A Texas rancher died after his vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near the U.S.-Mexico border, marking an alarming escalation in cartel violence that threatens American lives and livelihoods.
At a Glance
- Antonio Céspedes Saldierna was killed by an IED near the Mexico border, with one other person dead and one injured
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued warnings about increasing cartel violence and explosive devices in the region
- Officials advise avoiding remote areas, dirt roads, and nighttime travel near the border
- The incident occurs amid intensified U.S. operations against cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations
- Experts warn violence may increase as cartels retaliate against stronger enforcement efforts
Deadly IED Attack Signals New Threat Level
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller confirmed that Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, a U.S. citizen and Texas rancher, was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Brownsville, Texas. The explosion also killed Horacio Lopez Peña and injured Ninfa Griselda Ortega. This tragic incident represents a significant escalation in the tactics employed by Mexican drug cartels operating along the southern border, bringing warfare techniques previously associated with overseas conflicts directly to American soil.
Cartels are getting out of control – and they seem to be getting worse as Trump tries to get them out of America.
The victim’s son, Ramiro Céspedes, a U.S. Army veteran, drew direct parallels between the bombing and terrorist tactics he encountered during military service.
“I consider this a terrorist attack because if I went to war to fight terrorists, and I’m seeing the same thing here to me – my personal opinion – it is a terrorist attack,” Ramiro Céspedes said.
We shouldn’t be hearing stories like this in the United States of America…
🚨🇺🇸CARTEL EXPLOSIVES KILL TEXAS RANCHER NEAR U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
Texas rancher Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, 74, was killed after running over an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by a drug cartel in Tamaulipas, Mexico.
The blast also killed Horacio Lopez Peña… https://t.co/JSBE1Gm0Zk pic.twitter.com/ZEOvJw5deD
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 25, 2025
Officials Issue Urgent Safety Warnings
Following the deadly incident, the Texas Department of Agriculture released safety warnings specifically for the Rio Grande Valley region.
Officials are advising residents and agricultural workers to exercise extreme caution, particularly when traveling on rural roads. The warnings include avoiding dirt roads, remote areas, and cartel-controlled regions entirely. Citizens are also encouraged to travel only during daylight hours and to remain on main, well-traveled highways.
“I urge all Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who travel to Mexico or operate near the border to exercise extreme caution. We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities. I encourage everyone in the agricultural industry to stay vigilant, remain aware of their surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement,” Miller said.
The gravity of the situation is further underscored by government officials in Tamaulipas, Mexico, who have warned about explosive devices placed on rural roads between Reynosa and Rio Bravo. These IEDs are reportedly deployed by organized crime groups as deterrents against rival cartels. The U.S. State Department has also issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Tamaulipas due to widespread crime and kidnapping risks.
This escalation in cartel violence comes amid heightened efforts by U.S. authorities to combat drug trafficking organizations. The Trump administration recently designated several cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation enables more aggressive tactics, including the deployment of special operations forces against these groups and expanded authority to freeze their financial assets.
If you plan to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border, perhaps consider not doing it. At least for now.