Nogales Stays Calm Amid Cartel Violence Flare-Up in Mexico

Border cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora remain safe despite surge of cartel violence elsewhere in Mexico.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Despite a recent surge of cartel violence in parts of Mexico following the killing of a major cartel leader by Mexican troops, the twin border cities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora have remained calm and safe for residents and visitors. People who regularly cross the border say they feel confident going into Mexico and conducting business as usual.

Why it matters

The border cities of Nogales rely heavily on the easy movement of people and goods between the U.S. and Mexico. Any disruption to this flow due to cartel violence could have significant economic impacts on the region. The continued safety and stability of Nogales is crucial for maintaining this cross-border activity.

The details

After Mexican troops killed a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the cartel reacted with an outbreak of extreme violence in parts of Mexico. This prompted the U.S. State Department to advise caution for travel to Mexico. However, people who regularly cross the border between Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora say they feel safe and confident doing so, as the border cities have not seen the same level of cartel violence.

  • On February 24, 2026, the U.S. State Department advised caution for travel to Mexico due to cartel violence.
  • In the aftermath of the cartel leader's killing, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel carried out a violent reaction in parts of Mexico.

The players

Nogales, Arizona

A U.S. border city that shares a close economic and cultural relationship with its Mexican counterpart, Nogales, Sonora.

Nogales, Sonora

A Mexican border city that shares a close economic and cultural relationship with its U.S. counterpart, Nogales, Arizona.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel

A powerful Mexican drug trafficking cartel that reacted violently after one of its leaders was killed by Mexican troops.

U.S. State Department

The U.S. government agency that issued a travel advisory warning people to be cautious when traveling to Mexico due to the surge in cartel violence.

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What they’re saying

“I'm doing it for my cat. She needs to go to the veterinarian and it's half the cost but I feel real calm and safe.”

— Peter Ferreira (KGUN9)

“There's nothing to happen here in this area. They control the middle of the country. They never come to another state. So you can cross, you can cross the state to Mexico and buy your stuff, and everything is okay here in Nogales, Sonora.”

— Hugo Miguel, Citizen of Mexico and the U.S. (KGUN9)

“I trust the area. It seems safe to me. The people are wonderful on both sides of the border, and there are some products down there that are fabulous. It's fun. It's a culturally great place. And you get things that you really can't find in the US.”

— Mary Darling (KGUN9)

What’s next

The U.S. State Department will continue to monitor the security situation in Mexico and may adjust its travel advisory for the country as needed.

The takeaway

Despite the surge of cartel violence in parts of Mexico, the border cities of Nogales have remained calm and safe, allowing residents and visitors to continue crossing the border and conducting business as usual. This highlights the resilience and stability of these communities in the face of regional instability.