Report: US Border Patrol and Mexican Cartel Members Trade Gunfire at the Southern Border

Report US Border Patrol and Mexican Cartel Members Trade Gunfire at the Southern Border

Suspected Mexican cartel members were caught on video opening fire on US Border Patrol agents near the southern border Monday, just as a group of migrants allegedly attempted to enter the US illegally, according to authorities.

Customs and Border Protection stated that the dramatic attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Fronton, Texas.

Border Patrol sources told The Post that the apparent cartel members began firing as the group of migrants attempted to cross the Rio Grande.

According to sources, a Border Patrol agent returned fire with a single shot toward the Mexican side.

“DPS responded to assist the US Border Patrol after agents received gunfire from cartel members in Mexico while patrolling in Fronton,” Lt. Chris Olivarez wrote on X, alongside several videos of the heavily armed gunman.

“DPS drone operators captured the gunmen fleeing Mexico due to military presence and seeking refuge on an island between the US and Mexico,” they said.

The footage showed at least four gun-toting men walking along the riverbank, trying to hide in the shrubs as the drone tracked them.

The videos show several people repeatedly aiming their weapons directly at the drone.

“The State of Texas will continue to monitor the area closely and use every resource available to prevent transnational threats to our law enforcement partners and the homeland,” Olivarez said.

The scene of the shooting remained active, with the Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, DHS Office of Inspector General, FBI, and Texas Department of Public Safety all involved in the investigation, CBP announced late Monday.

There were no reported injuries, according to authorities.

Meanwhile, the migrants attempting to cross during the ordeal did not make it into the United States, according to sources.

The shooting occurred as President Trump began his second term by cracking down on illegal immigration and fortifying the southern border.

Last week, US officials announced that up to 1,500 active duty troops would be deployed to the Mexican border, joining the approximately 2,200 US National Guard and Reserve personnel who are already there.

The Washington Post reported last week that Trump was considering sending up to 10,000 troops to the border as part of the country’s effort to seal the borders.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it arrested 1,179 people and issued 853 immigration detainers on Monday, following 956 arrests and 554 detainers the day before.

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