A Texas rancher was killed after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated under his vehicle in northern Mexico, an incident officials warn is part of the growing cartel violence near the border. The attack has drawn new calls for increased security and vigilance among ranchers and farmers operating in the region.
The victim, Antonio Céspedes Saldierna, 74, was checking on his property in Tamaulipas, Mexico, when the explosion occurred. His passenger, Horacio Lopez Peña, was also killed, while Peña’s wife survived with injuries and was hospitalized.
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 condemned the attack, calling it a stark reminder of the cartel-fueled dangers along the U.S.-Mexico border. “We cannot ignore the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities,” 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 issued warnings about explosive devices left behind after cartel clashes, particularly in remote areas. The U.S. Consulate has also reiterated travel advisories for regions controlled by criminal groups.
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
Céspedes’ son, a U.S. Army veteran, described the attack as “a terrorist act,” pointing out similarities to tactics he had encountered while serving overseas. He urged government officials to take stronger action against the cartels.
The Trump administration has been increasing pressure on Mexican authorities to crack down on organized crime, with discussions continuing on whether to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
