The Battle of Ambos Nogales occurred during a time of great strife in Mexico, marked by revolutionary factions battling for control. The Carrancista forces, aligned with the constitutionalist leader Venustiano Carranza, aimed to establish order and push back against various rebel groups, while the U.S. was preoccupied with its participation in World War I. The skirmish was initiated when U.S. soldiers were fired upon by Carrancistas who mistakenly believed they were being attacked by rebels. The exchange rapidly escalated with soldiers from both sides taking cover and returning fire, resulting in several casualties, including more than a dozen from the U.S. Army and an unknown number from the Carrancista ranks. The incident was brief but intensely fought, and it underscored the complicated dynamics at play along the U.S.-Mexico border during this tumultuous period.

The U.S. government was deeply concerned about the Mexican Revolution spilling over its borders. The military had already deployed forces to the border region under the pretext of protecting American interests and citizens while grappling with a perceived threat from these revolutionary factions. In light of this particular confrontation, it served to highlight the narrow balance of power and the rapid breakdown of communication that could lead to conflict. The skirmish pushed the U.S. to reconsider its engagements and stances toward the various factions within Mexico, illustrating the local complexities of foreign policy amid a global conflict.

The Ambos Nogales encounter is often cited as an example of how border tensions can ignite unexpected military confrontations. Despite being brief, the skirmish reflects broader themes of nationalism, security, and military engagement that were pivotal in the early 20th century, particularly in the context of U.S.-Mexico relations. This battle, while overshadowed by larger global movements, was emblematic of the intricate interplay between domestic unrest and international conflicts in the era.