Mason County Man Fatally Shot by U.S. Border Patrol in Texas After Reported Ambush
McALLEN, TX – A 27-year-old Michigan man has been identified as the individual shot and killed by U.S. Border Patrol agents during a violent confrontation along the southern U.S. border. Authorities say the man, Ryan Louis Mosqueda, a resident of Ludington in Mason County, Michigan, ambushed federal agents and opened fire in what law enforcement is describing as a sudden and dangerous escalation.
The deadly incident occurred on the morning of Monday, July 7, near the Texas-Mexico border. According to McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez, Mosqueda was armed with a rifle and reportedly initiated the gunfire, targeting agents as they arrived in the area.
“He was waiting in a concealed position and opened fire on the agents,” said Chief Rodriguez. “The agents returned fire in defense. Sadly, the encounter ended with the death of Mr. Mosqueda.”
Authorities have not released specific details regarding Mosqueda’s motives or how he came to be in Texas. However, multiple agencies, including the McAllen Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are jointly investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Back in Michigan, the news of Mosqueda’s death came as a shock to residents of Mason County, where Mosqueda lived. Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole confirmed that Mosqueda was a resident of Ludington, a small lakeshore city on Lake Michigan, but said he had no known prior contact or criminal history with the sheriff’s office.
“We are saddened to hear of the events that took place in Texas,” Sheriff Cole said in a brief statement. “As far as our records show, Mr. Mosqueda had no contact with our office. He was not on our radar.”
Family and acquaintances in Ludington have yet to make public statements, and it remains unclear what brought Mosqueda to Texas or what prompted the confrontation with federal agents. His social media presence, if any, is now under review as authorities attempt to gather more insight into his actions and state of mind.
The shooting has sparked concern and questions from both the Mason County community and broader audiences watching developments at the southern border. In recent years, the U.S.-Mexico border has become a flashpoint for national security and immigration debates, but cases involving armed civilians engaging Border Patrol agents remain rare and alarming.
“Anytime a U.S. agent is fired upon, it becomes a matter of national concern,” said a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection. “Our agents are trained to respond with appropriate force in life-threatening situations. The loss of any life is tragic, and we are working to determine exactly what led to this confrontation.”
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have been notified and are assisting with the investigation. Mosqueda’s body is currently in the custody of the Hidalgo County Medical Examiner for autopsy.
Local officials in Texas say the agents involved in the shooting have been placed on standard administrative leave while the incident is reviewed.
Meanwhile, Ludington residents remain stunned by the news.
“We never expected to hear something like this about someone from our town,” said a local business owner who knew Mosqueda by name. “It just doesn’t make sense right now.”
No Border Patrol agents were injured in the confrontation. Investigators are working to piece together Mosqueda’s movements leading up to the shooting and determine whether he acted alone or had any known affiliations.
Anyone with information about Ryan Louis Mosqueda or his recent activities is urged to contact federal authorities as the investigation continues.