Border Agents Face Incoming Fire From Mexico
On Thursday, in the vicinity of Clint, Texas, U.S. Border Patrol agents, while performing their sworn duties, faced gunfire from the Mexican side of the border as they apprehended a group of migrants. According to Border Report, “As the group was being apprehended, agents noticed a subject south of the border barrier brandishing a handgun and firing toward the agents.” Gratefully, these brave agents promptly sought cover, ensuring the safety of themselves and the migrants.
Highlighting the severity of the incident, the FBI, treating the situation as an assault on a federal officer, swiftly took charge of the investigation. As stated by Doug Goodwater, FBI El Paso Acting Special Agent in Charge, “Assaults on Border Patrol agents or any other law enforcement officer from any side of the border will not be tolerated and will be investigated swiftly by our office so they can continue to carry out their sworn duty to protect our community and nation.”
Sadly, this incident is not isolated. Data provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) paints a worrying picture. There have been 357 reported assaults on Border Patrol agents from October to June. While the fiscal year 2022 witnessed 521 such assaults, the current year isn’t far behind. Among these assaults, gunfire, though relatively rarer, has shown an uptick, with 12 incidents in FY 2022 and seven already recorded this year.
This escalation is indicative of a broader and more concerning trend. According to a statement provided to Fox News, the Texas Department of Public Safety emphasized, “There is no greater public safety and national security threat than the Mexican drug cartels, who have exploited security vulnerabilities due to an unsecured international border.”
These security challenges at the border are undeniable. Only recently, two armed cartel members were apprehended in Texas, reiterating the growing concerns about the safety of our border and the agents who protect it. While authorities are actively responding to these incidents, noting the silence from some quarters is concerning. As of the time of this report, neither a spokesperson for CBP nor the FBI has responded to requests for comment.
Indeed, “The men and women of the United States Border Patrol work tirelessly to keep our borders safe every day,” Goodwater added. The constant threat they face daily — from gunfire, physical assault, or rock-throwing — demands attention and action.
As a nation, supporting and protecting those who stand on the front lines is crucial. Like many others, this incident underscores the urgent need to address the escalating challenges at our southern border. While the agents involved in this incident escaped unharmed, the questions it raises about border security and the safety of our personnel remain pressing and warrant decisive action.
