TAMAULIPAS, Mexico — “Don’t do it.” That’s expert advice from Gary J. Hale, a Rice University drug policy nonresident fellow, about traveling to Reynosa, Mexico.
This is after the U.S. Embassy reported increased violence, including roadblocks and attacks on citizens in Reynosa.
The U.S. State Department issued another “do not travel” advisory to Americans considering a trip to the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.
Spectrum News learned from Mexican media sources that the arrest of Gulf Cartel leader Alexander Benavides Flores, known as “El Metro 9,” triggered gun battles and blockades not far from the U.S. side of the border near McAllen. McAllen and Reynosa are sister cities in the southern portion of the border.
Mexican National Guard, federal police and state police are on heightened alert following this latest wave of violence.
Spectrum News has been unsuccessful in confirming reports of two people shot and killed during gun battles.
This round of violence follows the death of known kingpin “El Mencho” back in February during a Mexican government raid. The U.S. government warned all Americans not to travel to Tamaulipas, and Hale is also recommending that people wait.
On Friday, Hale told Spectrum News, “Wait, wait, wait until things calm down. Now, if you’re willing to take that risk with your life or your family’s life, then okay, that’s your decision.”
Tamaulipas has a long history of violence, kidnappings, gun battles, extortion and murder of U.S. and Mexican citizens.