Executive Summary
- The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey warned of armed robberies on Highway 85D in Nuevo León.
- Assailants use vehicles with flashing lights to mimic official traffic stops before robbing victims.
- Criminal groups are reportedly targeting vehicles with out-of-state and foreign license plates.
- Recent incidents occurred during mid-morning hours, despite standard daylight travel precautions.
- Travelers are advised to use toll roads and comply with instructions if stopped to avoid physical harm.
The U.S. Consulate General in Monterrey issued a security alert on November 25, 2025, warning travelers of a series of armed robberies occurring on Highway 85D in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico. According to the diplomatic mission, criminal groups are intercepting vehicles on this major route, utilizing deceptive tactics to force drivers to the side of the road.
The U.S. Mission to Mexico reported that victims have described being “pulled over” by vehicles equipped with flashing lights, which mimic authorized traffic stops. Once the vehicle stops, armed assailants emerge from the pursuing car to execute the robbery. Local authorities have indicated that these groups appear to be specifically targeting vehicles displaying out-of-state or foreign license plates.
While U.S. government employees in Mexico are restricted to inter-city travel only during daylight hours, the consulate noted that recent incidents on Highway 85D reportedly occurred during mid-morning hours. This timing suggests that daylight alone does not guarantee safety on this specific route. Officials emphasize the need for heightened situational awareness regardless of the time of day.
To mitigate risks, the U.S. Consulate advises travelers to utilize toll roads (cuota) rather than the less secure free roads (libre) whenever possible. The alert further recommends keeping cell phones charged, avoiding the transport of large sums of cash or jewelry, and strictly complying with instructions if stopped by police or security checkpoints. Diplomatic officials warned that fleeing or ignoring instructions at checkpoints can lead to injury or death.
Regional Security Outlook
This alert underscores a significant security challenge affecting cross-border and regional transit in northern Mexico. The use of vehicles mimicking law enforcement to conduct robberies represents a sophisticated tactic designed to lower the guard of motorists, particularly those unfamiliar with local police markings. The specific targeting of foreign license plates during daylight hours indicates a shift in criminal strategy, suggesting that standard precautions such as daytime travel may require supplementation with route-specific intelligence and strict adherence to toll road usage to ensure traveler safety.
