Two Cartel Scouts Apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol

U.S. Border Patrol agents have detained two cartel scouts within the United States. These individuals were reportedly sharing information about law enforcement presence and directing smuggling operations for criminal organizations.

This incident came to light recently when U.S. Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks made an announcement on social media. In his post, he mentioned that the two suspects were Mexican nationals living in the U.S. illegally and equipped with various communication tools to monitor the movements of Border Patrol agents and spy on Mexican cartels.

While the specifics of the incident weren’t detailed in the post, the involvement of scouts is a well-known strategy used by drug cartels along the U.S. border. Depending on the location, these scouts often position themselves on elevated terrain near the Rio Grande or in the mountainous regions of Arizona to oversee U.S. agents and guide smugglers away from law enforcement.

In May, Chief Banks had previously announced a collaborative initiative with Mexican authorities aimed at pinpointing a cartel reconnaissance base near Nogales, Arizona. Reports indicated that Mexican officials located an area south of the border where cartel scouts were operating to monitor law enforcement and coordinate drug shipments.

For over ten years, there have been reports of cartel reconnaissance activities along the U.S.-Mexico border. Back in May 2016, Pima County Sheriff Paul Babu urged campers to be cautious of cartel scouts and raiders active in secluded parts of the county.

Even mainstream media has started discussing the pervasive threat of cartel scouts operating up to 100 miles north of the U.S. border. A notable instance in 2016 involved a Phoenix television station that documented a ride to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, where they learned about a cartel reconnaissance site. One journalist, visiting a similar area alone, had a brief interaction with a cartel scout, who inquired if he was associated with Border Patrol. This type of activity has been reported by various outlets, highlighting a persistent issue.

Additionally, it has been highlighted that drug cartels are increasingly utilizing drones for their reconnaissance missions. Border Patrol agents have observed numerous drone sightings daily. This issue gained more attention recently when the U.S. government restricted airspace around El Paso due to concerns about cartel drones, as stated by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.