A Texas rancher was killed in a cartel-linked explosion in northern Mexico, heightening concerns about the growing dangers along the U.S.-Mexico border. The attack, which involved an improvised explosive device (IED), has drawn warnings from officials urging those near the Rio Grande Valley to remain on high alert.
The victim, 74-year-old Antonio Céspedes Saldierna of Brownsville, Texas, was driving on his property in Tamaulipas, Mexico, when his vehicle detonated an explosive. Another man, Horacio Lopez Peña, was also killed in the blast, while Peña’s wife suffered injuries and was hospitalized.
BREAKING: Texas rancher killed by cartel IED near Southern border, officials say.
"This shocking act of violence highlights the growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border." pic.twitter.com/0Fyj7EDU3C
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 25, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the attack as a grim reminder of cartel violence. “This shocking act of violence highlights the growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border,” he said, cautioning those in the region to stay vigilant.
A rancher was killed by an IED in Texas
Which is horrific
But I find the warning from the TX Ag Commissioner alarming too
He says "avoid dirt roads" & "cartel-controlled regions"
WTH?
The warning should be
Watch out for the 82 ABN coming to eradicate the cartels pic.twitter.com/zCyjceuhJY— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) February 25, 2025
Authorities in Tamaulipas recently issued warnings about explosive devices left in rural areas following clashes between criminal organizations. The U.S. Consulate has also advised against travel to certain areas due to heightened cartel activity.
STATEMENT: A tragic and alarming incident occurred near Brownsville, Texas, where a U.S. citizen and Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) #TexasAgricultureMatters
READ HERE: https://t.co/1VdIW1mYcD pic.twitter.com/dt1vKfgaMa
— Texas Agriculture (@TexasDeptofAg) February 25, 2025
Céspedes’ son, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the explosion resembled attacks he witnessed in war zones. “I consider this a terrorist attack,” he stated, calling for greater action to confront cartel violence.
As tensions rise, the Trump administration has renewed efforts to designate cartels as terrorist organizations, a move that could expand U.S. capabilities in targeting these groups.
