Michael Barkin File Photo
Clashes involving drug cartels have prompted U.S. State Department officials to close a consulate office in Reynosa while American officials have been told not to travel there.
The American Consulate in Matamoros issued a Warden’s Message late Wednesday.
Consul Michael Barkin said he's closing the consulate's Reynosa office until further notice.
Barkin also said the consulate is restricting all American officials from traveling to the embattled border city until further notice.
The consul cited recent gun battles involving drug-trafficking organizations in Reynosa and surrounding cites over the past week as the reason.
Consulate spokesman Brian Quigley told Action 4 News that the Consulate in Matamoros is open and keeping regular business hours.
Quigley said the Reynosa office only handles services for American citizens. He said the closure of the Reynosa office does not affect visas or other services at the Consulate in Matamoros.
Americans living in Reynosa or surrounding communities are asked to travel to Matamoros or Texas for service.
The consulate is asking American citizens and Winter visitors to the Rio Grande Valley to take the Reynosa closure and recent travel alert into consideration when crossing the border.
The Consulate General’s telephone number from the U.S. is (011) (52) (868) 812-4402 within Mexico, (01) (868) 812-4402 or enail at MatamorosUSCitizens@state.gov.
Click here to read an unedited copy of Consul Barkin’s message
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT