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

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced he was sending troops to the border and across the state to bolster public safety operations following a surge in cartel violence following the assassination of kingpin “El Mencho” over the weekend.

On Monday, Abbott, a Republican, ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to “strengthen public safety and homeland security operations” across Texas. He said the increase was a response to escalating cartel violence in Mexico, which he said poses a growing threat to American civilians.

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

He promised that in the face of increased cartel violence, “we will not give in to the criminals who impose terror on our fellow Texans and Americans.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott visits the border with the National Guard in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Raquel Natalicchio/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Under the governor’s direction, the state is sending resources to the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Division of Criminal Investigation and Special Operations Group in the border region to “detect, interdict and apprehend criminals and prevent the spillover of transnational threats.”

Texas is also increasing the presence of its Marine Tactical Unit and Air Operations Division along the border to detect and apprehend criminals. Additionally, Texas is activating additional personnel from its Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and reports of suspicious activity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

The cartel responded to the death of its leader with violence across Mexico, setting up roadblocks and burning vehicles throughout the day Sunday.

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A soldier stands guard near a charred vehicle after it was set on fire in Cointzio, Michoacán state, Mexico, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, following the death of Jalisco’s New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” (AP Photo/Armando Solís) (AP Photo/Armando Solís)

Several American tourists vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, also told Fox News Digital that they unexpectedly found themselves in the middle of violent cartel retaliation. As airlines canceled flights and authorities issued stay-at-home orders, stranded visitors reported cars set on fire, suspected cartel members blocking main roads and stores ransacked by looters – scenes some witnesses said made parts of the popular resort town feel like “war breaking out in the streets.”

Witnesses said they were forced to evacuate their rooms, make do with limited food at the hotel and even venture outside in search of meals while waiting for Mexican authorities to regain control of the city.

Staying in an Airbnb near a main road, Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, told Fox News Digital that he woke up to blaring horns and saw six cars completely engulfed in flames right outside his balcony. He and his wife, who had arrived in Mexico a day earlier, were forced to evacuate for several hours, fearing that a nearby fuel tanker, also on fire, would explode.

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Smoke billows from burning vehicles 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, February 22 2026. (Screenshot obtained from social media video. @morelifediares via Instagram/Youtube/via Reuters)

Abbott urged Texans in need of immediate help to call the U.S. State Department or the Texas Fusion Center, the state’s main tactical intelligence center.

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

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