On September 4, the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros, Mexico issued an emergency shelter in place for American citizens due to a spike in gun violence.
The alert was issued due to a clash between Mexican marines and four individuals resulting in their deaths.
This incident is one of many that highlights the growing instability of Tamaulipas, which borders Texas and has earned a travel warning from the U.S. State Department due to its high crime rate and risk of violence towards Americans.
Matamoros is located across from Brownsville, Texas, and it is becoming increasingly known for its cartel activity and criminal acts.
In recent years, local authorities have worked hard to maintain order by suppressing organized crime however, this week’s shootout indicates they may not be able to do so indefinitely.
The scene of the crime revealed guns and radios had been used during the altercation with Mexican forces–a clear sign that violent criminals are operating within or near Matamoros’ city limits.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that Americans are being targeted by these criminals; just last month four US citizens were kidnapped in Matamoros before being rescued by Mexican forces who found them held captive in a shed with two having died from gunshot wounds sustained prior to abduction.
These events illustrate why people should take heed when traveling to Tamaulipas as recommended by the U.S State Department: “Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping forced disappearances, extortion and sexual assault – is common along the northern border…”
