U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials are taking seriously threats made by Mexican drug cartels that have authorized the use of kamikaze drones against federal officials along the southern border.
An internal memo that cited social media posts and other sources cautioned federal agents "to remain cognizant of their surroundings at all times" in the face of the new threat, the New York Post reported Monday.
"On Feb. 1, 2025, the El Paso Sector Intelligence and Operations Center received information advising that Mexican cartel leaders have authorized the deployment of drones equipped with explosives to be used against U.S. Border Patrol agents and U.S. military personal currently working along the border with Mexico," the memo, titled "Officer Safety Alert" stated, according to the Post, which obtained a copy of the document.
"It is recommended that all U.S. Border Patrol agents and DOD personnel working along the border report any sighting of drones to their respective leadership staff and the EPT-IOC."
Border agents also were advised to "carry proper equipment" at all times, including first-aid kids, tourniquets, and body armor, and that rifles "should be readily available."
NewsNation reported Sunday that two memos were issued, one that referenced three social media posts that included threats. One threat encouraged the assassination of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents; a TikTok video encouraged illegal immigrants in the U.S. to spit and urinate on ICE agents' food and defecate in their vehicles; and another called for the murder of local ICE agents.
The second memo warned about the cartels authorizing the use of drone explosives against CBP personnel and U.S. law enforcement officers.
This elevated threat comes amid President Donald Trump's security crackdown on the southern border and mass deportation of illegal immigrants. His effort to secure the southern border reportedly could include more than 10,000 soldiers and Marines, along with combat vehicles.
Newsmax reached out to the White House and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment.