A Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device near the U.S.-Mexico border, marking a deadly escalation in cartel violence that has officials warning of terrorist-like tactics being deployed against American citizens.
Quick Takes
- Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, a Texas rancher, was killed by an IED near Brownsville while checking on his property in Tamaulipas, Mexico
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued urgent safety warnings for farmers and ranchers in the border region
- Mexican cartels are reportedly planting explosives along rural roads, prompting officials to advise avoiding remote areas and nighttime travel
- The incident follows President Trump’s administration designating several cartels as foreign terrorist organizations
- The victim’s son, a U.S. Army veteran, called the attack a “terrorist attack” comparable to warfare tactics
Deadly Border Violence Escalates to IED Attacks
The killing of Antonio Céspedes Saldierna by an improvised explosive device (IED) represents an alarming escalation in cartel violence along the southern border. The incident occurred near Brownsville, Texas, while Saldierna was checking on his property in Tamaulipas, Mexico. Another individual, Horacio Lopez Peña, was also killed in the explosion, and Ninfa Griselda Ortega sustained injuries. This attack marks a significant shift in cartel tactics, moving from traditional violence to terrorism-style bombings typically associated with war zones.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed the incident and issued an urgent warning to those living or working near the border stating, “I urge all Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who travel to Mexico or operate near the border to exercise extreme caution… We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture has released a safety alert specifically for the Rio Grande Valley region, highlighting the growing security threat. Reports indicate Mexican drug cartels have been strategically placing explosives along roads near the Texas border, creating hazardous conditions for ranchers, farmers, and other citizens who traverse these areas regularly.
NEW: Texas border rancher k*lled by a suspected cartel IED at the Southern Border, according to the Texas Department of Agriculture.
74-year-old Rancher Antonio Céspedes Saldierna was driving on his ranch when the explosive detonated.
According to the New York Post, Saldierna… pic.twitter.com/PZyY8isbgJ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 25, 2025
Officials Warn of Terrorist-Like Tactics
The son of the victim, Ramiro Céspedes, a U.S. Army veteran, drew direct parallels between the attack and terrorism. “I consider this a terrorist attack because if I went to war to fight terrorists, and I’m seeing the same thing here to me – my personal opinion – it is a terrorist attack,” said Céspedes in a statement that underscores the severity of the situation.
The Tamaulipas government has issued specific warnings about explosive devices planted on rural roads between Reynosa and Rio Bravo. Officials believe these IEDs are primarily used by organized crime groups to deter rival cartels, but innocent civilians are increasingly becoming victims. The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning for Tamaulipas, categorizing it as a high-risk area due to elevated levels of crime and kidnappings, advising U.S. citizens to avoid the region entirely.
Border Security Measures and Federal Response
President Trump’s administration has intensified efforts against drug cartels by designating several major organizations as foreign terrorist organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This classification allows the U.S. government to deploy more aggressive tactics, including special operations forces targeting cartel leadership. The escalation in enforcement has potentially triggered retaliatory measures from cartels, with some analysts suggesting the explosives represent a direct response to increased U.S. deportation efforts.
“Unfortunately, extreme violence, including the use of IEDs, has become more common over the last few years as cartels were emboldened by weak leadership in Washington, D.C.,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham.
The Texas Agriculture Commission recommendations include avoiding dirt roads and remote areas, refraining from travel at night, and staying on main roads whenever possible. Citizens are also encouraged to maintain heightened awareness of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
