change in posture. As a reminder, the U.S. Travel Advisory designates Sonora as a Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) area due to terrorism, and crime.”
(Nogales, Mexico is across the border from Nogales, Arizona)
The “do not travel” advisory has been issued for the State of Sonora by the U.S. government to U.S. residents because:
There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.
Travelers should stay alert and aware of their surroundings while traveling in Sonora. Criminal activity and violence may occur in any area of Sonora.
U.S. government employees may travel to: Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, San Carlos-Nuevo Guaymas, Alamos, and Puerto Libertad.
U.S. government employees must follow the below travel restrictions for Nogales, Puerto Penasco, Cananea, Agua Prieta, and eastern and southern Sonora.
Review a map of restricted areas.
Nogales, Sonora, Mexico:
U.S. government employees may not use any taxi services, public buses, or ride-share applications in Nogales.
U.S. government employees may travel to the following areas in the municipality of Nogales:
Highway 15 corridor between the DeConcicini Port of Entry and the intersection of Highway 15 and Highway 15D. The Highway 15 corridor includes:
The area south of the Council of the Federal Judiciary building on Calle Ochoa, between Avenida Alvaro Obregon and Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez, and to the intersection of Highway 15 and Avenida Alvaro Obregon.
The area south of the intersection of Highway 15 and Avenida Alvaro Obregon, including Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez, and to the Donaldo Colosio Plaza.
The Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio corridor between the Mariposa Port of Entry and the intersection with Highway 15. The Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio corridor includes:
The industrial area east of Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio and between Avenida 5 de Febrero and F. Bustamante.
Boulevard El Greco and the area northwest to Avenida Tecnologico.
The area southeast of Avenida Tecnologico, between Highway 15 and Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio, and south to the intersection of Highway 15 and Boulevard Luis Donaldo Colosio.
The Ignacio de La Torre Avenue de los Nogales Corridor between Boulevard El Greco and its intersection with Highway 15. The Ignacio de La Torre Avenida de los Nogales Corridor includes:
The Guarnición de la Plaza Militar.
The area between Highway 15 and Ignacio de La Torre Avenida de los Nogales.
Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales
U.S. government employees may travel between Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours only and via Federal Highway 15 only.
U.S. government employees may not use any taxi services, public buses, or ride-share applications.
Travelers should be cautious and avoid unnecessary stops due to security incidents, including occasional armed carjackings.
Shootings have occurred along this route during the day.
Actions to Take:
Exercise increased caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Seek shelter in the event of an incident.
Notify friends and family of your safety in the event of an incident.
Follow instructions from Mexican law enforcement.
Monitor local media for updates.
For U.S. citizens needing assistance:
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: (55) 5080 2000
From the United States: 011 52 55 5080 2000
Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Links:
Mexico International Travel information
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Department of State on Facebook and X
U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X
U.S. Consulate General in Nogales on Facebook and X
