Coast Guard personnel exchange gunfire with shooters across US-Mexico border
U.S. Coast Guard Engages in Gunfire Exchange with Mexican Forces Near Texas Border; Joint Forces Intensify Patrols
Garceno, Texas – September 26 – U.S. Coast Guard personnel operating on the Rio Grande River exchanged gunfire with individuals on the Mexican side of the U.S.–Mexico border near the small town of Garceno in Starr County, Texas. The incident, which took place during a joint migrant‑interception effort, prompted the U.S. military to cite it as evidence of a surge in illegal activity in the region.
The exchange began when shots were fired across the river from Mexican territory. Coast Guard crews returned fire in self‑defense. Authorities investigating the event have not yet determined who initiated the shots. “No injuries to Coast Guard or other personnel were reported, and no damage to Coast Guard assets or equipment was reported,” the Coast Guard said.
The confrontation occurred while federal agencies—Border Patrol, the Department of Homeland Security, the Pentagon and the Texas Military Department—conducted a coordinated operation to intercept migrants attempting to cross the Rio Grande. The Coast Guard had recently launched Operation River Wall in October 2025, deploying additional personnel, boats and other assets to patrol roughly 260 miles of the river along the U.S. side of the border. The operation aims to disrupt illicit crossings and protect local communities.
In response to the shooting, the U.S. military repositioned hundreds of troops and their equipment to the Rio Grande Valley. Meanwhile, Mexico mobilized 500 Army and National Guard personnel to its side of the border. U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said the embassy is working closely with Mexican forces to coordinate the response. “The embassy is helping to coordinate with Mexican forces that are being deployed in the border area where shots were fired against elements of the United States Coast Guard,” Johnson told reporters. “Mexican military commanders will communicate directly with the U.S. forces deployed. Together, we intend to patrol both sides of our shared border, protect our communities, and disrupt the operations of criminal and terrorist organizations. Any threat from criminal or terrorist elements on either side of the border will be addressed swiftly.”
The Joint Task Force–Southern Border, which oversees U.S. military operations in the Rio Grande Valley, said the encounter “is an example of this uptick in illegal activity.” It noted that the event reflects a historically observed seasonal increase in attempted illegal crossings.
Local officials in Starr County have urged residents to remain vigilant. “We’re working hand‑in‑hand with federal and Mexican authorities to keep the border safe,” said a county spokesperson. “Our priority is the security of our communities.”
As both sides of the border strengthen patrols and increase coordination, officials anticipate that the combined military and law‑enforcement effort will help curb the flow of migrants and deter criminal elements seeking to exploit the Rio Grande corridor.