The US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, bordering McAllen, Texas, due to a significant increase in violent crime. This includes gun battles, kidnappings, and the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The heightened security risk has prompted restrictions on US government employees, who are now instructed to avoid all travel in and around Reynosa and Rio Bravo outside of daylight hours and to steer clear of unpaved roads throughout the entire state.
American citizens are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution, including avoiding travel on dirt roads, refraining from touching suspicious objects near roadways, and limiting travel to daylight hours. Sharing travel plans with family and friends is also recommended for safety. The State Department emphasizes the elevated risk to life in Level 4 areas and warns of limited US government capacity to provide assistance in emergencies.
This heightened warning comes amidst renewed focus on immigration policy under the Trump administration. President Trump and then-Vice President Kamala Harris both visited the border during the election campaign, highlighting the issue's importance. Since taking office, President Trump has implemented significant changes to immigration policy. Recently, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem participated in an immigration enforcement operation in New York City targeting individuals with serious criminal charges.
Former acting ICE director Tom Homan has echoed President Trump’s commitment to a large-scale deportation operation focused on public safety threats. While Tamaulipas remains under a Level 4 advisory, other parts of Mexico are subject to lower-level advisories. The State Department maintains an online interactive map detailing travel risks for Americans planning international trips.
