Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that he is deploying additional state law enforcement resources to the southern border and statewide following a surge in cartel violence in Mexico.
The reported killing of Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” has sparked waves of bloodshed.
Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to “enhance public safety and homeland security operations” statewide.
The Republican governor cited escalating violence south of the border that he said poses a threat to Americans.
“Mexican drug cartels pose a significant threat to public safety and national security,” Abbott said.
“By increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence, Texas will continue to utilize every tool and strategy to protect our state and our nation.”
He added:
“We will not cower to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”
Expanded Border Operations
Under Abbott’s directive, Texas is surging personnel and resources to the border region, including:
- Texas Highway Patrol
- Texas Rangers
- Criminal Investigations Division
- Special Operations Group
The goal, according to the governor’s office, is to “detect, interdict, and apprehend criminals, and to prevent spillover activity from transnational threats.”
Texas is also increasing deployments from its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division to strengthen surveillance and interdiction efforts.
Additionally, the state is activating more personnel from its Homeland Security Division and Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.
Abbott said Texas is “closely coordinating” with the U.S. Department of State and the FBI as developments continue.
Cartel Retaliation After “El Mencho” Killing
The heightened alert follows widespread violence in Mexico after the death of “El Mencho,” the longtime leader of the CJNG cartel.
Mexican authorities reported that 25 Mexican National Guard troops and more than two dozen suspected criminals were killed amid the unrest.
Cartel members reportedly responded by setting up roadblocks, torching vehicles, and igniting fires in multiple cities.
In Puerto Vallarta, a popular tourist destination, American travelers described scenes of chaos.
Flights were canceled, and shelter-in-place advisories were issued.
Visitors reported vehicles set ablaze, roads blocked by suspected cartel members, and stores looted.
One tourist described it as “a war breaking out in the streets.”
Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, said he awoke to car horns.
When he looked outside from his Airbnb balcony, he saw six vehicles fully engulfed in flames.
He and his wife evacuated for several hours over fears that a burning fuel tanker nearby could explode.
Other travelers reported limited food supplies in hotels and uncertainty as authorities attempted to restore order.
Security Concerns on the U.S. Side
While the violence has occurred in Mexico, Abbott signaled concern about potential spillover into Texas.
The governor urged Texans needing immediate assistance to contact the U.S. Department of State or the Texas Fusion Center.
The CJNG cartel has long been considered one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations operating in Mexico and the United States.
Abbott’s latest action underscores ongoing tensions along the southern border and reflects broader concerns about cartel activity impacting U.S. communities.
As cartel leadership transitions often trigger violent power struggles, Texas officials say they are preparing for any potential consequences north of the border.
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