by – L. Richardson
Dear Americans, we are facing an unprecedented crisis. A Border War has erupted on our soil as Mexican cartel gunmen opened fire on our brave Border Patrol agents near Fronton, Texas. This is not just another border incident – this is a direct attack on our nation’s sovereignty. The Texas Department of Public Safety reports their drones have spotted Mexican military assets staging on the other side of the Rio Grande, escalating tensions to unprecedented levels. Our Border Patrol heroes have responded courageously, returning fire while protecting our territory. Texas, with its unwavering commitment to defending our borders, has taken a leading role in this crisis. They have deployed their Tactical Border Force to work alongside federal agents, encountered 211 illegal immigrants, and reinforced barriers along the Rio Grande. We are witnessing what could be the beginning of a full-scale crisis on our southern border, but rest assured, Texas is standing firm in the face of this threat.
The Incident
At approximately 1:29 PM on January 27, 2025, a violent confrontation erupted near Fronton Island, an uninhabited territory in the Rio Grande34. Initially, suspected cartel gunmen initiated the attack from the Mexican side of the border, targeting U.S. Border Patrol agents who were monitoring illegal crossing attempts9.
“The scene near Fronton Island where the confrontation occurred. U.S. law enforcement stands ready to defend our borders.”
Details of the Attack
The confrontation intensified when Border Patrol agents encountered a group attempting to cross the river illegally. Subsequently, gunfire erupted from the Mexican side, prompting an immediate response from our agents35. Firsthand accounts confirm that Border Patrol personnel returned fire, effectively preventing the group from completing their illegal crossing9.
The incident occurred in Starr County, Texas, a region historically known for drug trafficking and illegal border activities. Both sides engaged in direct combat during the exchange, but fortunately, neither reported any injuries. The scene remained active as multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated their response35.
Source Verification
The credibility of this incident is substantiated through multiple authoritative channels:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued an official statement confirming the time and location35
- Texas Department of Public Safety deployed drones for aerial surveillance34
- Multiple law enforcement sources provided consistent accounts of the exchange
The incident’s gravity is underscored by the unprecedented nature of such direct confrontations. According to senior Border Patrol leadership, these criminal organizations have established unprecedented influence along the Southwest border. Chief Patrol Agent John Modlin’s assessment reveals a stark reality: “Nobody crosses without paying the cartels.”
The confrontation represents a significant escalation in cartel aggression. Previously, Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez noted that each section of the river has a designated cartel boss, with severe consequences for unauthorized crossings36. This incident demonstrates the cartels’ growing boldness in directly challenging U.S. law enforcement.
Following the exchange, Texas DPS intensified its presence in the area. Their drone surveillance revealed Mexican military assets positioned on the opposite side of the river, adding another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation34. This positioning of military assets suggests a potential for further escalation in this border region.
Immediate Actions
Swift action followed the border confrontation, as Texas authorities mobilized an unprecedented response. The Texas Department of Public Safety took the lead, immediately deploying advanced drone technology to monitor the volatile situation. These unmanned aircraft systems, equipped with thermal imaging and GPS capabilities, operate around the clock to secure the border.
“Texas DPS and military units on the move, ensuring no breach goes unchallenged.”
Response from Texas DPS:
The deployment of drones and increased patrolling signaled a strong state response.
The Texas DPS drone fleet demonstrates remarkable capabilities:
- Daytime and nighttime infrared cameras with 30-times optical zoom
- Flight ceiling of 1,200 feet with precise target coordination
- Laser-guided positioning system for ground team direction37
Over 135 drone systems patrol the border, with 60 more in procurement37. Governor Abbott has consequently authorized the deployment of additional military assets, including C-130 aircraft and Chinook helicopters39. Moreover, the state has dispatched over 400 soldiers from Houston and Fort Worth as part of the Texas Tactical Border Force40.
Mexican Military Involvement:
The presence of Mexican military assets, questioning their role in the incident
Specifically, Texas DPS surveillance has identified Mexican military assets staging on their side of the Rio Grande. This positioning raises critical questions about their role in the ongoing situation. These forces co-occur with the deployment of 1,500 U.S. Marines and soldiers who join approximately 2,500 National Guard troops already stationed at the border [42].
The federal response has intensified additionally, with U.S. Marines establishing operations centers near Imperial Beach and San Ysidro, California10 [42]. These troops conduct deportation flights using military aircraft and support construction efforts to extend border barriers10.
The Border Patrol’s drone operations have proven particularly effective, with nearly 600 trained operators coordinating surveillance efforts37. Under Trump’s administration, these operations have expanded to include military-level MQ-9 Predator B drones for enhanced intelligence gathering and reconnaissance over land and water41.
