Jack Beavers
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Texas/U.S. Southwestern Border Issues; Texas Politics; South Texas Border Culture & History
Editor-in-Chief @ us border news. com - contributor to newsbreak . com - Emmy-awarded reporter covering US Southern Border news & culture.
Articles by Jack Beavers
UPDATE: Texas City Cancels Muslim Pool Party at Publicly-Owned Water Park
An epic battle is brewing between the City of Grand Prairie and the State of Texas over a private party at the city-owned “Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark” that was initially advertised as a “Muslims Only” event.
¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! Speedy Gonzales returns to the silver screen
Editor’s Note:This analysis/opinion article was authored by Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder, on the non-profit news site “The Conversation.” We are republishing it in the US Border News “Culture & History” section as part of our commitment to bringing you views from diverse voices on border issues. The cartoon mouse was taken off the air over concerns about damaging stereotypes, only to be brought back when Hispanic American groups protested.
$72+ Million in Cocaine seized by US Coast Guard & Navy
A small portion of more than $72 million in cocaine that the Coast Guard seized after intercepting five cartel drug smuggling boats is offloaded in Miami Beach on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Border Patrol Answers Cartel Human Smuggling Surge
Hundreds of Border Patrol Agents are being temporarily reassigned to the Laredo, Texas Sector in response to an increase in cartel human smuggling activity there. ( US Customs & Border Protection photo) The US Border Patrol is “surging” a large number of agents to its Laredo, Texas sector in response to a recent surge in cartel human smuggling activity there.
US Warns Against Travel to Reynosa, Mexico
(US State Department graphic) U.S. government employees have been ordered to avoid the greater Reynosa, Mexico area, and U.S. citizens are advised by the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros not to cross over from Texas into Reynosa across from McAllen, Texas, because a wave of cartel violence sparked by the arrest of a local cartel leader on Monday, April 27, 2026.
80+ Illegal Aliens caught by US authorities at sea so far this month
Human smugglers have kept the US Coast Guard & Federal Agents busy this month off the US coasts. (US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Gina Ruoti) Coast Guard crews and Federal Agents have been kept busy this month by human smugglers determined to bring illegal aliens to America’s shores. On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Tezanos intercepted a dangerously overloaded small boat off the coast of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, with 21 illegal aliens aboard.
Court rules against Trump "Asylum Ban"
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash A major federal appeals court ruling blocking the Trump administration’s strict asylum bans, alongside ongoing legislative efforts in the Senate to fund immigration enforcement, were the primary focus of U.S. border security and immigration news during the week of April 19–25, 2026.
Ex Border Town Official Busted For Drug Smuggling
Bundles containing 10.92 kilograms of cocaine at the Sarita, Texas, border patrol checkpoint on April 5, 2026 (US Border Patrol photo) Luis Miguel Garduño, who, as recently as late 2025, served as a Director of Public Services in the Mexican City of Matamoros (across the Rio Grande from Brownsville), was arrested on Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026), while attempting to smuggle almost 11 kilos of cocaine through a South Texas Border Patrol Checkpoint.
Are US Strikes on "Narco Boats" Effective?
A suspected drug-smuggling boat burns following an attack by the US military (Department of Defense photo) The US attacks on suspected “narco-boats” have disrupted - but not destroyed Caribbean drug-smuggling routes from Central and South America to the US and Europe, an analysis by both InSight Crime and WOLA has determined.
DHS waffles on "warehouse detention centers"
Editor’s note: This article is by Tim Henderson of Stateline. (Stateline is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.) We are publishing it to US Border News as part of our commitment to bringing you coverage of important border issues.
Coast Guard Seizes Cocaine Worth $28.7 Million
The US Coast Guard Cutter “Tampa” recently returned from an Eastern Pacific patrol during which it seized $28.7 million worth of cocaine. () The crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tampa offloaded 3,825 pounds of cocaine worth more than $28.7 million on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Miami.
Illegal Border Crossings at Historic Lows
Key developments in immigration and border security news during the past week included legislative action on Temporary Protected Status for Haitian migrants, and the resignation of the Director of ICE, as the numbers of those illegally crossing the border continue to drop.
ICE'd Out?
