Texas Battles Cartel, Federal Government Over Tiny Island on Gulf Coast

Almost one year ago, Texas won one important battle against the cartel

The island came into existence between 1852 and 1926. Over the years, the island with its lush vegetation became a haven for cartels interested in drug smuggling and human trafficking. In 2023, an operation was launched by Texas to clean up the island and claim it as its own.

How The Cartel Came To Control Fronton Island

Fronton Island is named for the nearby village of Fronton. The island was formed when the Rio Grande began cutting a new channel. Over time Mother Nature took her course, and the island was born. It was covered in lush vegetation and became a hot spot for criminals.

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In 1983 armed Mexican fugitives took refuge on the island after escaping from jail. They hid among the dense foliage before eventually being apprehended. Over the next several years, Fronton Island would become a hot spot for cartel activity.

The Texas Rangers Take On The Cartels For Control Of Fronton Island

Eventually, in 2023, Texas decided it was time to quit messing around and claim the island as its own. Over the years there have been multiple disputes over who actually controls the land. Mexico has claimed rights to it. A ranch in Texas once claimed it was theirs. Now, Texas claims ownership of Fronton Island.

An operation involving the Texas Rangers was launched to occupy the island. Interestingly enough, even though the Rangers were prepared, there wasn't a massive armed conflict. You would expect there to be a lot of gunfire exchanged over the occupation, but there wasn't. The island was occupied and cleared of cartel shelters and vegetation.

The Fight For Control Of Fronton Island Continues In 2024

If you thought the story ended there, you'd be wrong. Fronton Island is still a hotly contested little piece of land. Only this time, it isn't Mexico or the cartels that Texas is having to deal with. It's the U.S. government.

The federal government has decided to enter the fray over an international treaty with Mexico. That treaty is what decides who owns what along the Rio Grande. According to the treaty, the island became the property of the federal government when Mexico didn't correct the flow of the river. That would mean that Texas is trespassing on federal land, according to the feds. Of course, Texas disagrees.

The battle for Fronton Island continues, even if it is just a legal one.