Coast Guard Engages in Gunfire Exchange with Shooters at US-Mexico Border

<p>Coast Guard personnel exchanged gunfire with individuals on the Mexican side of the border, an incident cited by the U.S. military as indicative of increased illegal activity. This occurred as hundreds of U.S. troops and their equipment were repositioned to Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, alongside the deployment of 500 Mexican Army and National Guard personnel to the border area.</p><p>The Coast Guard was intercepting migrants crossing the Rio Grande River while collaborating with other federal agencies when initial gunfire originated from the Mexican side. Coast Guard personnel returned fire, according to officials on Friday, as reported by Stars and Stripes.</p><p>The exchange took place on September 26 during joint operations near Garceno, a small town in Starr County, Texas.</p><p>The Coast Guard is investigating the incident in conjunction with federal partners, and it remains unclear who initiated the gunfire.</p><p>No injuries to Coast Guard or other personnel were reported, and no damage to Coast Guard assets or equipment was noted, according to the Coast Guard.</p><p>U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson stated that the embassy is coordinating with Mexican forces deployed in the area where the shots were fired against Coast Guard personnel. He noted that Mexican military commanders would communicate directly with U.S. forces to patrol both sides of the border, protect communities, and disrupt criminal and terrorist organizations. Any threats from such elements will be addressed promptly, he added.</p><p>The Coast Guard initiated Operation River Wall in October 2025, deploying additional personnel, boats, and assets to patrol the river between the U.S. and Mexico, focusing on approximately 260 miles of the Rio Grande along the border.</p><p>In collaboration with Border Patrol, the Pentagon, and the Texas Military Department, the Coast Guard aims to secure the border, disrupt illicit activity, and protect the American public.</p><p>The U.S. military announced on Friday that it had deployed hundreds of troops and equipment to the Rio Grande Valley as part of preparations to address seasonal increases in illegal activity. The Coast Guard encounter on September 26 exemplifies this uptick, according to a statement from the Joint Task Force-Southern Border.</p>