Feds Seize 134 Acres of Texas Land Used by ‘Untouchable’ Mexican Cartel
by David Lindfield
U.S. federal authorities have taken control of more than 134 acres in Texas that had been used by a Mexican drug cartel for smuggling operations, according to an announcement from Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
In a post on X, CBP declared:
“We took the land and everything on it.”
A video accompanying the message showed law enforcement officers arresting multiple individuals and described the property as belonging to the westside Gulf Cartel, which it identified as a terrorist organization operating near Rio Grande City, Texas.
“They thought they were untouchable,” the video stated.
“They were wrong. Over 134 acres of land and property, taken from the westside Gulf Cartel, a terrorist organization operating near Rio Grande City, Texas.”
🚨 CARTEL PROPERTY SEIZED 🚨
Over 134 acres near Rio Grande City, TX—used by a drug cartel for smuggling—is now out of their hands. We didn't just make arrests; we took the land and everything on it.
Message to the cartels: Keep smuggling, lose it all. We’re coming for… pic.twitter.com/T3AkTLjldh
— CBP (@CBP) February 10, 2026
The Gulf Cartel, a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization, has been linked to arms smuggling, human trafficking, kidnappings, and murders involving American citizens.
Authorities have also warned that cartels sometimes exploit U.S. land, including areas affected by sanctuary policies or tribal sovereignty, to cultivate marijuana and stage smuggling activity.
CBP issued a direct warning to cartel networks:
“You think this is just about arrests? It’s not.