The death of a Texas rancher south of Brownsville, Texas, has spurred a warning from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller that ranchers in and around the Rio Grande Valley are at risk.
“A tragic and alarming incident occurred near Brownsville, Texas, where a U.S. citizen and Texas rancher was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED),” Miller said in a post on the Texas Department of Agriculture website.
“This shocking act of violence highlights the growing threat posed by cartel activity along our southern border,” Miller said.
Noting that the regional agribusiness community covers both sides of the border, Miller said everyone should be on alert at all times, regardless of where they are.
“I urge all Texas farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who travel to Mexico or operate near the border to exercise extreme caution,” he said.
“The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is a crucial part of Texas agriculture, and the safety of our agricultural community is of utmost importance.
“We cannot overlook the rising violence that threatens not only lives but also the security of our farms, ranches, and rural communities,” he said.
Miller called on “everyone in the agricultural industry to stay vigilant, remain aware