Abbott brings in the Texas Rangers and border intelligence units as cartel violence erupts

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he will deploy troops along the border and throughout the state to improve public security operations following the escalation of violence that erupted after the killing of kingpin “El Mencho” over the weekend.

On Monday, Abbott, a Republican, ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to “improve public safety and homeland security operations” across Texas. He said the attack was due to the escalating violence in Mexico that he believed posed a growing threat to the American people.

“Mexican drug cartels are a serious threat to public safety and national security,” Abbott said. “By increasing efforts to prevent cartel violence, Texas will continue to use all tools and techniques to protect our state and our nation.”

He vowed that despite the increase in cartel violence, “We will no longer be afraid of criminals who put fear into other Texans and Americans.”

At the governor’s order, the state is sending the resources of the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group resources to the border region to “find, prevent, and apprehend criminals, and prevent the spread of activities in international threats.”

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

This comes as violence erupted across Mexico that left 25 Mexican National Guard soldiers and more than a dozen suspected criminals dead following the killing of Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) gang leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.”

The group responded to the death of its leader with violence across Mexico, setting up roadblocks and burning cars on Sunday.

CRUZ WARNS MEXICAN OFFICIALS ‘PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL DO IT’ IF CARTELS ARE UNKNOWN

A soldier stands next to a burnt-out car after it was set on fire in Coinzio, Michoacán state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, after the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Armando Solis) (AP Photo/Armando Solis)

Many American tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, also told Fox News Digital that they suddenly found themselves in the midst of violent retaliation. As airlines canceled flights and authorities issued stay-at-home orders, stranded tourists reported cars burned, suspected cartel members blocked highways, and stores ransacked by looters — scenes some witnesses said made parts of the popular resort town feel like “a war was breaking out in the streets.”

Witnesses said they were forced to leave their rooms, carry limited food from the hotel, and even go outside to look for food while they waited for Mexican authorities to regain control of the city.

Staying at an Airbnb near the highway, Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital that he woke up crying and saw six cars on fire just outside his front porch. He and his wife, who had arrived in Mexico the day before, were forced to evacuate the area for several hours, fearing that a nearby fuel tank, also on fire, might explode.

EX-NAVY SEAL FILES MEXICAN ‘DRUG CARTEL’ ON NOTICE AFTER VIOLENT WEEKEND: ‘LIKE ISIS’

Smoke billows from burning cars amid a wave of violence, with burned vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states, following a military operation in which a government source said Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” was killed, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, Feb. 20262, . (screen capture obtained from social media video. @morelifediares via Instagram/YouTube/via Reuters)

Abbott urged Texans who need help immediately to call the US State Department or the Texas Fusion Center, the state’s main intelligence agency.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM

He said the state is “working closely” with the State Department and the FBI as the situation unfolds.

Related Article