When cartels shoot at the Coast Guard, it’s not crime — it’s terrorism

On September 26, U.S. Coast Guard personnel patrolling near Garceño, Texas, came under gunfire from the Mexican side of the border and returned fire. No injuries or damage were reported. The incident has put the U.S. and Mexico at odds, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum demanding evidence that the shots originated from her country's territory despite claims by the U.S. State Department that information about the shooting was shared with Mexican authorities. Despite the dispute, both nations maintain communication between their military ministries and continue to coordinate border security operations without subordination. A week after the incident, U.S. Northern Command announced it would send additional forces and equipment to the Rio Grande Valley.