Coast Guard Returns Fire Across Border As Cartel Violence Escalates

Liberty Check

• Coast Guard personnel came under direct attack from Mexican territory while conducting lawful border operations.
• Washington deployed hundreds of troops and the Mexican government sent 500 soldiers in response to the surge in cross-border threats.
• Operation River Wall continues the constitutional duty to secure the homeland against cartels and foreign terrorists.

Coast Guard personnel were intercepting migrants crossing the Rio Grande River when gunfire erupted from the Mexican side of the border. They returned fire during the exchange that occurred on September 26 near Garceno, Texas.

The incident was cited by military officials as further proof of rising illegal activity along the southern frontier.

“No injuries to Coast Guard or other personnel were reported, and no damage to Coast Guard assets or equipment was reported,” the Coast Guard said.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson confirmed that the embassy is coordinating with Mexican forces now deployed in the area where shots were fired against United States Coast Guard elements.

“Mexican military commanders will communicate directly with the U.S. forces deployed. Together, we intend to patrol both sides of our shared border, protect our communities, and disrupt the operations of criminal and terrorist organizations. Any threat from criminal or terrorist elements on either side of the border will be addressed swiftly,” he added.

The Coast Guard launched Operation River Wall in October 2025, deploying boats and personnel to patrol roughly 260 miles of the Rio Grande. The mission works with Border Patrol, the Pentagon, and the Texas Military Department to secure the border and stop illicit activity.

“We will continue to leverage a layered, integrated approach to control, secure and defend the border that strengthens our collective ability to counter illicit activity and safeguard our personnel and the communities we serve,” the Coast Guard said.

The U.S. military also moved hundreds of troops and equipment into the Rio Grande Valley ahead of expected seasonal spikes in illegal crossings.

The Joint Task Force-Southern Border described the September 26 encounter as evidence of this ongoing surge in border threats.

Our freedoms depend on staying vigilant.