The Jacumba Wilderness in California became the site of a harrowing incident when hikers exploring roughly 1,000 feet north of the US-Mexico border were approached by two armed individuals, as confirmed by a press release from US Customs and Border Protection.
Hikers encounter Mexican cartel North of the border
The armed men reportedly shouted commands in Spanish, but the hikers, unable to understand, did not comply.
The situation escalated dangerously as the hikers, fearing for their safety, tried to flee. At this moment, the attackers opened fire, striking one hiker in the leg.
Seizing the opportunity, the assailants robbed the hikers of their backpacks and phones, leaving them helpless.
Thankfully, a call to 911 alerted the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office to the emergency.
Border Patrol agents from the El Centro Sector swiftly stepped in to assist the injured hiker.
Approximately an hour after the distress call, the Mountain Disrupt Unit, Border Patrol Tactical Unit, and Border Patrol Search and Rescue team located the injured individual in the wilderness.
The victim’s condition was stabilized on-site before being airlifted to a medical facility in San Diego for further treatment.
Following the incident, Border Patrol agents traced the suspects back to Mexico, but their identities remain undisclosed as the investigation continues.
Attack on hikers spurs warning from Border Patrol
El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino commented on the attack, highlighting its gravity.
“The wounded hiker is an ‘I told you so moment’ highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure the Border Patrol has been championing for years now,” Bovino stated.
He further warned, “Suspected cartel terrorists, however, are fixing to learn this type of conduct will be an end game type of activity here in the Premier Sector. All threats, anywhere, or at any time throughout this sector will be addressed vigorously.”
Bovino also shared a video on his X account documenting agents’ response to the scene.
The footage showed officials equipped with firearms and protective gear assisting the injured hiker and transporting them to a helicopter.
“Cartels think they can bring their war here. Think again! Americans won’t be intimidated,” he wrote, adding, “Our agents & BORTAC will confront these threats HEAD ON!”
US Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector reposted the video on Facebook, reiterating the cartel threat.
“Let this serve as a WARNING: The El Centro Sector will not stand idly by. The safety of our citizens is NOT negotiable; cartel terrorists have no place in our country preying on the innocent. Enough is enough,” the post read.
As the event continues to be investigated, no arrests have been made yet in connection to the San Diego case.
Trump’s mass deportations begin with criminals
Meanwhile, immigration enforcement efforts have ramped up under the renewed administration of President Donald Trump.
Border Czar Tom Homan described the aggressive measures, revealing that since Trump’s return to power, over 1,300 migrants have been detained in the largest mass deportation operation undertaken in US history.
According to a statement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on X, an additional 373 deportation holds have been filed, mandating local police forces to retain suspects in custody until ICE can take over their cases.
Homan, speaking to NewsNation, elaborated on the arrests, stating that more than “1,000 of them were criminals.”
He candidly added, “I don’t care if Republican or Democrat, Independent, why not let law enforcement go into a county jail, taxpayer county jail, to arrest the guy that you locked in a jail cell so obviously, the public safety threat – that will solve a lot of this problem. And I hope the sanctuary cities come around.”
Images of deportation flights began circulating widely on Friday, when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared pictures showing migrants awaiting deportation, with many being categorized as criminal offenders awaiting removal from the country.
“The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors,” Leavitt posted on X.
Photos reportedly captured at Biggs Army Airfield at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, showed about 80 individuals boarding a plane bound for Guatemala, according to sources within US Customs and Border Protection speaking to Fox News.
Deportation flights have begun.
President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025
“The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” Leavitt added.