US Consulate in Tijuana advised shelter-in-place as chaos and violence erupt

The US consulate in Tijuana warned the public and government employees to avoid the area and seek shelter as violence and unrest erupted.

The American Consulate tweeted that vehicles are set on fire, that roadblocks are set up and that there is heavy police activity in Tijuana, Mexicali, Rosarito, Ensenada and Tecate.

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

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

The violence then spread outside the prison and onto the streets of the city of Juarez, where gang members killed nine other people, mostly civilians.

Deputy Security Minister Ricardo Mejia told a press conference that in the early hours of Friday morning, six suspected members of Mexicles were arrested by the police with the help of the army. and the National Guard.

This would have fueled the violence and terror that has now taken hold in Baja, causing the shelter in place.

“I condemn the violent events that took place this afternoon in our state,” said the governor of Baja Marina del Pilar. wrote in a tweet as violence erupted in his state, “It’s important to stay calm, we’ll keep you updated.”

Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero urged perpetrators to leave innocent pedestrians alone.

Vice President of San Deigo County Nora Vargas tweeted“I encourage our binational residents to be cautious and follow the recommendations of government officials and avoid unnecessary travel to allow authorities to do their job and maintain security. My thoughts are with those who have been affected by the incidents.

At present, the US consulate is still locked and the streets of Tijuana are empty as people fear for their safety.