Texas ranchers face increasing threats as cartel violence spills over the border. Following recent tragic incidents, authorities are urging heightened security measures and vigilance across rural properties. The situation highlights ongoing safety concerns in border communities.
Tragic Incident Spurs Urgent Warnings
The recent killing of Antonio Céspedes Saldierna by an IED near his ranch in San Fernando, Mexico, underscores the severe threats facing Texas ranchers near the border. According to reports, this fatal incident mirrors tactics seen in conflict zones, where cartels now deploy drones to drop explosives. This threat isn’t localized, as similar device attacks have been reported in areas like Rio Bravo, Mexico, amplifying regional tensions.
An American was just killed by an explosive device courtesy of Mexican drug cartels.
This lawlessness cannot be allowed to take hold in the United States, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure @POTUS has every resource necessary to secure our homeland. https://t.co/x8ROXWIF80
— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) February 25, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has emphasized the necessity for increased vigilance among regional ranchers. “The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is a crucial part of Texas agriculture, and the safety of our agricultural community is of utmost importance,” Miller stated. “We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities.”
Texas Responds to Growing Threats
The Texas Department of Agriculture issued a travel advisory for those operating near or traveling to the border. This warning encompasses the threat of explosives, avoidance of isolated routes like dirt roads, and caution regarding unfamiliar entities along travel paths. Given the use of IEDs by organized crime, these advisories aim to mitigate risks for the agricultural community.
NEW: A 74 y/o Texas rancher and one other person were killed—A third person was injured by what authorities said was an IED planted by a cartel close to the U.S.-Mexico border.@TXGLO @DrBuckinghamTX tells @NewsNation, “These unspeakable violent acts should be condemned at the… https://t.co/jpHIhTWxTc
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) February 25, 2025
The U.S. State Department continues to issue travel warnings for Tamaulipas, stressing the danger posed by ongoing cartel violence. This guidance goes as far as advising U.S. government personnel to restrict travel during nighttime and avoid high-risk areas. This comes amid increasing reports of cartels using IEDs as a mechanism to deter rivals, a concerning escalation of tactics seen previously in terrorism hotbeds across the globe.
Personal Accounts and Reactions
Ramiro Céspedes, sharing a stark personal reflection, stated, “I consider this a terrorist attack because if I went to war to fight terrorists, and I’m seeing the same thing here to me—my personal opinion—it is a terrorist attack.” Aligning with this sentiment, Sid Miller’s statements further emphasize a need for ardent caution amidst rising tensions along the U.S.-Mexico border.
As threats continue to escalate, the focus on safeguarding the lives of ranchers working on these perilous grounds becomes critical. This unfolding situation positions ranchers at an intersection of ongoing cartel violence and the pressing need for robust safety protocols. The recent IED incident only reinforces the reality that security, in this frontier landscape, remains a top concern not only for local authorities but also for the federal apparatus tasked with safeguarding American lives.
I urge all Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who travel to Mexico or operate near the border to exercise extreme caution. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is a crucial part of Texas agriculture, and the safety of our agricultural community is of utmost importance. We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities. – Sid Miller.
