The growing threat of cartel violence claimed another American life this month when a Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while traveling on his property in northern Mexico. The deadly attack has drawn renewed attention to cartel activity near the U.S. border and raised questions about national security.
The victim, 74-year-old Antonio Céspedes Saldierna of Brownsville, Texas, was driving on his ranch in Tamaulipas when his truck triggered the explosive. A second man, Horacio Lopez Peña, was also killed, while Peña’s wife was hospitalized with injuries.
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 condemned the attack, calling it “a tragic and alarming incident” and warning that border-region residents must remain vigilant. “We cannot ignore the escalating violence that threatens lives and the security of our rural communities,” Miller said.
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
The explosion has been likened to attacks seen in war zones. Céspedes’ son, an Army veteran, said the use of IEDs is a clear indication that cartel tactics resemble those of terrorist organizations. “If I saw this in combat overseas, I’d call it terrorism,” he said.
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
The Trump administration has been working to designate Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that could expand military options for targeting cartel leadership and operations.
As U.S. and Mexican officials assess the growing dangers in the region, authorities have urged Americans to avoid high-risk areas, stick to main roads and report any suspicious activity.
