A Texas rancher was killed in a suspected cartel bombing while visiting his property in northern Mexico, prompting officials to issue urgent warnings about growing violence near the U.S. border. The attack has raised concerns about the increasing use of explosive devices by cartels operating in the region.
Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, 74, was driving his truck on his ranch in Tamaulipas when he hit an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast also killed his companion, Horacio Lopez Peña, and left Peña’s wife injured.
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
“This is a tragic and alarming incident,” said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “Cartel activity continues to pose a serious threat along our border, and those living or working in the region must exercise extreme caution.”
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
Mexican officials have recently warned that cartels are leaving explosives behind after violent clashes. A state advisory in Tamaulipas cautioned that agricultural roads and rural paths could contain hidden dangers.
Céspedes’ son, who served in the U.S. military overseas, likened the attack to those carried out by terrorist groups. “I fought against this kind of violence in the Middle East. Now, I’m seeing the same thing right here.”
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
With cartel violence intensifying, the Trump administration has taken steps to crack down on organized crime across the border. Some lawmakers have called for a stronger military response to counter cartel influence.
