Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for allegedly providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The suspect, from Tamaulipas, Mexico, remains in custody following his arrest. A federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment, and he is expected to appear for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker in the near future.
According to the charges, authorities encountered the Suspect near Mission July 10. A records check allegedly revealed authorities had previously removed him from the United States earlier this year.
The indictment further alleges he was an active member of the Gulf Cartel for more than a year. He allegedly provided services including personnel, regional protection and enforcement, law enforcement countersurveillance, and disposal of human remains.
The Suspect allegedly worked nights maintaining an assigned sector in Reynosa. He also conducted countersurveillance against the Mexican military and law enforcement.
According to the indictment, he received names or photographs of individuals targeted for kidnapping. He allegedly kidnapped those individuals and delivered them to higher-ranking cartel members.
The indictment also alleges the suspect dismembered at least two victims on the outskirts of Reynosa after they ran afoul of the Gulf Cartel.
The United States designated the Gulf Cartel, also known as Cartel del Golfo, as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20, 2025. According to the Department of State, the northeast Mexico-based cartel is involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human smuggling, and other illicit activities. They also use violence, including assassinations of civilians and government officials, to intimidate the public and control territory.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin Walker and Avery Benitez are prosecuting the case.
A recording of the press conference announcing the indictment is available on YouTube at the link below
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Updated September 16, 2026
