A 27-year-old man was killed Monday morning after opening fire at a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, in what law enforcement officials described as a purposeful ambush targeting federal agents.
Ryan Louis Mosqueda, armed with an assault rifle and wearing tactical gear, was shot and killed by federal agents and local police after he opened fire at the entrance of the Border Patrol’s Rio Grande Valley Sector Annex at approximately 5:53 a.m., authorities confirmed.
McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia was injured in the exchange of gunfire, suffering a knee injury, though authorities remain uncertain whether the wound was caused by the suspect’s gunfire, friendly fire, or shrapnel.
Suspect Identified as Michigan Resident
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez identified the gunman as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, 27, of Michigan, during a Monday morning press conference.
“Federal agents returned fire at the suspect, who had an assault rifle and was carrying a utility vest,” Rodriguez told reporters.
Law enforcement officials discovered a second rifle and additional ammunition at the scene, suggesting the suspect had come prepared for an extended confrontation.
Rodriguez confirmed that Mosqueda’s motive remains unknown, with the FBI taking the lead in the ongoing investigation.
Airport Operations Temporarily Disrupted
The shooting occurred at the Border Patrol facility located directly across the street from McAllen International Airport, prompting immediate security measures.
“Due to off-airport safety concerns, vehicles and passengers will not be permitted to enter the terminal or parking lot,” the city of McAllen announced via Facebook.
All flights at the airport were temporarily delayed as authorities secured the area and investigated the incident.
McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil later confirmed the airport resumed full operations Monday afternoon, stating: “We appreciate the community’s patience as we prioritized safety during the closure.”
Federal and Local Response
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that both Border Patrol agents and local police officers responded to neutralize the threat.
This morning an individual opened fire at the entrance of the United States Border Patrol sector annex in McAllen, Texas,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
The Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley Sector posted on Facebook acknowledging the “active shooter incident” while confirming the investigation was ongoing.
FBI San Antonio division agents responded to the scene after being alerted by McAllen police, taking over as the lead investigative agency.
Officer Injured in Exchange
Officer Ismael Garcia, a 10-year veteran of the McAllen Police Department, was the only law enforcement personnel injured during the confrontation.
Chief Rodriguez said Garcia was struck in the knee but could not confirm whether the injury resulted from the suspect’s gunfire, friendly fire, or shrapnel from the exchange.
Garcia was transported to a local hospital where he remains in stable condition, according to federal officials who confirmed the injury was not life-threatening.
No federal agents were injured during the incident, authorities confirmed.
Pattern of Attacks on Federal Facilities
The McAllen shooting represents the latest in a series of recent attacks targeting federal immigration enforcement facilities across the country.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche referenced ongoing incidents in a social media post, stating: “We are closely monitoring the attacks on DHS detention facilities in Prairieland, TX, and Portland, OR.
The incident occurred just days after an Alvarado Police Department officer was shot near ICE’s Prairieland Detention Facility on Friday night.
“The Department [of Justice] has zero tolerance for assaults on federal officers or property and will bring the full weight of the law against those responsible,” Blanche added.
Investigation Ongoing
The FBI confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety following the neutralization of the suspect.
“However, out of an abundance of caution, the FBI asks that the public avoid the area if possible,” the agency stated.
Local authorities closed Wichita Avenue from 10th Street to Bicentennial as investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence.
McAllen Police Sergeant John Saenz emphasized that while the incident occurred near the airport, it did not take place at the airport facility itself.
Law Enforcement Unity
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist in the aftermath of the shooting, demonstrating the close cooperation between federal and local authorities.
The swift response and coordination between Border Patrol agents and McAllen police officers prevented what officials described as a potentially more devastating attack.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released additional details about Mosqueda’s background or any potential connections to extremist groups.
The FBI stated it would continue working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure community safety while pursuing all investigative leads.
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