Texas DPS and Military Refute Claims of ‘Cartel-Infested’ Islands on Border

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) have issued a statement addressing recent public reports that they say inaccurately depict Beaver Island and Roma Island, two small islands along the Texas-Mexico border on the Rio Grande. The agencies strongly deny claims that these islands are “cartel-infested,” a “smuggler’s paradise,” or “plagued by” rampant violence.

DPS and TMD assert that they maintain operational control throughout the area where these islands are located. They emphasized that the State of Texas will not cede any of its territory or permit terrorist organizations to establish a foothold as suggested in recent statements.  

The statement highlights Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Orders designating dangerous cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. It also notes that under the Governor’s direction, DPS and TMD have previously conducted operations to clear islands genuinely affected by cartel violence, citing Fronton Island in October 2023 as an example.  

Texas DPS and TMD affirm that the state continues to maintain strong law enforcement and intelligence capabilities along the border. They stated they are working in conjunction with the Trump Administration and U.S. Border Patrol to identify areas of concern and disrupt cartel activity before it escalates.