The U.S. Consulate Normal in Monterrey did simply that warned of escalating dangers to vacationers following the acknowledgment of a number of latest armed robberies on Freeway 85D.
A bulletin issued by the The US mission to Mexico on November 26, 2025 confirmed that armed felony teams have pushed automobiles off the highway and dedicated robberies underneath misleading circumstances. Victims described being intercepted by a car geared up with flashing lights that mimicked a permitted site visitors cease. Attackers emerged solely after drivers pulled to the aspect of the highway, revealing a tactic supposed to mimic official legislation enforcement procedures.
Native authorities have indicated that felony teams seem like intentionally concentrating on automobiles with out-of-state and international license plates, placing interstate vacationers and international nationals at larger threat. Security officers additionally famous a visual enhance in felony prices in native media protection alongside this route, characterizing the scenario as a perceived enhance in highway crime somewhat than remoted incidents.
Whereas U.S. authorities personnel are already restricted to touring between cities solely throughout the day, the warning emphasised that even these precautions don’t eradicate the menace. Notably, the reported robberies occurred in mid-morning, underscoring that felony exercise has expanded past the late night or early morning patterns historically related to freeway hazards.
In steerage aimed toward vacationers, the consulate urged larger consciousness, together with avoiding non-essential stops, limiting freeway journey the place potential, and never carrying massive quantities of money, jewellery or valuables.
The advisory included two key security messages derived straight from the warning:
Further suggestions instruct vacationers to observe native information for updates, inform members of the family or contacts of journey plans and progress, and guarantee cell telephones are charged and in a position to make calls inside Mexico. The US mission additionally emphasised the significance of utilizing tolls (cuota) roads as an alternative of non-toll-free (free) routes the place potential, calling them comparatively safer.
Vacationers who encounter police or official safety checkpoints ought to totally observe directions, as ignoring or fleeing such stops might lead to critical harm or demise. Mexican authorities proceed to analyze the incidents and no accidents to U.S. authorities workers have been publicly confirmed right now.
The U.S. Consulate concluded that dedication, preparation and situational consciousness stay the strongest safeguards for these touring via northern Mexico.