The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued an emergency warning urging American citizens to avoid travel to that city, citing a possible gunfight between rival drug gangs.
The warning, issued on Friday, cites “credible information suggesting the potential for violent confrontation between armed individuals” in the border city and its outskirts.
It remains in effect until Sunday and mentions only Matamoros, and not other border towns like Valle Hermoso or Reynosa.
The warning also urges any Americans living in the area to remain inside or near their homes, and to be on alert for any violent acts in the city, located across the Rio Grande from Brownsville.
Any American citizens living or visiting Matamoros, or any part of Mexico, are encouraged to enroll with the consulate’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get travel and security updates.
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The following is the full emergency warning issued by the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros on Friday, August 26:
The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros has received credible information suggesting the potential for violent confrontations between armed individuals in Matamoros and its outskirts over the weekend, August 26th through August 28th. Official Americans have been advised to remain in or near their homes and be alert for violence.
Please review specific information on the Department of State’s latest Travel Alert for Mexico.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet website where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.
Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Mexico are encouraged to enroll with our Consulate General through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to obtain updated travel and security information.
U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the Embassy or Consulates. Enrollment is important; it allows the State Department to assist you in an emergency.
Those enrollees who wish to receive updated travel and security information must provide an e-mail address as part of their enrollment.
The U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros is located on Avenida Primera 2002, Col. Jardin, Matamoros, Tamaulipas.
The telephone number is (011) (52) (868) 812-4402 and our website.
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