Coast Guard exchanges gunfire across US-Mexico border after 500 troops deployed to Rio Grande

Coast Guard members tasked with preventing people from illegally crossing the Rio Grande border into the US in Texas exchanged gunfire with individuals across the river in Mexico after shots rang out on the southern side of the border. Government officials said that the altercation occured during "joint interdiction operations" in a border town in Starr County.

"Coast Guard Forces Rio Grande personnel encountered gunfire from the Mexican border in the vicinity of Garceno, Texas while conducing join interdiction operations with federal partners on the Rio Grande. Coast Guard personnel returned fire," the agency said in a statement.

“No injuries to Coast Guard or other personnel were reported, and no damage to Coast Guard assets or equipment was reported,” the Coast Guard said. Mexico is disputing that the shooting took place, according to Stars and Stripes.

Several federal agencies were involved in the Saturday incident. The Pentagon said on Friday that they have deployed troops to the Rio Grande Valley as part of plans to address "historically observed seasonal increases in attempted illegal activity."

On Monday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she requested evidence from US authorities about the shooting. "We asked for all the evidence because we have no evidence," she said.

Personnel with the Coast Guard over the last year have been working closely with the Border Patrol and War Department to "secure the border, disrupt illicit activity and protect the American people” in “Operation River Wall.”

“We will continue to leverage a layered, integrated approach to control, secure and defend the border that strengthens our collective ability to counter illicit activity and safeguard our personnel and the communities we serve,” the Coast Guard added.

US Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said that the embassy "is helping to coordinate with Mexican forces that are being deployed in the border area where shots were fired against elements of the United States Coast Guard."

The Rio Grande Valley has long ranked among the most active areas for migrants entering the country outside official crossing points. Customs and Border Protection data through August show the sector led the nation in land encounters for fiscal year 2026, with more than 19,500.