Todd Lyons’ career at US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) was on an upward trajectory from the time he joined the agency as an Immigration Enforcement Agent in Dallas in 2007 through March 9, 2025, when he was named Acting Director of the agency by President Trump. Unfortunately (for him), his career ascent coincided with Stephen Miller, Corey Lewandowski, and Kristi Noem’s co-option of his agency.
US: Casino Near Texas Border is a Cartel Front
The “sports book” area inside the Nuevo Laredo’s Centenario Casino (US Treasury Dept.
Human Smugglers Use Semis Despite Dangers
Mexican authorities rescued 229 migrants from four Central and South American countries from this locked trailer on March 23, 2026, in Xelapa, Veracruz. (Photo from @Eco1_LVM via x.com). Cartel human smugglers continue to use semi trucks and trailers to smuggle illegal aliens across the U.S. border despite numerous deadly or near-deadly results. The latest report incident was reported by Border Patrol Agents on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at a South Texas checkpoint.
US Military Task Force Helps Secure Southern Border
March 2026 marked the first anniversary of an organization many Americans aren’t aware of, despite its key role in tightening security along the US-Mexico border. (US Department of Defense graphic) The US military’s Joint Task Force–Southern Border (JTF-SB) has expanded detection and monitoring, improved data sharing, and enabled its U.S. law enforcement partners to increase apprehension rates along the 1,954 miles of U.S.-Mexico border to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) there.
120+ Aliens Apprehended at Sea
A Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment takes custody of migrants attempting to illegally reach the US by sea (US Coast Guard photo) The Coast Guard has been kept busy by a steady stream of migrants being brought illegally by cartel human smugglers into US waters since March. More than 120 of them have been apprehended before they could reach US shores. Most of this illegal activity has occurred off the West Coast in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.
New Sheriff in Town at DHS
During the week of March 29 to April 4, 2026, U.S. border security and immigration news includes a leadership transition at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), escalating legal challenges over enforcement tactics, and arguments about birthright citizenship before the US Supreme Court. Policy & Legislative Developments DHS Leadership Change: The Senate Homeland Security Committee approved Senator Markwayne Mullinto succeed Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Border Smuggling Still Booming
Border smuggling is still booming despite military air patrols like this one along the Rio Grande near Laredo. (Joint Task Force Southern Border photo) Border security has never been tighter along our international boundary with Mexico, yet there’s plenty of evidence that smugglers are still staying very busy moving their illegal goods - and illegal aliens - into the United States. Want proof? What follows are some snapshots of recent smuggling schemes US authorities have thwarted in recent days.
26 Illegal Aliens Rescued from Locked Trailer
These illegal aliens were among 26 found locked in the back of a semi-trailer in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas (US Border Patrol photo) Border Patrol Agents in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas may have prevented a tragedy from occurring in recent days. While inspecting an 18-wheeler, a K9 alerted them that something was amiss inside a locked trailer. When they forced the trailer doors open, they found 26 illegal aliens inside.
Will TSA finally be paid?
During the week of March 22–28, 2026, U.S. border security and immigration were dominated by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding crisis, new enforcement deployments at domestic airports, and landmark legal arguments before the Supreme Court. Homeland Security Funding Crisis & TSA Strain TSA agents have been without pay for more than 40 days, resulting in airport delays due to absenteeism.
229 Migrants Freed from Locked Semi Trailer
Medical personnel and police in Puente Nacional, Veracruz aid a large group of migrants found locked in a stolen semi-truck. The group was en route to the US. (Photo from @Eco1_LVM via x.com) Mexican authorities narrowly prevented a mass-casualty incident involving migrants from Central and South America being smuggled to the US Border from occurring on Monday, March 23, 2026.
"Antifa" ICE Attackers Convicted
During the week of March 8–15, 2026, U.S. border security and immigration news was marked by the first convictions of “Antifa” members, intense legal battles over humanitarian protections, and growing controversy over the transparency of immigration data. Key Legal Developments Security Camera images of July 4, 2025 Antifa attack of the Prarieland ICE Detention Facility (US Dept.
What Next for DHS?
The week of March 1–7, 2026, was marked by a major leadership transition at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a continuing partial government shutdown, and a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruling. Leadership Transition DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Steps Down: Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s controversial tenure came to an abrupt end on March 5, 2026, just after some combative hearing appearances before Congress.
