Public, US employees in Tijuana warned to shelter-in-place as chaos, violence erupt

The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana warned the public and government employees to avoid the area and seek shelter as violence and unrest erupted.

The U.S. Consulate tweeted that vehicles are being set ablaze, roadblocks are being set up, and there is heavy police activity occurring in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate.

At this time, all U.S. government employees have been instructed to shelter in place.

The violence began on Thursday in a Ciudad Juarez prison when the Sinaloa Cartel, formerly led by infamous Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman,  and Los Mexicles began feuding, leading to a riot that left two dead and 16 injured, according to the Times of San Diego.

The violence then spread out of the prison and into the city streets of Juarez, where gang members killed an additional nine people, most of them civilians.

Armed members of the National Guard drive past the site of a burnt transport vehicle after it was set on fire by unidentified individuals in Tijuana, Mexico, on Aug. 12, 2022. AFP via Getty Images Firefighters work at the scene of a burnt transport vehicle after it was set on fire by unidentified individuals in Tijuana Mexico, on Aug. 12, 2022. AFP via Getty Images

Deputy Security Minister Ricardo Mejia said in a press conference that in the early hours of Friday morning, six alleged members of Mexicles were arrested by police with assistance from the Army and National Guard.

This has allegedly fueled the violence and terror that has now moved into Baja, causing the shelter in place.

1/2 The U.S. Consulate General Tijuana is aware of reports of multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate. U.S. government employees have been instructed to shelter in place until further notice. pic.twitter.com/oghBX1P7qX

— U.S. Consulate Tijuana (@ConsuladoUSATJ) August 13, 2022

“I condemn the violent events that occurred this afternoon in our state,” The Governor of Baja Marina del Pilar wrote in a tweet as violence broke out across her state, “It is important to remain calm, we will keep you informed.”

The mayor of Tijuana, Montserrat Caballero, urged those committing violence to leave innocent pedestrians alone.

The blood-stained streets of Ciudad Juarez following the riot that rampaged through the city on Aug. 12, 2022. AFP via Getty Images Mexican Army leaves the airport after landing in Ciudad Juarez to provide assistance to the riots, which have held the city and surrounding areas in a state of fear. AFP via Getty Images

San Deigo County Vice Chair Nora Vargas tweeted out, “I encourage our binational residents to be cautious and follow the recommendations from government officials and avoid unnecessary travel to allow authorities to do their work and maintain safety. My thoughts are with those impacted by the incidents.”

At this time, the U.S. Consulate is still under lockdown, and the streets in Tijuana are empty as people fear for their safety.