# Criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-activity-along-the-texas-mexico-border
> Updated: 2026-10-14T21:14:35.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

U.S. federal authorities are monitoring and disrupting various criminal activities along the Texas-Mexico border involving Mexican cartels.

Initial reports highlighted a credible threat regarding a Mexican cartel plot to kidnap Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in the El Paso and Presidio areas. Intelligence suggested smugglers intended to transport individuals from Colombia and Venezuela to target law enforcement personnel. CBP officials stated they were conducting proactive intelligence operations to address these national security threats.

Recent enforcement actions have focused on disrupting narcotics smuggling operations. In Laredo, Texas, CBP seized approximately 1,540 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden within a shipment of salt, with an estimated street value exceeding $30 million. At the Del Rio International Bridge, two separate operations in October resulted in the seizure of over 60 pounds of narcotics, including 23.68 pounds of cocaine and 37.08 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at roughly $632,000.

In Mexico, authorities in Chiapas intercepted a tractor-trailer at the Huixtla border crossing containing 171.42 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside fuel tanks.

Additionally, a federal investigation involving the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations has dismantled a narcotics network coordinated from the Ciudad Juárez prison system. Félix Anthony Salazar III, an American citizen incarcerated in Juárez, is accused of coordinating the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl into southern New Mexico. This investigation led to charges against several El Paso residents, including Yadira Lizett Cano, who is accused of using a minor to facilitate a drug transaction.

## Claims

- CBP seized approximately 60.76 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine at the Del Rio International Bridge, valued at over $632,000. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities in Chiapas, Mexico, seized 171.42 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the fuel tanks of a tractor-trailer. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Manuel De Jesus Arce Cruz, a Mexican national, was arrested in Lafayette, Louisiana, for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- CBP seized 1,540 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a salt shipment at the Laredo International Bridge, valued at over $30 million. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Border authorities seize millions in narcotics at Texas and Mexico crossings

Authorities in the U.S. and Mexico have intercepted major drug shipments, including $30 million worth of methamphetamine in Laredo and over 60 pounds of narcotics at the Del Rio border crossing.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-authorities-disrupt-drug-smuggling-operations-at-texas-border

### 2026-10-06: Texas border agents targeted in alleged cartel kidnapping plot

U.S. authorities are investigating a cartel plot to smuggle individuals from Colombia and Venezuela into Texas to kidnap CBP agents in the El Paso and Presidio regions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/texas-border-agents-targeted-in-alleged-cartel-kidnapping-plot

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Cite as: Criminal activity along the Texas-Mexico border. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/criminal-activity-along-the-texas-mexico-border