Texas Scorecard by Soli Rice October 26, 2023
The explosives were set off directly across from Fronton Island, which was recently retaken from the Mexican cartels by Texas DPS.As cartel violence continues, a video of cartel operatives detonating explosives during a skirmish on the southern border was captured by a Texas Department of Public Safety drone.
DPS spokesman Lieutenant Chris Olivarez posted the video on social media.
The video provides both thermal and non-thermal views of four Mexican cartel operatives launching two explosives just south of Fronton Island, near the Rio Grande.
“The Mexican Drug Cartels remain the cause of ongoing gun battles in Los Guerra, MX, as the battle over lucrative smuggling routes intensifies,” said Olivarez. “This has a direct impact on border operations & the safety of residents in Fronton.”
Olivarez stated that Fronton Island is “one of the most dangerous and cartel-influenced areas along the Texas-Mexico border.”
The 170-acre island is situated in the Rio Grande between Starr County and Mexico and is a hotspot for cartel trafficking.
While the federal government has continued ignoring the issues created by an open border, the Texas State Legislature is now more than halfway through its third special legislative session. The day after the explosions were reported, lawmakers in the Texas House approved three border security measures.
Senate Bill 4 by State Sen. Pete Flores (R–Pleasanton) will increase penalties for human smuggling and operating a stash house. It establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for violations of SB 4.
House Bill 6 by State Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Richmond) appropriates $1.5 billion in funding for constructing, operating, and maintaining border barrier infrastructure.
House Bill 4 by State Rep. David Spiller (R-Jacksboro) creates a criminal penalty for improper entry from a foreign nation.
The third special session will end on November 7.
More:
https://texasscorecard.com/local/cartel-members-detonate-explosives-on-the-southern-border/
