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Rio Grande City Today
By the People, for the People
US Seizes 134 Acres in Texas Used by Mexican Cartel
Authorities take over land and property linked to the Gulf Cartel's smuggling operations near the Rio Grande
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The U.S. government has seized more than 134 acres of land in Texas that was being used by the Gulf Cartel, a Mexican drug trafficking organization, for smuggling activities. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the seizure, stating that the cartel members "thought they were untouchable" but were "wrong." The move is part of a broader crackdown on cartel finances and operations along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Why it matters
The Gulf Cartel has been involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and the kidnapping and murder of American citizens. By seizing their land and property, authorities aim to dismantle the cartel's operations and cut off their access to safe havens and staging areas used for illegal cross-border activities.
The details
CBP said the 134-acre property near Rio Grande City, Texas was being used by the Gulf Cartel for smuggling. A video released by authorities showed law enforcement officers arresting several people on the seized land. In a message to the cartels, CBP said, "You think this is just about arrests? It's not. We are dismantling your operations from the ground up. We're cutting out your safe houses, your staging areas, your corridors. This is your warning."
- On February 10, 2026, CBP announced the seizure of the 134-acre property.
The players
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The U.S. federal law enforcement agency responsible for border security and customs operations.
Gulf Cartel
A Mexican drug trafficking organization that moves arms and migrants into the United States, and has engaged in the kidnapping and murder of American citizens.
What’s next
Authorities have indicated that this seizure is part of a broader crackdown on cartel finances and operations along the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting that more such actions may be taken in the future.
The takeaway
This seizure of cartel-linked property highlights the U.S. government's efforts to target the financial and operational infrastructure of Mexican drug trafficking organizations, aiming to disrupt their ability to conduct illegal cross-border activities and threaten public safety.
