by Matthew Holloway | Feb 25, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The U.S. Department of State is urging American citizens in multiple Mexican states to shelter in place due to ongoing security operations, road blockages, and related criminal activity, according to a February 23 advisory shared by Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s (R-AZ8) office.
According to the State Department’s “Security Alert – Update 4: Ongoing Security Operations – U.S. Mission Mexico,” U.S. citizens in specific locations are urged to seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movement.
The alert identifies the following affected areas:
- Jalisco State, including Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara
- Baja California State, including Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada
- Nayarit State, including the Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta
- Areas of Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, and Zacatecas
The State Department said U.S. government staff in Guadalajara (Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco/Nayarit), Ciudad Guzman (Jalisco), Tijuana (Baja California), Chiapas, and Michoacan are sheltering in place “until all blockades are cleared,” and urged U.S. citizens in those locations to do the same.
The advisory noted that incidents were reported on February 22, but stated that conditions have returned to normal in:
- Quintana Roo State, including Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum
- Sinaloa
- Tamaulipas
The State Department directed travelers to consult the general Mexico Travel Advisory for additional information.
Flight Disruptions in Puerto Vallarta
The alert states that flights in Puerto Vallarta continue to experience disruptions due to the availability of flight crews. The U.S. Embassy said it is in close contact with airlines to monitor developments.
All other airports in Mexico are reported to be operating normally. The advisory indicates there are no known security-related flight disruptions at airports outside of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Travelers are advised to confirm flight status directly with their airline.
The alert also states that some, but not all, scheduled flights are departing from Guadalajara. Travelers whose flights to the United States are canceled may be able to book connecting flights through other Mexican cities.
Road Closures Reported
Mexican authorities have reportedly curtailed operations on some toll roads due to February 22 blockades. Areas cited include:
- Puebla
- Guerrero
- Tamaulipas
- Nayarit
- San Luis Potosi
- Tijuana
- Queretaro
- Veracruz
- Mazatlan
U.S. citizens are advised to check the Mexican toll road authority @CAPUFE on X for updates regarding road closures.
Actions Recommended
The State Department outlined the following actions for U.S. citizens in affected areas:
- Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements
- Avoid areas around law enforcement activity
- Monitor local media for updates
- Follow directions from local authorities
- In case of emergency, call 911
- Keep family and friends advised of location and well-being
Assistance Information
The alert provides contact information for U.S. Embassy and consular services in Mexico:
- From Mexico: (55) 2579-2000
- From the United States: 011-52-55-2579-2000 or +1-301-985-8843
- Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
The advisory also directs U.S. citizens to review the Mexico International Travel Information page, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and monitor official State Department channels for updates.
Congressman Hamadeh’s office stated that the information was provided directly by the U.S. Department of State.
In November 2025, Rep. Hamadeh said reports that the Trump administration was considering potential military operations against drug cartels in Mexico were “excellent news,” writing on X, “The narco-terrorists are the barbarians at the gates. Pushing poison and chaos into our country.”
“Arizona, in particular, has been a pipeline for their operations,” the Congressman said, concluding: “It’s time to wipe the Mexican Cartels off the face of the earth.”
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 24, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The Arizona House Commerce Committee voted to advance House Bill 4001, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-LD13), last week. The bill would impose new regulatory requirements on so-called alternative nicotine products to curb youth access. The measure now heads to the full House for further consideration.
HB 4001 proposes a new statutory framework governing the sale, manufacture, and marketing of alternative nicotine products, defined generally as non-combustible nicotine products such as e-liquids, vaping devices, nicotine pouches, and similar products, under a newly added chapter to Title 4 of the Arizona Revised Statutes.
The bill would expand the enforcement authority of the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) to oversee compliance, including age-verification standards and licensing requirements for retailers and manufacturers. Retailers would be required to obtain location-specific licenses and comply with rules designed to prevent sales to those under 21 years of age. Packaging that “resembles toys, food, candy, games, electronic devices, or cartoons” would be prohibited. HB 4001 also includes penalties for violations, from fines to possible license revocation for repeated offenses. In committee, the bill passed by a 9-1 vote, according to the legislative record, signaling strong bipartisan support in the majority-controlled chamber. Voting records show the bill was approved with Republican backing and limited opposition.
Proponents of HB 4001 have cited concerns about the availability of flavored nicotine products and vaping devices that appeal to minors, pointing to national and state trends showing continued youth usage despite longstanding age restrictions on tobacco products. Public health groups note that while traditional cigarette use among teens has declined, many young people continue to experiment with vape products, particularly flavored varieties, which federal data show remain widely used among middle and high school students.
“As a small business owner, I believe in free markets, but free markets only work when everyone follows the rules,” Weninger said in a statement. “Right now, bad actors are exploiting gaps in the law, marketing nicotine products like toys, skirting age checks, and pushing products that cannot be traced or verified. That must stop.”
