In 2025, cartel-related warnings have included 

public “narco-banners” threatening Americans in tourist destinations and updated travel advisories from governments due to ongoing violence and crime. The U.S. has also designated the Venezuelan “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization. 

Warnings and Developments in 2025

• “Narco-banners” in Tourist Hotspots: Alleged banners (known as narcomantas) from a Sinaloa Cartel faction appeared in October 2025 in the Los Cabos region, specifically San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The messages reportedly threatened violence against Americans residing in or visiting areas where the cartel has a presence. While local officials suggested some past banners were false, experts view the tactic as consistent with cartel intimidation methods.
• Government Travel Advisories: The U.S. Department of State has maintained and updated travel advisories for Mexico, urging citizens to exercise increased caution due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping risks. The advisories highlight specific high-risk states and recommend avoiding remote locations and sticking to main highways.
• Designation of “Cartel of the Suns”: The U.S. government officially designated the Venezuelan “Cartel of the Suns” (Cartel de los Soles), an entity allegedly led by President Nicolás Maduro and involving high-ranking military officers, as a foreign terrorist organization in November 2025. This designation provides the U.S. with more tools to apply pressure and counter narco-terrorism in the hemisphere.
• Increased U.S. Operations and Rhetoric: U.S. officials have discussed being more aggressive against cartels, including potential land strikes, though the Mexican president has ruled this out on Mexican soil. The U.S. Southern Command has also increased maritime strikes on drug-laden boats as part of Operation Southern Spear.
• Cartel Tactics Evolution: Experts and law enforcement have noted the increasing militarization of cartels, the use of drones for surveillance and attacks, and the potential use of remotely piloted submarines for trafficking. 

For the most current information and specific warnings for travelers, consult official government sources such as the U.S. Department of State travel advisories or the Australian government’s Smartraveller website.

This year (2025), cartel-related warnings have primarily involved 

travel advisories for Mexico, alleged cartel “narco-banners” targeting Americans in popular tourist spots, and the U.S. government’s designation of Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. 

Travel Warnings for Mexico

The U.S. Department of State has standing “Reconsider Travel” advisories for parts of Mexico due to crime, kidnapping, and terrorism risk, explicitly mentioning violence from cartels and other criminal organizations. Specific warnings include: 

• High-risk states: The U.S. government advises citizens to reconsider travel to states such as Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Sonora, Colima, and Chiapas.
• Targeted violence: While many homicides appear targeted, territorial disputes between criminal groups can injure or kill bystanders. U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping.
• Safety precautions: Travelers should stick to main highways and avoid remote locations. The general advice is to exercise increased caution across the country. 

Alleged “Narco-Banners” in Los Cabos

In October 2025, alleged “narco-banners” (narcomantas) surfaced online, purportedly from a Sinaloa Cartel faction (“La Chapiza”), threatening violence against U.S. citizens in the Los Cabos region (San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas). 

• Official response: Authorities in Baja California Sur stated that investigators found no physical trace of the banners and suggested they might have been false messages intended to cause fear.
• Expert opinion: Security experts noted that the use of public banners for intimidation is a long-standing cartel tactic consistent with “narco-terrorism”. 

U.S. Government Actions and Designations

The U.S. has ramped up pressure on organized crime this year:

• Cartel de los Soles: In November 2025, the U.S. designated Venezuela’s “Cartel de los Soles” (Cartel of the Suns), which it alleges is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as a foreign terrorist organization. This designation provides the U.S. with more tools to counter its activities.
• Increased operations: The U.S. Southern Command has conducted lethal maritime strikes on drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, with officials warning that such activities “will end poorly” for those involved.
• Technological threats: There are warnings that cartels are increasingly using advanced technology like drones and remotely piloted submarines for smuggling and attacks. 

For the most up-to-date and official information regarding travel safety, U.S. citizens should refer to the official U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories website.