Coast Guard Personnel Exchange Fire With Shooters on Mexican Border

Coast Guard personnel exchanged gunfire with individuals on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border during an operation to intercept migrants. The exchange, which took place on September 26 near Garceno, Texas, has led to the deployment of hundreds of U.S. military troops and their equipment to the Rio Grande Valley. Mexican forces also deployed personnel to their side of the border.

The Coast Guard stated that shots originated from the Mexican side of the border while personnel were working with other federal agencies near the Rio Grande River. Coast Guard members returned fire, according to officials. The U.S. military cited the incident as an example of increased illegal activity.

No injuries to U.S. personnel or damage to Coast Guard assets were reported. The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, confirmed that the embassy is coordinating with Mexican forces deployed to the area where the shots were fired.

"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," Johnson said in a statement. "Any threat from criminal or terrorist elements on either side of the border will be addressed swiftly."

The U.S. military's Joint Task Force-Southern Border said the deployment of troops was part of planned preparations to address "historically observed seasonal increases in attempted illegal activity." The September 26 encounter was described as an instance of this increased activity.

In October 2025, the Coast Guard launched Operation River Wall, deploying additional personnel, boats, and assets to patrol approximately 260 miles of the Rio Grande between the U.S. and Mexico. This operation involves close collaboration with Border Patrol, the Pentagon, and the Texas Military Department to secure the border and counter illicit activities.