Rio Bravo border dispute, USA News (Mexico City / Texas): The Mexican government has issued a firm response following a decision by the state of Texas to declare nine islands located in the Rio Bravo as state property. The move, centered in the border region between Laredo and McAllen, has sparked diplomatic friction regarding international boundary management.
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced that the General Land Office claimed the nine islands, totaling 66 acres, as property of the state. According to official arguments from Texas authorities, criminal cartels utilize these river islets as operational refuges for drug trafficking and human smuggling. Consequently, the state authorized the Texas National Guard and state forces to take control of the territory and conduct security patrols.
In response, Mexico’s Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (SRE) expressed its official rejection of the measure. The Mexican government emphasized that international river boundaries and territorial limits are governed strictly by federal bilateral treaties rather than unilateral state decrees. The SRE stated that the border cannot be modified in such a manner.
Although Texas has not issued additional statements following Mexico’s rebuke, the situation has heightened diplomatic tensions. The dispute centers on the authorization for Texas military and security forces to enter and patrol the disputed river islets, highlighting ongoing challenges along the shared border.
