U.S. Consulate in Matamoros Orders Staff to Shelter in Place Amid Police Operation
An active law enforcement operation in Matamoros, Mexico, led the U.S. consulate to order its employees to shelter in place where they are.
Key points
- The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros ordered its employees to shelter in place where they are.
- The police activity is affecting several roads and major intersections in the city.
- The State Department keeps Tamaulipas under a Level 4 travel advisory: Do Not Travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
- The alert recommends keeping a low profile and monitoring local media for updates.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert about an active law enforcement operation in Matamoros, in the state of Tamaulipas. The U.S. Consulate in that city confirmed it is aware of the activity, which is affecting several roads and major intersections.
As a precaution, U.S. Government employees were ordered to shelter in place where they are. The alert does not detail the reason for the operation or the number of people involved.
The U.S. Department of State maintains a Level 4 travel advisory for Tamaulipas, its highest level, recommending that travelers not go to the state due to risks of terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
The alert recommends that U.S. Citizens in the area keep a low profile, stay alert to their surroundings, let family and friends know their situation, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities. In case of emergency, it recommends calling 911.
The alert includes contact numbers for the embassy and the State Department's Consular Affairs office for those needing assistance.
Why it matters
For Dominicans traveling or living in Mexico, especially near the Texas border, the alert recommends avoiding Tamaulipas and following local authorities' instructions.