Mexican drug cartels are escalating their tactics against US border agents, deploying weaponized drones and explosives as the Trump administration’s enhanced border security measures cut into their $13 billion smuggling operations.
New Threats Emerge
Border patrol agents are facing unprecedented threats as cartels turn to increasingly sophisticated weapons. According to an internal memo obtained by news organizations, cartel leaders have authorized the use of explosive-laden kamikaze drones against US border patrol agents and military personnel.
“The violence is escalating with these bomb-wielding drones,” a border agent told News Nation. The threat has become serious enough to prompt agency-wide warnings among US Customs and Border Protection personnel.
Drone Warfare Evidence
Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) has released drone footage showing cartel-on-cartel violence near the US border, including footage of armed drones dropping explosives on rival groups. The footage demonstrates the cartels’ advanced capabilities and resources.
“This opens up a whole other frontier that we’ve got to manage and deal with for our border security,” Roy told Fox News Digital. “It is indicative of the kind of danger we are talking about.”
Military Response Called For
Border agents are increasingly calling for military intervention to combat the escalating threats. The situation has intensified following recent gunfire exchanges between US Border Patrol and suspected cartel members in Fronton, Texas.
The violence surge comes as daily border encounters have dropped significantly under new enforcement measures. Texas Department of Public Safety reports encounters have fallen to under 500 per day, compared to 1,200-1,400 during the final week of the Biden administration.
Guantanamo Expansion
In response to the growing security challenges, the administration has begun implementing new measures including:
- First flights of detained migrants to Guantanamo Bay
- Plans to expand detention facilities to hold up to 30,000 individuals
- Increased coordination with Mexican security forces
- Enhanced multi-agency enforcement operations across the US
Mexico’s Cooperation
Mexico has pledged 10,000 troops to their side of the border as part of recent negotiations that helped avert US tariffs. The first contingent of Mexican National Guard troops has already arrived at the border, marking a significant shift in bilateral security cooperation.
Internal Threats
The cartels’ aggressive response comes as their operations face unprecedented pressure. Border officials report the organizations are in “desperation mode” as enhanced security measures disrupt their smuggling operations. Beyond direct confrontation, intelligence reports indicate cartels are using social media to encourage attacks on law enforcement, including calls for physical harm to ICE agents.
