In a disturbing series of events that have sent shockwaves through federal law enforcement circles, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and facilities have become the target of coordinated violent attacks in Texas.
According to Fox News, two separate ambush-style attacks occurred within days of each other, including a shooting that left a police officer wounded at the Prairieland Detention Center and another assault on a Border Patrol facility in McAllen.
The Justice Department has identified ten individuals charged with attempting to murder federal officers during the July 4th attack in Alvarado, Texas. The suspects, dressed in black military-style clothing and carrying anti-government propaganda, allegedly shot a police officer in the neck and opened fire on correctional officers at the ICE facility.
Organized Attack Reveals Disturbing Details
The group's preparation for the assault included tactical gear, two-way radios, and body armor, suggesting a well-planned operation. Investigators discovered propaganda materials calling for "class war" against ICE and anti-government literature among the suspects' possessions.
The attackers initially used fireworks as a distraction before spraying vehicles with anti-law enforcement graffiti that included messages like "ICE pig" and other derogatory statements. The situation escalated when an Alvarado police officer responded to the scene and was immediately shot by assailants hiding in nearby woods.
Law enforcement recovered multiple AR-style rifles, twelve sets of body armor, and various materials indicating an organized effort to target federal immigration facilities. One suspect, Joy Gibson, was found with cell phones in a specialized "Faraday bag" designed to prevent location tracking.
Second Attack Highlights Growing Threat
Just days after the Alvarado incident, 27-year-old Ryan Louis Mosqueda launched an armed assault on a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas. The attacker, wearing a utility vest and armed with an assault rifle, fired dozens of rounds at federal agents.
Mosqueda, who had been reported missing from Weslaco, Texas, drove to the facility in a white sedan marked with Latin inscriptions. His father had earlier informed local police about his son's psychological issues and possession of weapons.
The incident ended when law enforcement fatally shot Mosqueda, but not before he had unleashed a barrage of gunfire at the facility. The attack represented the second major assault on federal immigration personnel within the same week.
Growing Pattern of Violence Nationwide
Similar attacks have been reported at other locations, including an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon, where nearly two dozen arrests have been made since June. Four suspects were recently detained for targeting the Portland facility on Independence Day.
The Justice Department, through Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, has expressed zero tolerance for these attacks on federal officers and facilities. The department has pledged to use its full authority to prosecute those responsible.
Multiple federal agencies are now coordinating their efforts to address this surge in violence against immigration enforcement personnel. The attacks have prompted increased security measures at facilities nationwide.
Federal Response Intensifies
The recent wave of attacks has triggered a comprehensive federal investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions. The ten defendants from the Alvarado incident face serious charges including attempted murder of federal officers and weapons violations.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that while the wounded officer is expected to recover fully, these incidents represent a significant escalation in threats against immigration enforcement personnel. The department is implementing enhanced security protocols at facilities nationwide.
The Justice Department's aggressive prosecution strategy demonstrates the federal government's commitment to protecting its officers and facilities from organized anti-government violence. These cases will likely serve as precedents for handling similar attacks in the future.