Nationalist Response
“Governor Abbott’s directive to coordinate with Trump Administration for border security – a new era of partnership.”
In a decisive response to the border crisis, Governor Greg Abbott has forged a historic partnership with the Trump administration, marking a turning point in Texas’s fight for border security. “Texas has a partner in the White House we can work with to secure the Texas-Mexico border,” Abbott declared, underlining the state’s commitment to protecting American sovereignty11.
Governor Abbott’s Statement:
His response emphasized the partnership with Trump’s administration.
Given these points, Abbott directed the Texas Military Department to coordinate directly with U.S. Border Patrol agents, establishing a unified front against illegal border crossings11. Under these circumstances, the governor’s statement emphasized the stark contrast with previous federal policies, noting, “For the past four years, Texas held the line against the Biden Administration’s border crisis and their refusal to protect Americans”11.
Indeed, the partnership has already shown results. The number of Border Patrol encounters at the southern border dropped by 35% in just the first three days of the Trump administration compared to the final days of the previous administration12.
Deployment of Texas Tactical Border Force:
The significance of this action, portraying it as a stand for Texas and U.S. sovereignty
As a result of this renewed cooperation, Abbott mobilized the Texas Tactical Border Force, deploying more than 400 soldiers from Houston and Fort Worth13. Coupled with this deployment, the governor authorized the use of:
- C-130 aircraft capable of operating in rough terrain
- Chinook helicopters for enhanced mobility
- Advanced surveillance equipment13
Essential to realize Operation Lone Star, launched in 2023, has achieved remarkable results in defending Texas sovereignty:
- Apprehended more than 530,800 illegal immigrants
- Arrested over 50,300 criminals
- Seized more than 622 million lethal doses of fentanyl11
Nevertheless, Abbott’s actions rest on solid constitutional ground. The federal government’s failure to fulfill its duties under Article IV, § 4 has triggered Article I, § 10, Clause 3, reserving the right of self-defense14 to Texas. “The Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other Texas personnel are acting on that authority, as well as state law, to secure the Texas border,” Abbott affirmed14 [43].
The state has invested significantly in this mission, spending $11 billion to install 70,000 rolls of concertina wire along the Rio Grande and $1.5 billion on approximately twelve miles of border walls15. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Texas’s unwavering commitment to protecting state and national sovereignty.
Contextual Analysis
Recent border confrontations reflect a broader pattern of escalating cartel aggression and shifting U.S. immigration policies. Under the Trump administration, border encounters dropped markedly by 35% in just the first three days12, signaling a dramatic shift in enforcement effectiveness.
Link to Broader Policy:
The incident to Trump’s nationwide deportation efforts, framing it as a necessary response to the crisis
The administration’s comprehensive approach has yielded substantial results. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted their largest operation since Trump’s return to power, resulting in 956 arrests16. This surge in enforcement comes after border crossings reached unprecedented levels, with over 7.2 million migrants encountered between January 2021 and January 2024.
Essentially, the new policy framework includes:
- Expanded expedited removal authority nationwide
- Deployment of 1,500 additional troops to the southern border
- Military airlift operations for deportations
- Reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” policy18
Historical Context:
Similar past events argue that this isn’t an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern [44].
Indeed, the current crisis stems from a long-standing pattern of cartel dominance. By 2007, Mexican drug cartels controlled 90% of cocaine entering the United States19. The situation intensified primarily through the cartels’ evolution from criminal organizations to paramilitary entities with sophisticated operational capabilities1.
Overall, the cartels have established unprecedented control over border crossings. Their influence extends beyond drug trafficking, generating between USD 2.00 billion to USD 6.00 billion annually from human smuggling alone3. The criminal organizations have created an industrial-scale extortion system, particularly along Mexico’s border with Guatemala3.
The pattern of violence has grown increasingly complex. In fiscal year 2023, Border Patrol apprehended 169 individuals on the United States’ terrorist watch list17. Generally, the cartels demonstrate remarkable adaptability, utilizing cyber operations and sophisticated logistics networks that extend deep into American territory1.
Evidently, this systematic control has forced changes in migration patterns. The Mexican government’s response included bussing over 60,000 migrants to southern states in the first nine months of 2024, nearly double the number from 2022. This action, ultimately, reflects the growing complexity of managing border security while confronting increasingly sophisticated cartel operations.
Community and National Impact
Border communities face unprecedented challenges as cartel violence spills into American territory. Recent surveys reveal that 88% of Mexican migrants fleeing to the United States cite violence as their primary motivation20, highlighting the severity of cartel influence in border regions.