“HB 4001 puts Arizona on the side of parents, public safety, and responsible businesses,” he continued. “If you sell nicotine in this state, you will verify age, follow the law, and stop targeting kids. If you manufacture these products, you will meet clear standards and stand behind what you sell. This bill protects minors and supports businesses that play by the rules.”
The bill’s passage in committee comes amid ongoing legal and regulatory efforts in Arizona aimed at reducing youth access to nicotine products. In 2025, the state raised the minimum legal sales age for tobacco and related products to 21, aligning with federal law and prompting the Attorney General’s Office to increase compliance enforcement. The AGO has conducted compliance inspections and pursued legal actions against retailers found selling to underage buyers. Public health advocates have also highlighted the risks of nicotine exposure to adolescent brain development.
Not all voices are aligned behind HB 4001’s approach. The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) recently issued a letter from the group’s president, Tom Schatz, urging Arizona legislators to oppose the bill, arguing that the measure creates an inconsistent regulatory framework by regulating certain nicotine alternatives under liquor laws while leaving other tobacco products outside the same regime. The group contends that the licensing requirements and compliance costs could disproportionately burden smaller retailers and create competitive disadvantages, while equivalent requirements for combustible cigarette sellers are absent. Meanwhile, similar legislation in the state Senate, Senate Bill 1367, targets another facet of nicotine enforcement, focusing on illegal, imported vape products that evade federal oversight and appealing packaging designed to attract minors. SB 1367 would require wholesalers to document lawful product origins and empower state agencies to seize unauthorized shipments; it carries potential fines and penalties for non-compliance.
HB 4001 does not include new state tax provisions. Its licensing fees are structured to fund enforcement activities if the bill becomes law. The measure’s next stop is a House floor vote, where further debate and possible amendments could occur before final passage in the chamber.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 23, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
U.S. Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ02) issued a statement Wednesday praising the Trump administration for what he described as action to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights.
According to a press release from Crane’s office, the administration clarified federal policy to ensure veterans who have a fiduciary appointed to manage their VA benefits are not automatically reported to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) as “prohibited persons.”
Under prior policy, veterans assigned a fiduciary to manage benefits could be reported to NICS, potentially preventing them from purchasing or possessing firearms under federal law. The change announced by the administration reverses that reporting practice, according to Crane’s statement.
“For nearly three decades, unelected bureaucrats violated the constitutional rights of hundreds of thousands of our nation’s heroes. If the federal government is willing to strip fundamental liberties from those who served in uniform, there’s no telling where they will draw the line,” Crane said. “I’m grateful to President Trump and Secretary Collins for correcting this injustice and protecting the freedoms that our veterans fought to defend. Congress must now codify this directive so no future administration can reimplement this disgraceful protocol.”
The press release states that the policy clarification impacts enforcement of federal firearm restrictions under the Gun Control Act of 1968, which prohibits firearm possession by individuals adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
In a statement posted to X, VA Secretary Doug Collins wrote:
“Effective immediately, VA is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication. VA issued the rule to clarify existing policy and protect Veterans’ benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action. But many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences.
While VA does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized, the department always takes Veterans’ concerns seriously. To alleviate these concerns, VA will continue to collect public comments regarding the rule, but it will not be enforced at any time in the future.”
Crane has previously pursued legislative efforts addressing the issue. In the 118th Congress, he introduced H.R. 9053 and H.R. 9054, which would have nullified prior VA submissions to NICS and prohibited the VA from participating in certain state-level firearm confiscation proceedings. He reintroduced similar legislation in the current Congress as H.R. 496 on January 16.
The bill has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs under the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Arizona Representatives Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ08) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) serve on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, which, along with the Judiciary Committee, will consider the bill before it goes to the floor.
During the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations process, Crane also sponsored an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill stating that veterans reported to NICS by a VA fiduciary were unlawfully submitted and directing the VA Secretary to instruct the Attorney General to remove those names from the system. The amendment passed the House, but the underlying appropriations measure did not advance in the U.S. Senate.
The Trump administration has not yet released detailed regulatory language publicly outlining the changes referenced in Crane’s statement.
Crane has called on Congress to pursue legislative action to codify protections for veterans’ firearm rights in federal statute.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 22, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
Arizona Senate Majority Whip Frank Carroll (R-LD28) advanced legislation Monday aimed at tightening restrictions on foreign adversaries’ ability to acquire or access land and critical infrastructure in the state.
Senate Bill 1683 would lower the statutory “substantial interest” ownership threshold from 30% to 5% and expand prohibitions to prevent the use of shell companies, convertible debt arrangements, options, and other financial structures to obtain property interests in Arizona, according to a press release from Senate leadership.
The measure also restricts access not only to ownership interests, but to leases, development rights, and the installation or operation of certain equipment on Arizona property. The bill applies to equipment, including antennas, communication systems, autonomous technology, surveillance devices, and high-sensitivity sensors.
