At least ten people, including musicians and women, have been kidnapped by armed criminals on highways connecting Reynosa to Monterrey, prompting urgent warnings from the U.S. Consulate as Tamaulipas remains under the highest possible travel risk designation.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros has issued an urgent travel alert for highways connecting Reynosa to Monterrey due to multiple kidnappings
- At least ten people have been abducted in separate incidents, including five musicians with their driver and three women
- The Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas is believed responsible for the kidnappings
- Tamaulipas is classified as a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” zone by the U.S. State Department
- Officials advise avoiding night travel, unnecessary stops, and recommend traveling only during daylight hours
Dangerous Highways: Multiple Kidnappings Reported
The border region of Tamaulipas, Mexico has become increasingly dangerous for travelers as armed criminals conduct brazen kidnappings on major highways. The U.S. Consulate in Matamoros recently issued a stark warning following a series of abductions along routes connecting the border city of Reynosa to the industrial hub of Monterrey. According to security reports, at least ten people have been kidnapped in separate incidents by teams of gunmen who have established a pattern of targeting travelers on these heavily-trafficked roads. These dangerous conditions highlight the deteriorating security situation in northern Mexico, which continues to affect both Mexican citizens and potential American travelers.
Intelligence sources have attributed these kidnappings to the Cartel Del Noreste faction of Los Zetas, which appears to be encroaching on territories traditionally controlled by the Gulf Cartel. The most recent incidents include the June 16 abduction of five musicians and their driver, as well as three women who were kidnapped in a separate event. Additionally, a doctor was reportedly taken in another incident. The pattern of kidnappings indicates a systematic criminal operation rather than isolated events, creating a high-risk environment for anyone traveling through the region. These brazen attacks demonstrate the cartel’s territorial control despite the presence of Mexican authorities.
Official Warnings and Restrictions
Both the U.S. government and Mexican authorities have implemented severe restrictions for the affected areas. The U.S. State Department maintains Tamaulipas at a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory, the highest risk designation possible, specifically citing crime and kidnapping threats. U.S. government employees face strict prohibitions against traveling between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. For critical travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey, employees must limit movement to daylight hours on Federal Highway 85D and obtain prior authorization, underscoring the extreme danger present throughout the region.
The Director of Public Safety in Reynosa has issued specific guidance for locals who cannot avoid traveling these routes. Residents are strongly advised to avoid night travel completely, particularly on the stretch between Cadereyta and Los Ramones, which has become a hotspot for criminal activity. Additionally, travelers are instructed to stop only in populated areas such as gas stations where there might be some level of security. These specific restrictions highlight how Mexican authorities have essentially conceded that they cannot guarantee safety on certain stretches of highway, forcing travelers to adapt to cartel-controlled territories.
Safety Recommendations for Unavoidable Travel
For those who absolutely must travel through Tamaulipas, both U.S. and Mexican authorities have issued a comprehensive set of safety recommendations. Travelers are advised to maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings at all times and stay alert for suspicious activity or vehicles. Unnecessary stops should be completely eliminated, with journey planning focused on minimizing vulnerability. Additionally, travelers should restrict movement exclusively to daylight hours when criminal groups are slightly less likely to operate openly. The need for such extreme precautions illustrates the complete breakdown of security in a region just across from American border communities.
Communication protocols have also been emphasized for anyone traveling through the danger zone. Travelers are strongly encouraged to inform friends and family of their exact location and travel plans, establishing regular check-in times. Monitoring local media for security updates is considered essential, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The U.S. Consulate recommends that American citizens consult the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico website for additional security information before contemplating any travel to the region. These measures reflect the reality that travelers in Tamaulipas must essentially create their own security protocols in the absence of reliable government protection.
