US Border Patrol agent kills suspected cartel smuggler after ‘struggle’ near Texas riverbank

Posted by Doyle Bozeman December 12, 2025
US Border Patrol agent kills suspected cartel smuggler after ‘struggle’ near Texas riverbank

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A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a suspected cartel smuggler on Thursday after he came across the Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas, Fox News has confirmed.

The suspected smuggler assaulted the agent, who fired his weapon in self-defense, killing the man, three border law enforcement sources told Fox News.

The agent is “okay,” according to those sources.

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The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the officer-involved shooting on X, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at Starr County Memorial Hospital.

The Starr County Sheriff’s Office said Border Patrol agents were “involved in a struggle prior to the shooting,” which was confirmed at about 5:30 p.m. local time.

U.S. Border Patrol was involved in an officer-involved shooting Thursday in Midway, Texas.

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The sheriff’s office asked the public to avoid the area as first responders clear and secure the scene.

A border patrol agent watches a helicopter

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The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

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