Exclusive: Cartel Members Throw Rocks at US Border Patrol Agents on Rio Grande

Exclusive Access to Rio Grande Border Patrol Operations

• 🚀 Ali Bradley provides exclusive access to the Rio Grande Valley, detailing ongoing threats from cartels like the Cartel del Golfo.
• ⚠️ Border Patrol agents describe facing rock-throwing and taunts from cartel members during a boat tour.
• 🎯 Agents emphasize the constant need for high visibility and technology to counter cartel surveillance and activities.

Cartel Tactics and Agent Response

• 🏠 A scout house, marked with "CDG" (Cartel del Golfo), was identified as a known smuggling and scouting area.
• ⚡ Agents describe a rapid response to a surge of individuals, including drawing rifles to ensure the safety of film crews and personnel.
• 🧠 The incident highlights the dangers and tactics employed by individuals attempting illegal entry.

Evolving Smuggling Operations

• 📈 Agents note a shift from human smuggling to increased narcotics smuggling, particularly fentanyl, due to decreased human smuggling profits.
• 🗺️ Cartels dictate crossing locations and types of smuggling, with different stations seeing varied activity (e.g., narcotics in Rio Grande City/Brownsville, family units in McAllen).
• ⚠️ The risk of fentanyl being smuggled through ports of entry and between them is a significant concern.

Challenges and Agent Dedication

• 📸 Surveillance is constant, with individuals taking pictures and drones monitoring Border Patrol activities.
• 🤝 Agents maintain a close working relationship with the government of Mexico for coordinated efforts.
• 🇺🇸 Despite risks, agents express strong dedication, emphasizing their oath to safeguard the nation and their communities.

Operational Shifts and Agent Morale

• 📈 A shift towards high visibility posture and increased boots on the ground is noted, with significantly lower apprehension numbers.
• 🧑‍✈️ Agents feel more engaged in patrolling and performing the duties they signed up for, rather than processing paperwork.
• 💰 Incentives are available, and agents feel supported by various levels of government and the community.