A Texas rancher was killed after unknowingly triggering an explosive device on his property in northern Mexico, in what officials are calling a disturbing escalation of cartel violence. The attack has prompted urgent warnings for those near the U.S.-Mexico border to remain vigilant.
The victim, 74-year-old Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, was traveling on his ranch in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, when his vehicle set off an IED. He and another man, Horacio Lopez Peña, were killed instantly. Peña’s wife, Ninfa Griselda Ortega, survived but was badly injured.
BREAKING: Texas rancher killed by cartel IED near Southern border, officials say.
"This shocking act of violence highlights the growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border." pic.twitter.com/0Fyj7EDU3C
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 25, 2025
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the attack as a wake-up call for those working in the region. “This shocking act of violence highlights the growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border,” Miller said.
A rancher was killed by an IED in Texas
Which is horrific
But I find the warning from the TX Ag Commissioner alarming too
He says "avoid dirt roads" & "cartel-controlled regions"
WTH?
The warning should be
Watch out for the 82 ABN coming to eradicate the cartels pic.twitter.com/zCyjceuhJY— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) February 25, 2025
Mexican authorities have warned of an increase in explosive devices left behind after cartel conflicts. The state of Tamaulipas recently issued an alert about the risk of hidden explosives on roads and fields.
STATEMENT: A tragic and alarming incident occurred near Brownsville, Texas, where a U.S. citizen and Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) #TexasAgricultureMatters
READ HERE: https://t.co/1VdIW1mYcD pic.twitter.com/dt1vKfgaMa
— Texas Agriculture (@TexasDeptofAg) February 25, 2025
The attack has also reignited discussions about whether Mexican drug cartels should be officially designated as terrorist organizations. The Trump administration has been pushing for this classification, which would allow for more aggressive measures against cartel groups.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have reiterated warnings for those traveling in high-risk areas, urging people to avoid remote roads and remain aware of their surroundings.