Noem's Ouster Reignites Texas Border Battle
Kristi Noem is done as Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary (Department of Homeland Security photo) Some of the Department of Homeland Security’s strongest supporters along the border with Mexico are expressing relief that President Trump has ordered (now ex) DHS Secretary Kristi Noem “to take a ride out into the sunset,” to borrow a metaphor from the cowgirl image she liked to project.
100+ Illegal Aliens Apprehended at Sea
Illegal aliens aboard a Mexican Cartel smuggling boat surrender to US authorities off California. (US Coast Guard photo) Human Smugglers are keeping the US Coast Guard and other federal agencies busy in the waters off California. In recent days, they have intercepted more than 100 people attempting to enter the US illegally by boat.
Mexico Says Security Situation "Stabilized"
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The US State Department ended “Shelter in Place” advisories to US citizens in Mexico on Wednesday, February 24, 2026, after the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) unleashed a wave of violence there on Sunday in revenge for the killing of its leader by government security forces. Mexico’s Embassy to the United States declared the security situation in the country to have “stabilised” in a post on X.com Wednesday morning.
Texas Governor Orders State Police "Surge" to Border
A Texas State Trooper assigned to “Operation Lone Star” watches over the Rio Grande border with Mexico. Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a state law enforcement “surge” to the border in response to cartel violence this week in Mexico.
State Department Updates Security Alerts to US Citizens in Mexico
Smoke from fires rises above the Tourist Zone of Puerto Vallarta on Sunday, February 22, 2026 (Facebook Photo by “Dave The Dive Guy”) The “Shelter in Place” advisory from the U.S. State Department to U.S. Citizens in Mexico on Monday appears to apply to Western Mexico (including the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta as well as Tijuana, which is just across the border from San Diego), according to a midday State Department “Security Alert” on x.com: “In Puerto Vallarta, flights continue to be...
Urgent Advisory to US Citizens in Mexico
The U.S. State Department issued an urgent “Security Alert” to U.S. citizens in Mexico on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as violence erupted in the streets after Mexican authorities killed the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
ICE Fight Shuts Down DHS Funding
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash The week ending February 15, 2026, was dominated by a partial government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a high-profile drawdown of federal enforcement surges in the Midwest. 1. DHS Partial Government Shutdown A partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security began at midnight on Saturday, February 14, after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement.
US Fights Cartels by Sea & River
Illegal aliens and smuggling guides prepare to cross the Rio Grande from Mexico into Texas with a makeshift ladder to scale the border wall. (US Border Patrol photo) US Federal Authorities are continuing to hit cartel human smuggling routes on the seas and along the Rio Grande River border between Texas & Mexico. At Sea: This small “fishing boat” was found to contain nine illegal aliens when the US Coast Guard stopped it off California last Saturday.
Public Support Falls As Immigration Enforcement Ramps Up
The week’s news in U.S. border security and immigration is dominated by a surge in federal enforcement operations, fatal law enforcement encounters, and polling that shows a majority of voters now oppose current enforcement actions. Protestors and Federal Officers face off in Minneapolis.
Coast Guard Cutter seizes $18 million dollars worth of drugs
National Border Service of Panama patrol boat alongside the US Coast Guard Cutter Alert during its most recent counter-narcotics mission. (US Coast Guard photo) The crew of the US Coast Guard Cutter “Alert” returned to Florida with more than $18 million worth of drugs seized from cartel smugglers during a 45-day patrol of the Windward Passage, Caribbean Sea, and Eastern Pacific Ocean.
The Texas Sheriff Who Never Wore a Gun
I have written several articles about meeting people at important times in their lives - and this one is no different. James Spurgeon “Jim” Scarborough, Jr. was the second Sheriff of Kleberg County in South Texas, following in the footsteps of his father, Jim Senior, who served as the first Sheriff of Kleberg County from 1914 to 1922. Jim Senior had a well-deserved reputation as a “shootist” from an earlier stint as Sheriff of Lee County, Texas.
(Gun)Fire & ICE in Minnesota
This week's U.S. border and immigration news focuses heavily on escalated enforcement in Minneapolis, as well as the fatal shooting of a civilian by an ICE agent there, while other news includes the expansion of a Rio Grande buoy barrier and fallout from the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Cartel human smuggling booming in Texas
Illegal Aliens apprehended during a raid of a Rio Grande Valley Cartel “Stash House” on December 19, 2025 (US Border Patrol Photo) Texas is seeing an increase in cartel human smuggling activity in the 2026 Fiscal Year, which began in October. The Lone Star State leads all states in illegal alien arrests along the Southern Border with Mexico, with the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector outpacing all other sectors with around 3,200 apprehensions.
