You’d think Mexico looks like Mariupol or Gaza if you’re on Twitter. It might be far from the safest place on Earth and there was genuine reason for concern after last weekend’s events, but people who actually live there will be quick to point out that it’s not an active warzone.

In fact, things have been so calm that every Mexican off-road racing series will reassure you that it’s all systems go for the spring. This ranges from those a bit further out like RECORD’s Rancho La Vuelta 200 and SCORE’s San Felipe 250 in March and NORRA’s Mexican 1000 in May, to those happening this weekend such as the Los Ancianos Tecate Enduro.

On February 22, the Mexican government scored a major hit in the ongoing drug war by eliminating Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. “El Mencho” was the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of the largest and most powerful in the country. In response, the CJNG and its allies launched attacks on Mexican security forces and civilians across multiple states including Baja California, stirring up chaos that led to 25 National Guardsmen being killed and over 30 cartel members.

The CJNG also reportedly orchestrated an online propaganda effort to make the retaliation seem more severe than it really was. Given Mexico’s history with cartels and the ongoing struggle by social media platforms to counter misinformation, it proved to be very effective.

While it’s undisputable that Mexico has a cartel issue, everyone there still wants people to know that the situation is not as concerning as they might think. Most locals noted an increased police presence, but otherwise activities continued as usual. Foreign visitors are urged to exercise caution, but this advice is no different from what is usually issued to those going to Mexico.

“There is literally zero reason to not be in Baja right now having fun as normal,” SCORE legend Tim Morton commented. “I was down there a few days ago in the hot zone. Nothing different. Everything as usual.

“If we didn’t have stupid social media telling us shit’s happening, we wouldn’t have been the wiser.”

The Los Ancianos Motorcycle Club issued the following bulletin on Monday:

A few entrants have expressed concerns regarding cartel activity in certain areas of Mexico. We understand that media coverage can be unsettling, particularly for those who do not travel to Mexico regularly. While there were incidents reported outside of Tecate yesterday, the situation is not comparable to events that have occurred in other regions of mainland Mexico.

Historically, unrest of this nature has been concentrated more than 1,000 miles away in areas where these groups are primarily based.

It is also important to acknowledge that misinformation and unverified reports can circulate quickly. Some of the reports of incidents in Northern Baja have been false. As with many travel destinations, safety concerns are typically localized and confined to specific areas. At this time, there are no reports indicating that Tecate is being impacted.

U.S. Department of State travel advisories are subject to change and frequently list areas of Baja at Level 2 or Level 3. These advisory levels have remained consistent over the years and do not necessarily indicate new or escalating conditions.

We have members and trusted contacts living, working, and traveling throughout northern Baja who report that conditions remain calm, with no adverse activity.

Additionally, many participants are already at the race site, traveling through Tecate, and crossing the border daily without incident. Reports indicate that conditions are normal.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation, follow guidance from local authorities, and exercise standard travel precautions, as we would for any event location. Should circumstances change, we will promptly communicate any relevant updates. The safety of our participants remains our highest priority, and we take that responsibility seriously.

Based on the most current and verified information available, the borders are open, Tecate remains suitable for travel, and we are confident in proceeding with the 2026 Tecate Enduro.

We look forward to seeing you there. Safe travels.

Likewise, SCORE bike liaison Andy Kirker mentioned San Felipe will proceed as planned “unless something really major happens”. He was also quick to point out that SCORE was the only desert series to race during the height of COVID-19 in 2020.

Featured image credit: Bink Designs