Under SB 1683, public utilities and operators of critical infrastructure would be required to report suspicious agreements involving covered entities. Violations involving the use of prohibited equipment would be classified as felonies.
“This is about protecting Arizona, plain and simple,” Carroll said in a statement. “We’ve already taken steps to prevent hostile foreign governments from purchasing our land, but we’ve seen how quickly bad actors adapt. If they can’t buy property, they will try to lease it. If they can’t put their names on a deed, they’ll hide behind shell companies or secretly install surveillance equipment. This bill closes those loopholes.”
He added, “Arizona farmland, military-adjacent property, airports, utilities, and critical infrastructure should never become tools for foreign espionage or leverage for hostile regimes. We must not allow adversarial nations or terrorist-linked actors to gain control, either directly or indirectly, over Arizona soil. This legislation draws a clear line: our land, infrastructure, and security are not for sale, lease, or negotiation.”
SB 1683 passed the Senate Federalism Committee on a 5-2 vote, with only Republican support, and now advances to the full Senate for consideration.
Arizona lawmakers enacted a 2025 measure, Senate Bill 1082, adding A.R.S. § 33-443 to state statutes, which restricts land purchases by entities connected to designated foreign adversaries. SB 1683 would amend and expand those existing provisions.
If approved by the Legislature and signed into law, the bill would take immediate effect as an emergency measure with a two-thirds vote of both legislative houses.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
by Matthew Holloway | Feb 21, 2026 | News
By Matthew Holloway |
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) released a new installment of its “Inside the Majority” video series spotlighting Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ06) on Wednesday. Ciscomani’s Southern Arizona district is rated a “Toss-Up” by the Cook Political Report ahead of the 2026 election.
The NRCC describes the series as highlighting Republican members viewed as critical to maintaining GOP control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The episode featuring Ciscomani is available on YouTube and on X:
Arizona’s 6th Congressional District is considered one of the most competitive House races in the country. The Cook Political Report currently rates the district as a “Toss-Up,” reflecting its narrow partisan split.
Ciscomani first won the seat in 2022 by approximately 1.5 percentage points after the district flipped from Democratic to Republican control. He was reelected in 2024 by roughly 2.5 percentage points, increasing his margin and adding more than 5,000 votes to his prior total.
Ciscomani is currently the only declared Republican candidate in the race and was endorsed by President Donald Trump in an April 2025 post to Truth Social. The President wrote, “Congressman Juan Ciscomani is a Tremendous Champion for Arizona’s 6th Congressional District! As a Member of the POWERFUL Appropriations Committee, Juan is fighting hard to Secure the Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Vets, Support our Great Law Enforcement, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Juan Ciscomani has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!”
In the video, Ciscomani discusses his immigration background and legislative priorities.
“My name is Juan Ciscomani and I was born in Mexico,” Ciscomani says in the segment. “I immigrated with my family when I was 11 years old, and then, after a long process, became a U.S. citizen along with my family back in 2006. Sixteen years after becoming a U.S. citizen, I became a member of the United States Congress.”
Ciscomani references his first bill to pass the House, which focused on expediting veterans’ disability claims and expanding workforce opportunities for transitioning service members.
He also highlights the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which he says is intended to prevent scheduled tax increases and expand tax relief provisions.
“The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is having an immediate and enormous impact in the district,” Ciscomani says in the video. “Not only does it avoid the cliff of a lot of taxes going up by the thousands in my district, but it also introduces great ways to have people keep their hard earned money. These are all quick and immediate ways that people will be able to see the benefits of this act.”
According to NRCC materials, the legislation includes provisions related to the Child Tax Credit, the standard deduction, Social Security taxation, tipped wages, overtime pay, and savings accounts.
NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen said Ciscomani’s district is central to the party’s majority strategy.
“Juan Ciscomani embodies what it means to be an effective representative—he shows up, listens and delivers results on the issues that matter most to Arizona families,” Petersen said. “From securing the border to ensuring water reliability and supporting our veterans, Juan has proven he’s a fighter for Arizona.”
Speaking to his motivations for serving in Congress, Ciscomani observed, “When I look at my kids in the future that I want for them, which is for them to find their path and have a shot at the American dream. What motivates me is my family and all those families out there that I want them to have a real opportunity in this country to go pursue their own version of the American dream. That’s what motivates me, so that we can do what we do here. To have families out there at home can go do what they were called to do.”
When first elected to Congress in 2022, Ciscomani became the first naturalized U.S. citizen born in Mexico elected to represent Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Appropriations Committee and has advocated for federal funding for infrastructure, border security, water projects, and veterans’ services within the district.
According to the most recent Federal Election Commission filings, Ciscomani reported more than $3 million in cash on hand.
The 2026 race in Arizona’s 6th District is expected to draw national attention as both parties compete for control of the narrowly divided U.S. House.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
