(NewsNation) — U.S. Border Patrol was involved in a shootout with cartel members in the Rio Grande Valley, the Texas Department of Public Safety says.
The tense moments unfolded Monday in Fronton, Texas. At around 1:40 p.m, shots were fired from the Mexican side of the border at agents. The Border Patrol agents took cover, returned fire, and called for backup.
Drone footage from Texas DPS shows suspected cartel members fleeing after firing the shots.
No one was injured on either side. Department of Homeland Security sources tell NewsNation the cartel members were attempting to smuggle a group across the river, but they did not make it onto U.S. soil.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing. U.S. agents are working closely with Mexican authorities. At this time, no arrests have been made.
“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,” Texas DPS spokesperson Lt. Chris Olivarez said on X.
Texas National Guard sent to Rio Grande Valley
The Rio Grande Valley is a place notorious for cartel activity and human smuggling.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott deployed 400 additional Texas National Guard troops to the area. They arrived in McAllen on Monday from the Texas Technical Border Force unit.
The Border Force Unite was launched in 2023 as part of Texas’ operation Lone Star initiative.
Border Patrol agents on the ground in the Rio Grande Valley say they welcome the additional manpower and support.
