Border Patrol agents shot and killed an alleged smuggler in Starr County.
When Border Patrol agents were involved in a struggle along the Rio Grande on Thursday, they shot a suspect, according to the Starr County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect – who later died – was an alleged cartel smuggler, per Fox News.
The “cartel smuggler” allegedly assaulted a Border Patrol agent who fired back in self-defense, according to Fox. The agent is reportedly “okay.”
The shooting took place in Midway, near the riverbank, according to the sheriff’s office. Officials asked residents to avoid the area while investigators cleared the scene.
“Border Patrol agents were involved in a struggle prior to the shooting,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook. “Starr County Deputies are securing the scene, while the Texas Rangers lead the investigation.”
Texas Department of Public Safety Lt. Chris Olivarez confirmed Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.
“During the incident, one suspect was shot and later pronounced deceased,” he posted on X. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation.”
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
The Texas Department of Public Safety can confirm that the Texas Rangers are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving the U.S. Border Patrol in Starr County.
During the incident, one suspect was shot and later pronounced deceased at Starr County…
— Chris Olivarez (@LtChrisOlivarez) December 12, 2025
The suspect died near the border, at Starr County Memorial Hospital, according to Olivarez, adding, “No further details are available at this time.”
The Dallas Express reached out to Customs and Border Protection, but officials did not respond in time for publication.
