US lifts travel ban for Mexicali after potential security threat

By
FOX Local
Published August 28, 2026 8:31 PM EDT

FILE - MEXICO-SECURITY A member of the National Guard guards government buildings in Mexicali's Civic Center, in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, on August 25, 2026. (Photo by Juan Antonio HERNANDEZ AVALOS / AFP via Getty Images)

The Brief

    • The U.S. has lifted a travel suspension and resumed operations following a potential threat out of Mexicali on Monday.
    • The threat reportedly involved an armed attack by a criminal group known as the Los Rusos.
    • Despite lifting the suspension, a Level 3 travel advisory remains in place for Mexicali.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate of Mexico have resumed operations and travel to Mexicali has once again been granted after a potential threat was reported earlier this week. 

Travel to Mexicali suspended

Dig deeper:

Mexicali, a city directly across from Calexico, California, was the subject of a new security alert after officials received information about a potential threat.

The suspension was issued on August 25 but has since been lifted.

The embassy advised any U.S. citizen who were in Mexicali to do the following: 

  • Avoid government buildings in Mexicali
  • 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
  • Be aware of your surroundings

What they're saying:

"We are alerting U.S. citizens of this potential threat," the embassy said.

What was the potential threat? 

Big picture view:

The threat involved a potential armed attack by Los Rusos, a criminal group, against law enforcement facilities in Mexicali, UPI reported.

The reported threat came days after Mexican authorities seized roughly 265 pounds of fentanyl from a warehouse in Mexicali, according to the same source. 

Authorities estimated the seizure amounted to about 4 million doses.

Level 3 travel advisory for Mexicali

Local perspective:

State Department officials told Fox News Digital early Friday afternoon that the suspension has since been lifted and government activities have resumed.

However, officials said the broader travel advisory for Baja California remains at Level 3 — and they urge Americans to reconsider travel there due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping.

Though not considered a major tourist destination, Mexicali is a busy hub for cross-border travel and commerce.

The Source: Information for this article was taken from reporting by FOX News and the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico official website. This story was reported from San Jose. 

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