NEWS
Texans urged to heed federal travel warnings to parts of Mexico
Texas Department Of Public Safety Is Coordinating With U.S. Department Of State And FBI
AUSTIN — Texas Governor Greg Abbott today urged Texans currently in Mexico, as well as those with family members or friends traveling there, to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, related road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens in the following Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice: Baja California, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance can call the U.S. Department of State (from outside U.S: 1-202-501-4444; from U.S.: 1-888-407-4747) or the Texas Fusion Center (1-844-927-0521).
“Texans’ safety is my top priority, whether they are here at home or traveling abroad,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge all Texans in Mexico to follow the guidance of U.S. officials, stay alert, and ensure they are in contact with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. Situations on the ground can change quickly, and staying informed can save lives.”
Governor Abbott has been briefed on the latest developments regarding ongoing violence and security concerns in Mexico. In response, the State of Texas is taking proactive steps to coordinate with federal partners to safeguard Texans abroad.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively coordinating with the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to monitor the evolving security situation and share information to support the safety of American citizens.
Governor Abbott and Texas officials recommend the following steps to ensure personal safety:
- Heed Federal Warnings: Monitor travel advisories and security alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State and local U.S. Embassy offices.
- Call U.S. Department of State or Texas Fusion Center: Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance should call:
- U.S. Department of State from outside U.S.: 1-202-501-4444
- U.S. Department of State from inside U.S. and Canada: 1-888-407-4747
- Texas Fusion Center: 1-844-927-0521
- Register with the U.S. Embassy: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and make it easier for the U.S. government to assist in an emergency.
- Maintain Contact with Family: Keep friends and family informed of your location and travel plans. Establish regular check-ins.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Do not travel to regions under active security alerts or where violence and unrest are occurring. Conditions can shift rapidly, even in popular destinations.
- Follow Local and Federal Instructions: If shelter-in-place or travel restriction guidance is issued by authorities, follow those instructions immediately. Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements. Remain in your residences or hotels. Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Keep copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers for the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate, and ensure you have a reliable means of communication.
The Governor’s Office and DPS will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with federal partners to ensure Texans receive timely information as the situation evolves.
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about an increase in sophisticated scams involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. These criminals use fear, intimidation, and urgency to convince victims to send money through cryptocurrency
kiosks, Bitcoin ATMs, or digital wallets.
Scammers often identify themselves as deputies, investigators, or federal law enforcement officers and falsely claim the victim has an outstanding warrant, failed to appear for jury duty, or is involved in an ongoing criminal investigation. Victims are then instructed to make an immediate payment using cryptocurrency to avoid arrest or resolve the alleged issue.
The Montague County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public:
We will never demand payment over the telephone.
Deputies will never instruct anyone to pay fines, bonds, or fees using cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not threaten immediate arrest if payment is not made
over the phone.
Scammers frequently “spoof” official phone numbers, making calls appear to come from
legitimate government agencies or law enforcement offices.
If you receive one of these calls:
Hang up immediately.
Do not provide personal or financial information.
Do not send cryptocurrency or any other form of payment.
Contact the Montague County Sheriff’s Office using a verified telephone number to report the
incident or verify the caller’s claims.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact the
Montague County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Prompt reporting can assist investigators and help prevent additional victims.
The sheriff’s office is available at 894-2871.
Press release provided by the Montague County Sheriff’s office.
Montague County Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. on July 13.
Items on the agenda include the following: Approve bond for deputy clerk tax assessor-collector; reappoint Jan Ward to the Helen Farabee Center Board; approve line-item budget adjustment of $6,650 from election judges to election supplies for the purchase of a NeuraScanner; approve election judges, alternates and clerks for 2026-27 election year; consider enrollment with the Texas Association of Counties certified AI course; consider naming a private road Berkley Lane off of Farm-to-Market 1655; replat in precinct four and final plat for Twin Acres subdivision; review sealed bid for base rock and budget workshop for fiscal 2026-27.
Members of the Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on July 14 in regular session.
The city manager’s report from Bert Cunningham opens the meeting.
He will report on the Coffield to Roberts Streets waterline; budget preparation; status of the Texas Water Development Board grant application and a new water line on Session Street from Coffield to Roberts.
In new business, the council will consider a medical access and service advantage program, an ordinance calling the Nov. 3 election and an amendment to the finance department’s cash handling policy.
The city manager will make the presentation of the proposed 2026-27 budget, followed by setting a public hearing and budget workshop.
In old business, there will be the second reading of an ordinance updating the office of emergency management along with an update on an agreement for automatic aid assistance between the City of Bowie Fire Department, Sunset Volunteer Fire Department and Bowie Rural Volunteer Fire Department.
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