Local Reaction:
How this affects local communities, emphasizing the need for vigilance and support for law enforcement
Border residents experience firsthand the reality of cartel operations. A 2011 Gallup poll showed that 83% of Americans believe violence rates are higher along the southwest border than anywhere else in the United States2. Primarily, this perception stems from the cartels’ expanding influence, with criminal organizations demonstrating clear intent to move operations into American territory2.
The impact on local communities manifests through:
- Unreported crimes due to fear of retaliation
- Increased kidnapping and extortion attempts
- Public corruption threats
- Trespassing incidents on private property
Undoubtedly, local law enforcement faces mounting pressure. In fiscal year 2023, Border Patrol arrested 35,433 illegal aliens with criminal convictions nationwide, including 598 known gang members21 [45]. Hence, community support for law enforcement becomes crucial as border sectors report operational strains from increased “gotaway” incidents21.
National Security Concerns:
How this incident highlights the need for stronger border policies to protect all Americans
The threat extends beyond border communities. Cartels now possess sophisticated capabilities to conduct cyber operations against U.S. institutions1. Likewise, their financial power enables them to influence local politics through intimidation and corruption1.
These criminal organizations have developed extensive networks throughout major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago1. Soon, their infrastructure could facilitate retaliatory strikes against:
- Political figures
- Law enforcement leaders
- Military personnel1
Thereafter, the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that protecting borders from illicit movement remains essential to homeland security and national sovereignty22. Nonetheless, transnational criminal organizations continue threatening homeland security through narcotics smuggling and other illegal activities22.
Similarly, the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program acknowledges these threats require coordinated responses from Federal, State, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies23. Regardless of Washington’s assessment, many local residents and state law enforcement officials along the U.S.-Mexico border strongly disagree with reports suggesting the southwest border is statistically safer2.
The reality of border security ultimately depends on three critical factors: available statistics, data interpretation, and, most significantly, whether someone lives in Washington, D.C., or along the southwestern U.S. border. Therefore, strengthening border security remains vital for community safety and national sovereignty.
Legal and Policy Implications
The latest border confrontation demands immediate policy reform to protect American sovereignty. Current border security measures, primarily focused on physical barriers and patrol operations, require substantial enhancement through comprehensive legislation4.
Call for Policy Changes:
This event should push for more robust border security legislation or executive actions.
The Department of Homeland Security reports that 90% of fentanyl seizures occur at ports of entry24, highlighting critical gaps in border security infrastructure [46]. First, the Biden administration’s policies led to unprecedented border encounters, reaching 3.2 million in FY23, demonstrating the urgent need for policy reform.
Rather than maintaining current approaches, new legislation must address:
- Enhanced detention authority for illegal border crossers
- Expanded expedited removal procedures
- Strengthened consequences for unlawful entry
- Increased funding for border technology
Accordingly, the House Oversight Committee confirms that fiscal year 2022 set records for illegal border crosser arrests, migrant deaths, dangerous narcotics seizures, and suspected terrorist apprehensions24. Besides, the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that protecting borders remains essential to homeland security, economic prosperity, and national sovereignty22.
Critique of Opposition:
Criticisms of open border policies, questioning their impact on national security
Ultimately, the current administration’s approach has created unprecedented vulnerabilities. Under previous policies, border encounters totaled approximately 646,000 in FY20, tripling to 1.9 million the following year24. Second, this surge coincided with reduced enforcement capabilities as agents focused on processing rather than interdiction24.
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation reveals that Chief Border Patrol agents from every sector along the southwest border report diminished operational effectiveness24. Third, this reduction in enforcement capacity has enabled transnational criminal organizations to exploit vulnerabilities, threatening homeland security through narcotics smuggling and other illegal activities22.
Whereas some argue for less restrictive policies, the data shows concerning trends. The Border Patrol regularly breaks arrest records, with 257,000 individuals released by DHS in just two months24. These numbers will likely increase unless policy changes occur, further straining border resources and compromising national security.
The Department of Homeland Security’s six-pillar Southwest Border Security and Preparedness Plan acknowledges these challenges, calling for:
- Increased efficiency in border operations
- Enhanced consequences for unlawful entry
- Stronger partnerships with state and local authorities
- Targeted disruption of cartel networks22
Until comprehensive reform occurs, the nation faces increasing security risks. The current system, described by DHS as “broken and outdated,” places unprecedented strain on border resources22. Thus, immediate legislative action remains crucial for addressing these critical security vulnerabilities and protecting American sovereignty.
Call to Action
Now is the time for every American to take action to defend our borders. The BlueServo Virtual Community Watch program enables citizens to participate directly in border security through cameras and sensors along the Texas-Mexico border25 [47].
