CITIZENS NEWS

Border Patrol agents fired at by drug cartels at southern border

By isabelle // 2025-01-30

• U.S. Border Patrol agents were fired upon by suspected Mexican cartel members near the Rio Grande in Fronton, Texas.
• The incident occurred a week after President Trump intensified border security measures.
• Neither Border Patrol agents nor cartel members were injured, and the migrants did not make it across the river.
• Trump designated Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to enhance national security.
• The event highlights the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents and the complexity of border challenges.

In a dramatic confrontation on Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents were fired at by suspected Mexican cartel members near the Rio Grande in Fronton, Texas. The incident, which occurred exactly one week after President Donald Trump intensified border security measures, underscores the escalating tensions and the high stakes in the ongoing battle against illegal immigration and drug trafficking. The gunfire erupted around 2 p.m. local time as a group of illegal aliens attempted to cross the river. Despite the shots, the migrants did not make it across, and neither the Border Patrol agents nor the suspected cartel members were injured. The area, known as Fronton Island, has long been a hotspot for cartel activity, earning the nickname "Cartel Island."

Trump’s strong stance on border security

President Trump, who made immigration a cornerstone of his campaign, has wasted no time in implementing his promised crackdown on illegal immigration. On his first day in office, he issued a series of executive orders aimed at fortifying the southern border and targeting criminal elements. One of these orders designates Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that has been widely praised for its potential to disrupt cartel operations and enhance national security. “Enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States,” Trump stated in his executive order. “The American people deserve a Federal Government that puts their interests first and a Government that understands its sacred obligation to prioritize the safety, security, and financial and economic well-being of Americans.”

The reality on the ground

The incident near Fronton Island is a reminder of the dangers faced by Border Patrol agents and the complexity of the challenges they encounter. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham highlighted the strategic importance of the area in a 2023 interview with Fox News Digital. “The land just hadn’t been accurately declared as it was forming in the river. That's why we had to step in and officially declare it Texas territory,” she said. Lieutenant Chris Olivarez, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), provided a firsthand account of the response. “Earlier today, @TxDPS responded to assist the US Border Patrol after agents received gunfire from cartel members in Mexico while patrolling in Fronton, Starr County. "DPS Drone Operators captured the gunmen fleeing Mexico due to military presence, & seeking refuge on an island between the US & Mexico. The State of Texas will continue to monitor the area closely & use every resource available to prevent transnational threats to our law enforcement partners & the homeland,” he tweeted.

A shifting landscape

The recent shootout is part of a broader trend of increased border enforcement under the Trump administration. In the first three days of his presidency, the number of illegal immigrant encounters dropped by 35% compared to the final three days of the Biden administration. This significant decline suggests that the new policies are having an immediate impact. While some in the mainstream media have portrayed Trump’s actions as harsh and family-separating, the reality is that the administration is targeting criminals and traffickers who pose a direct threat to American communities. The deployment of up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the border, along with the ongoing construction of the border wall, are clear signals of the administration’s commitment to securing the nation’s borders. The shootout near Fronton Island is a vivid illustration of the ongoing battle against illegal immigration and cartel activity at the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump’s decisive actions and strong stance on border security are crucial in protecting American citizens and ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation. As the administration continues to ramp up its efforts, the focus remains on targeting the real threats: the cartels and criminal elements that endanger both sides of the border. Sources for this article include: FoxNews.com NYPost.com RT.com Newsweek.com

Texas Donald Trump national security Mexico drug cartels terrorism illegal immigration gun violence violence border security shootings anarchy Border Patrol big government insanity chaos dangerous