Gunman Attempts to Ambush Border Patrol Officers in McAllen

McALLEN, Texas — A gunman opened fire Monday morning at the entrance of the United States Border Patrol (USBP) sector annex in McAllen, injuring three people before being fatally shot by responding law enforcement.

Border Patrol Office Door Riddled with Bullet Holes Following the Attack

The shooter, preliminarily identified as 27-year-old Ryan Louis Mosqueda, was stopped by agents and officers who DHS officials say acted heroically to prevent further bloodshed. The injured include a McAllen police officer who was shot in the leg, a Border Patrol agent, and a civilian Border Patrol employee. All three were hospitalized with non-critical injuries and are expected to recover.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the incident is being investigated by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, in coordination with the FBI.

In a statement following the attack, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the incident “heinous and unprovoked,” adding:

“Yesterday’s heinous and unprovoked attack in McAllen could have been a bloodbath if not for the fearless actions of Border Patrol and McAllen law enforcement. This vile assault on our officers is a disgusting escalation fueled by toxic rhetoric vilifying those who protect our borders. This must end now, and those stoking this violence will face consequences.”

Federal officials say the shooting comes amid a surge in violence targeting law enforcement, particularly at the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Customs and Border Protection statistics, there were 301 reported assaults on Border Patrol officers in 2023 alone.

The DHS press release also cited a recent Axios article quoting a Democratic lawmaker who reportedly said, “Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough … [that] there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.” DHS leaders argue such statements contribute to a growing atmosphere of hostility toward federal officers.

The attacker’s motive has not been made public, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether Mosqueda had any political affiliations. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.

No additional suspects are believed to be involved, and the area has been secured. Investigators are looking into a motive, and if this could be a copycat attack inspired by a similar ambush at an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas earlier this week.