Texas Governor Urges Caution for Houston Travelers to Mexico Amid Escalating Violence

Abbott calls on Texans to closely monitor federal travel warnings and stay in contact with U.S. officials as violence surges in parts of Mexico.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Texas Governor Greg Abbott is urging Houston-area residents with travel plans to Mexico, or those with loved ones currently there, to closely monitor federal travel warnings as violence escalates in several regions of Mexico. The U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens in parts of Mexico, including Baja California, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas, to shelter in place until further notice due to road blockages, criminal activity, and ongoing security operations.

Why it matters

Houston is a major international gateway through its two airports, Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airport, making the city's large international community particularly vulnerable to the escalating violence in Mexico. Officials stress the importance of Houstonians staying informed and having a safety plan when traveling to affected regions.

The details

According to state officials, U.S. citizens in parts of Mexico are advised to shelter in place until further notice due to the volatile security situation. The Texas Department of Public Safety is coordinating with federal agencies to monitor the evolving situation and share intelligence to safeguard Texans overseas.

  • On Sunday night, Governor Greg Abbott called on Texans to follow updated guidance from the U.S. Department of State.
  • The Texas Fusion Center is working to provide the latest information and resources to Texans.

The players

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who is urging Texans, including Houstonians, to heed Mexico travel warnings amid escalating violence.

U.S. Department of State

The federal agency that has issued travel advisories for parts of Mexico due to the ongoing security concerns.

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state agency that is coordinating with federal partners to monitor the situation and share intelligence to protect Texans traveling abroad.

Texas Fusion Center

A state-level intelligence fusion center that is working to provide the latest information and resources to Texans.

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What they’re saying

“Texans' safety is my top priority, whether they are here at home or traveling abroad.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas (cw39.com)

What’s next

The Governor's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety will continue coordinating with federal partners to monitor developments and provide updates as conditions evolve.

The takeaway

This travel advisory highlights the importance for Houstonians to stay informed, have a safety plan, and maintain close contact with U.S. officials when traveling to parts of Mexico affected by the escalating violence. As a major international hub, Houston's large global community must exercise caution and vigilance when traveling to these regions.