Venezuelan President's Arrest Rocks Some US Border Communities
(Note: due to breaking news, this flash in-depth/analysis replaces this week’s US Border News Newsletter) Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrives in New York in the custody of US Drug Enforcement Administration Agents following his capture by US military forces to face federal drug and weapons charges along with his wife.
South Texas Cartel Seizures Surge 62% in 2025, Drugs, Guns, and Cash Confiscated
CBP Officers have racked up a 60% increase in cartel drug seizures along the Rio Grande border with Mexico in South Texas.Photo byUS Customs & Border Protection US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) is reporting a massive increase in seizures of cartel drugs, guns, and money in South Texas.
Cartels Have Rough Two Weeks in Southern California
Border Patrol K-9s are proving to be an effective partner in the fight against cartel smuggling operations.Photo byU.S. Border Patrol Over the past two weeks, Mexican Cartels have lost more than 184 pounds of drugs they were smuggling at the hands of US Border Patrol Agents (and the keen noses of their K-9s) in the San Diego Sector. Those seizures include 43 packages of drugs inside a car in San Clemente, sniffed out by a Border Patrol K-9 on December 10, 2025.
Is Mexican Cartel Cash Confiscation "Legalized Theft"?
More than $345,000 in cash has been confiscated this month by US authorities near the US Southern Border (likely profits from drug sales north of the border being returned to Mexican Cartels), and a former US Congressman, along with a civil liberties organization, is criticizing it.
Mexico Holiday Travel Warnings
The US Embassy in Mexico has just issued a special advisory titled “Message to U.S. Citizens: Winter Season (Snowbird) Travel.” That advisory reminds Americans that the State Department advises against travel for any reason to five Mexican states (see map below). Those states are: Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The State Department also advises U.S. citizens to “exercise caution in popular winter break spots.
DHS Launches "Operation Swamp Sweep"
This week’s U.S. border security and immigration news was dominated by the expansion of aggressive, high-profile federal enforcement operations into Southern US cities and the ongoing expansion of the Border Wall.
Illegal Aliens Arrive by Sea on Both US Coasts
As federal authorities shut down once-busy human smuggling routes through increased enforcement along the US Southern Border with Mexico, the cartels are increasingly shifting their smuggling operations offshore. Evidence of that is becoming more apparent as US law enforcement officers encounter more cartel human smugglers at sea.
Coast Guard Pacific Cartel Drug Seizures Break Record
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone arrived at Port Everglades, Florida, this week with the largest amount of cocaine seized by a single cutter in one patrol in Coast Guard history.
Coast Guard Pacific Cartel Drug Seizures Break Record
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone arrived at Port Everglades, Florida, this week with the largest amount of cocaine seized by a single cutter in one patrol in Coast Guard history.
"Sharia Courts" Alarm Texas Governor
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for the District Attorneys and Sheriffs of Dallas and Collin Counties to investigate “Sharia Courts” in North Texas, along with the Texas Attorney General and Texas Department of Public Safety, in a letter he sent to all four agencies. The Governor explained his reasoning in the letter as well as in a post on x.com about the “alleged Sharia courts operating in Texas” : “These tribunals have no legal authority in our state.
Huge Cartel Fentanyl Stash Found in Colorado
The winning bidder at an auction in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, got a surprise when he opened the unclaimed storage unit he bought --- as did the Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputy he summoned to examine its contents. “That’s uh, that’s an absolute metric sh** ton of fentanyl there! I got a very unique situation here,” the deputy exclaimed as he called for back-up.
Texas Task Forces Take on Cartels
US Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, are standing up task forces in Texas to combat cartel operations in that border state. On November 17, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations and FBI field offices in San Antonio and Houston announced the formation of two regional task forces targeting cartels in Southeast and South Texas.
Coast Guard Battles Mexican Cartel Smugglers off California Coast
The Coast Guard’s “Operation Border Trident” border security mission off the West Coast is being put to the test as Mexican Cartels increasingly turn to the sea as the US continues to close off once successful smuggling routes along the southern land border. During the weekend of November 8-9, 2025, the Coast Guard and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers apprehended 20 illegal aliens in two separate smuggling attempts off the California Coast.
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