Mexican cartels targeting U.S. Border Patrol
Mexican drug cartels are escalating their tactics against U.S. Border Patrol agents and military personnel, deploying kamikaze drones and explosives as the U.S. government intensifies its crackdown on illegal activities at the southern border.
An internal memo titled “Officer Safety Alert,” obtained by the New York Post, warns federal agents of the growing threat. The memo, issued by the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center (EPT-IOC), reveals that cartel leaders have authorized the use of drones equipped with explosives to attack U.S. personnel stationed along the border.
“On February 1, 2025, the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center (EPT-IOC) received information advising that Mexican cartel leaders have authorized the deployment of drones equipped with explosives to be used against U.S. Border Patrol agents and U.S. military personnel currently working along the border with Mexico,” the memo states.
Agents have been urged to remain vigilant, wear ballistic armor, and report any drone sightings to their leadership staff and the EPT-IOC.
Cartels Use Social Media to Incite Violence
Mexican cartels targeting U.S. Border Patrol are also leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to provoke violence against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Posts have encouraged illegal immigrants to spit and urinate on ICE personnel, defecate in their vehicles, and even target them for assassination.
This escalation comes as the Trump administration enforces stricter border security measures, including deportation raids targeting illegal immigrants with criminal records. These measures threaten cartel profits from drug and human smuggling operations, prompting the cartels to retaliate.
Gunfire and Violence Escalate at the Border
Last week, Border Patrol agents patrolling in Fronton, Texas, were fired upon by cartel members who fled into Mexico after encountering a military presence. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the cartel members sought refuge on an island between the U.S. and Mexico.
The memo highlights the increasing danger faced by U.S. personnel as cartels attempt to disrupt border operations.
Private Security Firms Proposed to Combat Cartels
In response to the escalating violence, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has proposed a controversial solution: allowing private parties to target drug cartels for profit. Lee suggested issuing letters of marque and reprisal, which would authorize private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations.
“Congress could issue letters of marque and reprisal authorizing private security firms or specially trained civilians to intercept cartel operations, particularly those involving drug shipments or human trafficking across borders,” Lee wrote on X.
This approach would focus on disrupting cartel supply lines, capturing high-value targets, and seizing assets such as vehicles, cash, and equipment used in criminal activities. Lee argued that this strategy could reduce costs for American taxpayers, as privateers would be compensated with a portion of the assets they seize.
Conclusion
As Mexican cartels escalate their tactics, including the use of kamikaze drones and social media provocations, U.S. Border Patrol agents face increasing risks. The proposed involvement of private security firms could mark a significant shift in how the U.S. combats cartel operations, but the legal and ethical implications remain a topic of debate.
