A Texas rancher was killed this week by a suspected cartel-planted improvised explosive device (IED) near the U.S.-Mexico border. The killing has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers over the Biden administration’s handling of border security. In response, Texas Rep. Chip Roy (R) is calling on congress to codify President Donald Trump's (R) executive order designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).
In response to the tragedy, Rep. Roy released a statement condemning the attack and blaming it on the Biden Administration’s “pathetic border policies.” He likened the IED attack to the tactics used by terrorist organizations in the Middle East, calling the cartels FTOs.
"The results of Biden’s pathetic border policies have now culminated in the death of a Texas rancher driving to his ranch in Mexico through a cartel-planted IED—an explosive device commonly used by terrorist organizations in the Middle East," Rep. Roy stated. “This savage display of violence is further evidence that these cartels must be treated as the terrorists that they are.”
The results of Biden's pathetic border policies have now culminated in the death of a Texas rancher driving to his ranch in Mexico through a cartel-planted IED – an explosive device commonly used by terrorist organizations in the Middle East.
This savage display of violence is… pic.twitter.com/AS7QADQkCc
— Rep. Chip Roy Press Office (@RepChipRoy) February 27, 2025
The Texas lawmaker noted that he had introduced legislation in 2019 to designate Mexican drug cartels as FTOs, a move that was never fully implemented. Now, he's highlighting the legislative effort to codify Trump’s order into law, emphasizing that the time has come to "take flight to the cartels and wipe them out once and for all."
The rancher’s death comes as there are growing concerns over cartel violence spilling into U.S. territory. Lawmakers and border security advocates argue that drug cartels have expanded their influence, operating with near-impunity along the border. The use of an IED also signals a troubling escalation, raising fears that cartel tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated and violent.
Rep. Roy’s call for designating cartels as terrorist organizations will most likely gain renewed attention in Congress as President Trump enforces hardline policies on the border.
