Armed men stormed a taqueria in Tecate on Saturday night and killed five people, then attempted to set the restaurant on fire, according to authorities in Baja California.
The attack took place at Mis Tíos, a taco shop in the border city roughly 50 kilometers east of Tijuana. Witnesses told investigators that gunmen arrived in a black Chevrolet Blazer SUV and opened fire on the establishment while families were eating inside.
Three Killed Inside, Two More on the Street
At least one person was shot and killed inside the restaurant. Two more victims were found dead on the street outside, where witnesses say the gunmen executed them. Two other people also died in the attack, bringing the total to five.
After the shooting, the attackers attempted to burn the taqueria. Authorities have not released details on the extent of the fire damage or whether the arson attempt was successful. No suspects have been publicly identified.
Tecate’s Escalating Cartel Violence
The shooting is the latest in a pattern of cartel violence in Tecate, a city of about 100,000 residents that serves as a border crossing between Baja California and San Diego County. The Tecate port of entry connects directly to California State Route 188, and the town is a popular day trip for Southern California visitors drawn to its craft beer scene and the nearby Rancho La Puerta wellness resort.
Tecate has become a contested zone in recent years. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has established an operational base in the municipality, competing with other criminal organizations for control of drug trafficking routes through the region. A 2021 report documented cartel gunmen targeting even local firefighters and stealing emergency vehicles in the area.
No Arrests Announced
Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a possible motive for the attack. The Baja California state attorney general’s office (FGE) is expected to lead the investigation. The identities of the five victims have not been publicly released.
Tecate sits along the main highway connecting Tijuana to Mexicali, and the municipality includes the mountain community of La Rumorosa along that route. Residents and visitors are urged to monitor local security updates from municipal and state authorities.
This story is based on reporting by Zeta Tijuana.