Support for Border Patrol:
Write to representatives, support local law enforcement, or join community watch programs.
.The U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates as one of the world’s largest law enforcement organizations26. Primarily, CBP officers and agents enforce all applicable U.S. laws, focusing on illegal immigration, narcotics smuggling, and illegal importation26.
Citizens can support border security through several key actions:
- Join the Virtual Community Watch program to monitor live-streaming border surveillance
- Contact Congressional representatives at (202) 224-312127
- Participate in local Neighborhood Watch initiatives
- Report suspicious activities to the Border Patrol
- Support community policing programs
The Mobile Response Team is ready to respond to emergencies anywhere along our borders8. These dedicated agents use advanced technology, including electronic border sensors and infrared scopes, to protect thousands of miles of American land and sea border.
Stay Informed:
Stay vigilant and keep up-to-date with border security news.
The Department of Homeland Security consistently works to secure and manage borders through multiple channels22. Effectively, DHS flies 225 hours and floats 79 hours in enforcement missions daily along our borders22. Border Patrol agents promptly patrol more than 7,500 miles of land borders with Canada and Mexico and more than 2,500 miles of coastal border22.
The Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee regularly maintains oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services28 [48]. This oversight focuses on:
- Border and port security in Northern and southern domains
- International aspects of border security
- DHS policies facilitating lawful trade and travel
- CBP staffing and resource allocations28
The Mission Response Team instantly deploys to any border location, utilizing:
- Advanced surveillance technology
- Infrared detection systems
- Mobile command centers
- Rapid response vehicles8
Border Patrol agents work diligently with K-9 units, operate drones, and maintain maritime operations to ensure comprehensive border security8. Through community policing programs, law enforcement has achieved an 18.5% reduction in crime rates29.
To stay informed, citizens can:
- Subscribe to DHS border security updates
- Monitor local law enforcement communications
- Follow Border Patrol social media channels
- Join community watch programs
- Attend local security briefings
The Virtual Community Watch program enables users to log in and monitor suspicious criminal activity along the border via a virtual fence system25. This innovative real-time surveillance program empowers the public to actively participate in fighting border crime25.
Conclusion
This brazen attack on American soil marks a critical turning point for our nation’s border security. Undoubtedly, the swift response from Texas law enforcement and Border Patrol agents demonstrates our unwavering resolve to protect our sovereignty. The partnership between Governor Abbott and President Trump has already yielded remarkable results, slashing border encounters by 35% within days.
Above all, this incident proves cartels now pose an unprecedented threat to American communities. Their sophisticated networks stretch deep into our territory, demanding immediate action from every patriotic citizen. The deployment of the Texas Tactical Border Force, alongside federal troops, shows our determination to meet this challenge head-on.
Therefore, we must strengthen our support for law enforcement and border security initiatives. Local communities stand united behind our brave agents while state and federal authorities work together to implement stronger border policies. The BlueServo Virtual Community Watch program empowers citizens to join this crucial fight, allowing direct participation in border surveillance efforts.
Consequently, this is not just a Texas issue – it represents a defining moment for American sovereignty. Each citizen plays a vital role in securing our nation’s future. Through community watch programs, support for law enforcement, and staying informed about border security developments, we protect our homeland for future generations.
Indeed, this incident serves as a rallying cry for all Americans who value national security and sovereignty. Together, we stand ready to defend our borders, protect our communities, and preserve our way of life against any threat that challenges our great nation.
Legal Disclaimers/Warnings:
Understanding the complexities of border security reporting requires careful consideration of data accuracy and source reliability. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has identified significant challenges in reporting border incidents due to inconsistent documentation methods5.
Disclaimer on Information Accuracy
The Government Accountability Office discovered substantial underreporting in their July assessment, with over 500 incidents involving multiple migrants or officers being counted as single events6. This statistical discrepancy affects how border encounters are documented and reported. Secondly, the data collection process faces additional challenges as migrants rarely file formal complaints, and those who do are often deported before internal reviews conclude6.
Explicitly, CBP acknowledges these limitations: “While CBP works hard to track this information as thoroughly and accurately as possible, these data are not all-encompassing “30. The agency’s reporting system occasionally struggles with the following:
- Multiple-participant incident documentation
- Cross-jurisdictional event tracking
- Real-time data verification
- Incident classification standardization
Warning on Speculation
The Department of Justice emphatically maintains that the President holds “broad constitutional authority to use military force in response to threats to the national security and foreign policy of the United States”31 [49]. This authority obviously extends to border security operations, though its implementation requires careful consideration of legal frameworks.
