Following the tragic death of a South Texas rancher, allegedly caused by a cartel-planted explosive device, the Trump administration has pledged a forceful response to escalating cartel threats against Americans. Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, a 74-year-old U.S. citizen, was killed when his truck detonated an IED while driving in Tamaulipas, Mexico. This incident follows weeks of heightened concern regarding increased cartel activity and violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes affirmed the administration's commitment to border security, emphasizing President Trump's recent designation of eight cartels, including MS-13 and several Mexican cartels, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation, Hughes explained, underscores the president's resolve to treat violent cartel members as terrorists. While Hughes refrained from detailing specific responses, he assured that the administration would remain steadfast in pursuing criminal gangs threatening the homeland.
Hughes reiterated President Trump's unwavering commitment to border security, community protection, and the dismantling of terrorist organizations. Saldierna's death, as reported by KRGV-TV, occurred approximately two hours south of the border. This incident follows a series of alarming events, including Border Patrol agents coming under fire from cartel members near Fronton, Texas, in late January, and the revelation of cartel drone capabilities, including the capacity to deploy airborne missiles, as documented by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas).
Rep. Roy urged immediate action against the cartels, condemning the Biden administration's border policies and calling for the formal designation of cartels as terrorist organizations. He emphasized the need to codify President Trump's executive order to effectively combat these groups. Former Republican congresswoman Mayra Flores echoed these concerns, highlighting the daily dangers faced by individuals in the region. Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz stressed the importance of ICE's role in curbing cartel violence, pledging to collaborate with the Trump administration in supporting border patrol and ICE agents.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose district encompasses significant portions of the southern border, condemned the cartels' disregard for law and life, expressing full support for their designation as terrorist organizations. This designation, he argued, would empower the government to more effectively disrupt cartel operations. Fox News Digital reached out to Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez for comment but did not receive a response.
