In case you have been completely off the grid, there’s a wave of violence along the U.S. – Mexico border including blockades, burning of cars, trucks and busses and several reports of shootings associated with this violence.

The Cartel Nueva Generación de Jalisco sent out a warning, promising mass violence against anyone out and roaming the streets this weekend in border cities throughout Baja California.

The message, translated from Spanish, reads:

“Just letting everyone know we are imposing a curfew as of Friday at 10 PM through Sunday at 3 AM. We’re going to create massive chaos to force the f**king government to release our people; we’re the Jalisco Cartel Nueva Generación, we don’t want to hurt good people but it’s best they don’t go outside as we are going to attack anyone we see on the streets this weekend.”

I’ll Say it, STAY AWAY this Weekend

The violence has extended from Tijuana to Mexicali as well as reaching Tecate and Ensenada. The US Consulate in Tijuana posted a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens to avoid the area for now and if already in the area, to shelter in place; the same order they gave to their own personnel.

I recognize that at times these Travel Alerts can be a tad bit exaggerated as the agency will and should, prefer to err on the side of caution.

However, in this case we believe the danger is real and are advising all of our members and followers to avoid crossing the U.S. – Mexico border this weekend. If you are already down here and in the affected area, it’s best to just stay inside and wait this out.

Several members of our Facebook Group have reported being able to cross through the area without any issues but one thing that I have learned after living here for 20 years and married into a Mexican family, pay close attention to what the locals are doing in a situation such as this.

Businesses Closed – Light Traffic

A very high percentage of the locals living along the border region are staying home and not going outside this weekend. Many businesses including restaurants and bars have closed due to the threat and the related violence.

One thing quite apparent to anyone who tries risking to cross through the border regions today; traffic is unusually light, although there is a noticeable increase in police and military patrols.

The lack of other civilian traffic could make you stand out even more and why I believe it’s extremely important that you avoid driving in the border region of Baja California this weekend and with so many businesses already closed and events cancelled, there likely will not be much to do if you were to come down.

We’ll keep you updated as these events continue to unfold.