A Texas rancher was killed in Mexico after his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device, a sign of the worsening cartel violence that has officials warning border-area residents to take extra precautions.
Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, 74, was traveling through his ranch in Tamaulipas when the blast occurred, also killing his companion, Horacio Lopez Peña, and injuring Peña’s wife.
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
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller called the attack a “tragic and alarming incident,” warning that cartel activity in the region has reached new levels of violence. He urged farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
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
Authorities in Tamaulipas recently cautioned the public about cartel explosives in rural areas, particularly after violent clashes. The U.S. Consulate has also urged travelers to avoid dangerous regions and stick to main roads.
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
Céspedes’ son, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, said the attack was reminiscent of what he had seen in combat zones. “I fought against this kind of violence overseas, and now it’s happening here,” he said.
With cartel activity on the rise, the Trump administration has been pushing for increased border security and renewed efforts to hold cartel leaders accountable.
