Coast Guard members engaged in a shootout with individuals on the Mexican side of the border, an incident that U.S. military officials pointed to as evidence of growing illegal activities. This event comes as hundreds of U.S. troops and equipment were moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, coinciding with the deployment of 500 Mexican Army and National Guard personnel on the other side.
The Coast Guard was intercepting migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande River while collaborating with other federal agencies when the initial gunfire erupted from across the border. According to officials, they returned fire. This exchange occurred on September 26 during joint operations near Garceno, a small Texas town in Starr County.
The Coast Guard is currently investigating the incident in collaboration with federal partners, though it remains unclear who initiated the gunfire. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries or damage to Coast Guard personnel or their equipment.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson indicated that the embassy is assisting in coordinating with Mexican forces in the area where the Coast Guard was fired upon. He stated that Mexican military leaders would communicate directly with U.S. forces. This cooperative effort aims to patrol both sides of the border, protect communities, and tackle the operations of criminal and terrorist organizations. Any threats from such elements will be dealt with promptly, he assured.
In October 2025, the Coast Guard launched Operation River Wall, sending additional personnel, boats, and other resources to patrol approximately 260 miles of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Coast Guard emphasized its collaboration with Border Patrol, the Pentagon, and the Texas Military Department to secure the border, disrupt illegal activities, and ensure the safety of American people.
The military mentioned that the recent encounter exemplifies the increase in illegal activity observed around that time. This reallocation of troops comes as a response to what the military described as “historically observed seasonal increases.”
