Cartel Threat to Kidnap Federal Agents at Texas Border Under Investigation, Report Says
U.S. authorities are investigating a reported threat to kidnap federal agents along the Texas-Mexico border, according to an internal alert obtained from Department of Homeland Security sources.
The alert reportedly identifies a known migrant smuggler who is suspected of planning to bring several people from Colombia and Venezuela into the United States as part of an operation that could target U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.
Officials believe agents operating in the El Paso and Presidio areas of Texas could potentially be targeted.
CBP said it maintains intelligence on individuals and organizations that may pose threats to U.S. personnel and that information contained in such alerts is evaluated and vetted to determine its credibility.
The agency declined to disclose operational details about measures being taken to protect officers and agents.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly identified the cartel allegedly involved, and the reported kidnapping plan has not been announced as a confirmed active operation.
The alert comes amid heightened security concerns along the U.S.-Mexico border involving organized crime groups, migrant smuggling networks and attacks or threats against law-enforcement personnel.
