Thread: Texas Rangers Fire Rounds, Launches Tear Gas Across Border after attack

DPS Fires Rounds, Launches Tear Gas Across Border

• by Julián Aguilar
• July 12, 2013

photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Texas DPS agent Cuevas removes a M2-40 machine gun from newly commissioned patrol vessel. The boat, part of the Tactical Marine Unit, funded by federal Homeland Security grants, will help with the state's efforts in combating Mexican drug cartels patrolling the Rio Grande River


Texas Department of Public Safety officers on Thursday came under gunfire from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande in one incident on the South Texas border, and launched tear gas south into Mexico in another.

In a news release sent late Friday, the department said agents came under fire while en route to assist fellow officers who seized a raft with about 1,100 pounds of marijuana. The Texas Rangers returned fire and the shooters fled. The raft was abandoned, and its passengers fled back to the Mexican side. It is unclear how many alleged gunmen were present or the weapons they used.

Earlier that day, Rangers responded to a report of “shots fired” from agents with the U.S. Border Patrol and, upon arriving, found the federal officers taking cover, the DPS said, citing preliminary information. The Border Patrol agents then motioned toward Mexico, and Texas Rangers fired tear gas in that direction; the alleged shooters subsequently fled.

Citing security purposes, the agency said the incidents occurred in South Texas but would not disclose exact locations. Calls to the Border Patrol seeking more information about the incident were not immediately returned. The DPS did not include in its release information about how many times its agents have been fired upon this year.

http://www.texastribune.org/2013/07/12/dps-fires-rounds-launches-tear-gas-across-border/

Rio Grande River patrols draw gunfire from Mexico

• Posted July 12, 2013 at 9:02 p.m.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety says its agents have been attacked by unknown assailants along different but undisclosed points of the South Texas border with Mexico.

A DPS statement Friday says Texas Rangers responded Thursday to a "shots fired" call by the U.S. Border Patrol on the Rio Grande River. Upon arrival, the Rangers found the federal agents ducking inside their boat and pointing their weapons toward the Mexican side of the river. The Rangers fired tear gas, and the alleged attackers promptly dispersed.

In another incident Thursday, a DPS boat intercepted a raft containing 1,100 pounds of marijuana. A Texas Rangers boat dispatched to assist was fired upon before reaching the scene. Agents returned fire and the assailants left. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

http://www.reporternews.com/news/2013/jul/12/rio-grande-river-patrols-draw-gunfire-mexico/