American Hiker Shot and Robbed in Suspected Cartel Terror Attack on U.S. Soil
Jacumba Wilderness, California - A U.S. hiker was shot and robbed during a violent attack by suspected Mexican cartel terrorists in the Jacumba Wilderness, just 1,000 feet north of the U.S.-Mexico border. The ambush, which occurred on Wednesday, January 22, has been classified by authorities as a cartel terrorist attack on U.S. soil.
At approximately 11 a.m., El Centro Sector Communications received a call from the Imperial County Sheriffs Office 911 Dispatch reporting that a man had been shot and needed immediate assistance. U.S. Border Patrol agents were dispatched to the area and encountered a group of hikers, who reported that part of their group had been attacked by armed individuals.
Two of the hikers, one U.S. citizen and one Canadian citizen, were approached by two armed men who commanded them to come closer. When the hikers refused, the assailants opened fire, striking the U.S. citizen in the leg. The armed attackers then advanced on the downed hiker and his Canadian companion, robbing them of their cell phones and backpacks before fleeing.
Specialized units, including the Mountain Disrupt Unit, Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), and Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR), responded to the scene at 12:08 p.m. Agents located and stabilized the injured victim, establishing a secure perimeter while awaiting evacuation. CBP Air and Marine Operations airlifted the victim to Reach Air Ambulance, which transported him to Sharp Medical Center in San Diego for treatment.
BORTAC and BORSTAR agents tracked the assailants back to the border, where they returned to Mexico.
“This is an “I told you so moment” highlighting the importance of the adequate border infrastructure the Border Patrol has been championing for years” said El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino. “Suspected cartel terrorists, however, are fixing to learn this type of conduct will be an end game type of activity here in the Premier Sector. All threats, anywhere, or at any time throughout this sector will be addressed vigorously.”