Suspected Mexican cartel members were recorded on film opening fire on US Border Patrol officials 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 spectacular attack occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Fronton, Texas.
Border Patrol authorities told The Post that the apparent cartel members began firing as the group of migrants attempted to cross the Rio Grande.
According to accounts, 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, accompanied several videos of the heavily armed attacker.
“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 guys going along the riverbank, trying to hide in the shrubbery while the drone trailed them.
The videos show many people repeatedly shooting 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 informed the crowd.
The Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, DHS Office of Inspector General, FBI, and Texas Department of Public Safety continue to investigate the gunshot scene, according to CBP late Monday.
There were no reported injuries, according to police.
Meanwhile, the migrants attempting to cross during the incident 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 hardening 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 currently 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 campaign to close 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.