The Posse Comitatus Act presents specific limitations on military involvement in domestic law enforcement32. Ultimately, these restrictions affect:
- Direct law enforcement activities
- Pursuit operations
- Apprehension procedures
- Interior enforcement actions
It’s crucial to note immediately that CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility responded to approximately 200 critical incidents between July 2022 and June 2023, with 86% involving Border Patrol personnel5 [50]. Finally, the agency is doubling its investigator workforce. However, concerns exist about potential credibility risks when investigators have existing relationships with those they investigate5.
The Department of Defense clarifies that any orders “shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations”33 [51]. Furthermore, these actions do not create any enforceable right or benefit against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities33.
CBP’s accountability measures include:
- Independent review procedures
- Standardized incident documentation
- Public transparency reporting
- Professional responsibility oversight
The agency’s disciplinary system faces ongoing challenges in securing appropriate outcomes for misconduct7. While the Office of Professional Responsibility conducts investigations, various factors, including investigation team composition and reporting structures7, can undermine confidence in results.
References
[2] – https://www.domesticpreparedness.com/articles/u-s-mexico-border-security-the-spillover-effect
[3] – https://www.propublica.org/article/immigration-mexico-us-migrants-mass-kidnappings-cartels-border
[4] – https://www.dhs.gov/archive/securing-border
[5] – https://www.gao.gov/blog/investigations-border-encounters-end-serious-injury-or-death
[8] – https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/customs-and-border-protection-cbp
[9] – https://www.newsweek.com/us-border-patrol-agents-exchange-gunfire-mexico-drug-cartel-reports-2021738
[10] – https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2025-01-26/military-forces-southern-border-mission-16609305.html
[13] – https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/27/texas-abbott-soldiers-border-patrol/
[14] – https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/Border_Statement_1.24.2024.pdf
[15] – https://www.texastribune.org/2024/01/22/texas-border-supreme-court-immigration/
[16] – https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6434dq7p1o
[17] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico%E2%80%93United_States_border_crisis
[19] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_drug_war
[22] – https://www.dhs.gov/topics/border-security
[25] – https://www.blueservo.net/
[26] – https://www.cbp.gov/border-security
[27] – https://www.southernborder.org/contact-your-legislator
[28] – https://homeland.house.gov/border-security-facilitation-and-operations/
[29] – https://cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/04-2021/photo_contest_winner.html
[30] – https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/border-rescues-and-mortality-data
[32] – https://global.upenn.edu/perryworldhouse/news/assessing-cases-against-militarized-border-enforcement
[35] – https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-immigration-agents-mexican-cartel-224216975.html
[37] – https://www.cbp.gov/frontline/cbp-small-drones-program
[38] – https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/operation-lone-star-deploys-drone-technology-to-secure-the-border
[42] – Biden Admin To Deploy Troops To Southern Border Amid Expected Migrant Surge | The Daily Caller. https://dailycaller.com/2023/05/02/biden-admin-troops-border-migrant-surge/
[43] – Operation Lone Star: STAND WITH TEXAS NOW | Public Advocate of the U.S.. https://www.publicadvocateusa.org/news/article.php?article=12704
[44] – Alwood, A. (2023). Alienation, Resonance, and Experience in Theories of Well-Being. https://core.ac.uk/download/578392605.docx
[45] – Chief Patrol Agents Confirm Lack of Operational Control in Their Southwest Border Sectors – Committee on Homeland Security. https://homeland.house.gov/2024/01/03/chief-patrol-agents-confirm-lack-of-operational-control-in-their-southwest-border-sectors/
[46] – Elva, R. (2022). Trac: An Approach to Teaching Security-Aware Programming in Undergraduate Computer Science Courses. https://doi.org/10.5121/csit.2022.120809
[47] – BlueServo. http://blueservo.net/about.php
[48] – Merchant, N. (2019). Border official resigns amid uproar. Florida Times Union, (), 1.
[49] – Ely, W., Henkin, L., Bobbitt, P., Rev, L., Robert, H., Henry, P., Clark, J., & V, S. (2002). The President’s Constitutional Authority to Conduct Military Operations Against Terrorist Organizations and the Nations that Harbor or Support Them. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.331202
[50] – After Collecting Ransom Thrice, Bandits Returned Lifeless Katsina Health Worker. https://wikkitimes.com/after-collecting-ransom-thrice-bandits-returned-lifeless-katsina-health-worker/
[51] – (2018). United States: Executive Order on Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 5, 2018. MENA Report, (),.
[53] – https://www.infowars.com/author/kelen-mcbreen
[54] – https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/1883975673754316937
[55] – https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/1883978090596163888
[56] – https://x.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1883878668734517541
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