A Texas rancher lost his life in a cartel-linked explosion in northern Mexico, drawing sharp warnings from U.S. officials about the increasing dangers along the border. The attack, which involved an improvised explosive device (IED), has raised further concerns about cartel violence creeping closer to American communities.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the incident as a “shocking act of violence,” warning that those living and working near the Rio Grande Valley should remain on high alert. “We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches and rural communities,” Miller stated.
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
The victim, 74-year-old Antonio Céspedes Saldierna of Brownsville, Texas, was traveling in his truck on his ranch in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, when the explosion occurred. Another man, Horacio Lopez Peña, was also killed, while Peña’s wife, Ninfa Griselda Ortega, was injured and hospitalized.
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 attack has drawn comparisons to the type of warfare seen in the Middle East. Céspedes’ son, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the use of IEDs mirrors tactics used by terrorist groups. “I consider this a terrorist attack,” 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
Tamaulipas officials have previously warned of unexploded cartel devices in rural areas due to ongoing conflicts between rival criminal organizations. U.S. authorities have also issued travel warnings, advising against venturing into the region.
As cartel violence escalates, the Trump administration has renewed efforts to designate drug cartels as terrorist organizations, a move that could lead to increased military and intelligence operations against them.
