Federal authorities have seized more than 134 acres in Texas allegedly used by the Gulf Cartel for smuggling and staging operations. CBP officials framed the action as part of a broader strategy to dismantle cartel infrastructure “from the ground up.” The move follows terrorist designations, Treasury sanctions, and legislative proposals expanding asset seizures under President Trump’s administration. Officials say tightened border enforcement and financial crackdowns aim to disrupt cartel revenue streams and operational networks.
CBP seized 134 Texas acres used by the Gulf Cartel, escalating President Trump’s crackdown on cartel land, money, and operations. Treasury sanctions, terrorist designations, and proposed letters of marque signal a full-spectrum assault on cartel infrastructure. #Cartel #Texas pic.twitter.com/wSK33QlEbF
— Matthew Brady (@mattbrady775) February 12, 2026
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized over 134 acres of land in Texas allegedly used by the Gulf Cartel for smuggling operations near Rio Grande City.
- CBP stated: “We took the land and everything on it,” and released video of arrests tied to the property.
- The land was described as a staging area and operational base for cartel activities.
- The Gulf Cartel has been involved in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, migrant smuggling, kidnappings, and murders.
- The Treasury Department previously sanctioned members of Cartel del Noreste and the Sinaloa Cartel, freezing U.S.-based assets.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized targeting financial facilitators enabling cartel operations.
- Sen. Mike Lee introduced the Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act to allow President Donald J. Trump to commission private operators to seize cartel assets.
- In February 2025, the State Department designated several Mexican cartels as global terrorist organizations.
- CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott testified that stricter border enforcement disrupts cartel profit models.
- CBP reported that for nine consecutive months, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S., with all processed under existing law.
