Texas Raises Alarm Over Cartel-Controlled Islands, Appeals for Federal Action

EXCLUSIVE: The vast expanses of Texas are once again in the spotlight as the Lone Star State asserts claims over islands plagued by cartel activity.

In a bold move, Texas has designated two islands along the Rio Grande as crucial parts of its ongoing efforts to dismantle safe havens utilized by Mexican drug cartels. The islands in question, Beaver Island and the Roma Islands, previously served as operational bases for criminal enterprises.

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham reached out to border czar Tom Homan, urging the Trump administration to take decisive action to defend and secure these territories. This request comes amid rising concerns about cartel operations that extend across the border.

The Cartel Strongholds

Authorities have identified both Beaver Island, approximately 20.3 acres in size, and the Roma Islands as hotspots for illegal activities. The Roma Islands, with respective sizes of 12.13 and 20.3 acres, are situated near the city of Roma, Texas, and have been classified as a “smuggler’s paradise” due to their strategic location.

The Texas General Land Office (GLO), responsible for land management and mapping in the state, has recently received a formal request from the Texas Military Department. The goal is to assess the current status of these islands and determine their official status as Texas territory.

Strategic Importance of the Islands

Designating these areas as part of Texas will enable law enforcement agencies to conduct vital security operations. Many islands in the Rio Grande are often exploited by drug cartels for heinous activities, including smuggling operations, weapon caches, and avoiding detection by U.S. and Mexican authorities.

In an interview, Commissioner Buckingham emphasized the significance of these territories. She stated that when islands remain unclaimed, they fall into a lawless limbo, making them safe havens for cartel activities. This lack of jurisdiction hampers effective law enforcement efforts from both countries.

Cartel Activities on the Islands

Sources indicate that cartels have constructed makeshift shelters on these islands, where they stash weapons, explosives, illegal drugs, and smuggled individuals. This dangerous trend poses a direct threat to border security and public safety.

Beaver Island possesses shared ownership between Texas and the federal government, while the Roma Islands are recognized solely as Texas land. Once officially designated as part of Texas, law enforcement can clear the vegetation utilized by cartels for concealment and erect razor wire fences to regain control over these strategic locations.

Texas’s Broader Strategy Against Drug Trafficking

This initiative represents the latest in a series of measures by Texas to clamp down on cross-border crime and illegal immigration. During the Biden administration, Governor Greg Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, a robust effort aimed at curtailing the flow of illegal drugs and migrants from Mexico into Texas.

Previous Successes and Future Prospects

In her communication to Homan, Buckingham referenced Fronton Island, a 170-acre island formerly known for lawlessness in the Rio Grande. This island was officially recognized as part of Texas earlier this year. For years, it served as a haven for cartel activities, contributing to violent confrontations and further complicating illegal immigration issues.

Law enforcement experts have long categorized Fronton Island as one of the most dangerous spots along the Texas-Mexico border. Commissioner Buckingham’s historical note highlights the significance of her role as the first woman appointed as Texas Land Commissioner. She expressed pride in actively expanding Texas’s territorial claims after centuries of static boundaries.

A Collaborative Effort with the Trump Administration

Moreover, Buckingham acknowledged the cooperative spirit of the Trump administration, leading to significant improvements in border security. She claimed this collaboration resulted in a staggering 95% reduction in illegal crossings along the Texas border since the initiatives began.

Reflecting on these developments, Buckingham emphasized, “The situation is completely different now,” underscoring the positive changes achieved through strategic partnerships and proactive measures.

Calls to Action and Future Measures

The eyes of state officials and law enforcement communities are fixed on the ongoing assessment of these islands. A successful designation as Texas territory would represent a significant step towards eliminating the criminal strongholds that cartels have established.

As the situation unfolds, the state of Texas remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by drug cartels. The call for federal action to secure and defend these territories underscores the necessity for unified efforts in combating crime and ensuring the safety of communities along the border.