Abbott surges Texas Rangers and elite tactical units to border as cartel violence spikes

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he is mobilizing state troopers to the border and across the state to enhance public safety operations following an increase in cartel violence following the killing of ringleader “El Mencho” over the weekend.

On Monday, Republican Abbott directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to “enhance public safety and homeland security operations” across Texas. He said the increase was in response to increased cartel violence in Mexico, which he believes poses an increasing threat to American civilians.

“Mexican drug cartels pose a serious threat to public safety and national security,” Abbott said. “Texas will continue to use every tool and strategy to protect our state and nation by increasing proactive efforts to defend against cartel violence.”

In the face of increasing cartel violence, he vowed, “We will not bow to criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”

Under the governor’s order, the state is sending Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division and Special Operations Group resources to the border region to “detect, interdict and apprehend criminals and prevent the spread of activities from transnational threats.”

Texas is also increasing the presence of its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division along the border to detect and capture criminals. In addition, Texas is activating additional personnel from the Department of Homeland Security and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports 24/7.

This comes as 25 Mexican National Guard soldiers and more than two dozen criminal suspects remain among the dead in cartel violence that erupted across Mexico following the murder of Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

The cartel reacted violently across Mexico to its leader’s death, setting up barricades and setting vehicles on fire throughout Sunday.

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A soldier stands guard next to a charred vehicle that was set on fire following the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, in Cointzio in the Mexican state of Michoacán. (AP Photo/Armando Solis) (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

Several American tourists vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, also told Fox News Digital they found themselves in the middle of unexpectedly violent cartel retaliation. Airlines canceled flights and authorities ordered shelter-in-place, stranded visitors reportedly had their cars set on fire, suspected cartel members blocked major roads, and stores were ransacked by looters; Some eyewitnesses said it felt like “a war was breaking out in the streets” in parts of the popular holiday city.

Witnesses said they had to vacate their rooms, make do with limited hotel food and even go out to find food as they waited for Mexican authorities to regain control of the city.

Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, who was staying at an Airbnb near the main road, told Fox News Digital he woke up to the sound of a horn and saw six cars completely engulfed in flames right outside his balcony. He and his wife, who had arrived in Mexico only the day before, were forced to evacuate for several hours, fearing that a burning fuel tanker nearby would explode.

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Smoke rises from burning vehicles amid a wave of violence that has burned highways and gunmen blocked highways in more than half a dozen states following a military operation that a government source said killed Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” on Feb. 22, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (screenshot taken from a social media video via @morelifediares Instagram/Youtube/Reuters)

Abbott urged Texans who need immediate assistance to call the U.S. State Department or the Texas Fusion Center, the state’s primary tactical intelligence center.

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He said the state was in “close coordination” with the State Department and FBI as the situation unfolded.

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