The Jalisco New Generation Cartel sent a warning threatening mass violence against anyone roaming the streets this weekend in cities throughout Northern Baja California.
The message in Spanish read: “Be warned. As of Friday at 10 p.m. through Sunday at 3 a.m. we’re going to create mayhem, so the (expletive) government frees our people. We’re the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, we don’t want to hurt good people, but it’s best they don’t go outside; we’re going to attack anyone we see on the streets these days.”
On Friday, more than a dozen vehicles were set on fire around Tijuana. Many businesses and restaurants were shut down, and streets were noticeably empty.
The U.S. Consulate in Tijuana sent out a tweet that reported multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity in Tijuana, Rosarito, Ensenada, and Tecate. They also asked U.S. Government employees working in Tijuana to shelter in place and follow the Consulate for updates.
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
2/2 Actions to Take:
-Avoid the area
-Seek secure shelter, if in the area
-Monitor local media for updates
-Be aware of your surroundings
-Notify friends and family of your safety https://t.co/hywpDZFiV9 pic.twitter.com/MYW02k7Dpd— U.S. Consulate Tijuana (@ConsuladoUSATJ) August 13, 2022
According to officials, 24 incidents of vandalism and arson were confirmed across Baja California on Saturday morning. Thirteen people were arrested in connection with the destruction and arson.
Some reports suggest the Mexican government carried out raids and captured senior members of The Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the violence was an attempt to demand their release.
For more on this story, please consider these sources:
- Mexico violence prompts shelter-in-place warning from US Consulate – Fox 5 San Diego
- Tijuana rocked by wave of violent crime – BBC
- Cartel threatens weekend of mass violence in all of Northern Baja – Border Report
- Chaos in Baja California | U.S. Gov. employees told to shelter in place – CBS News 8