Two people were killed and two were injured when a helicopter from the United States National Guard crashed Friday afternoon near the Texas–Mexico border, according to local outlets tracking the incident. The tragedy unfolded in a region already familiar to border patrol operations and federal safety protocols, heightening concerns about the risks faced by personnel who support security missions in intensely watched border zones. The immediate aftermath saw emergency responders rushing to the crash site, securing the area, and initiating standard rescue procedures while preserving evidence for investigators. Source: local media.
Investigators identified the crash site as La Grulla, a small community in Starr County, situated along the Rio Grande, which serves as a natural division between the United States and Mexico. The Texas Department of Public Safety, through spokespersons who briefed regional television outlets, confirmed the location and noted that at least four people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. The exact health status of those injured remained unclear in the hours following the crash, but medical teams provided on-site assessments and prepared for potential airlift or in-field stabilization as the investigation continued. Source: local media.
The helicopter was reportedly supporting federal government operations conducted in conjunction with the U.S. Border Patrol. Authorities clarified that the aircraft was not part of Operation Lone Star, a flagship Texas initiative launched by the governor to intensify frontier security since 2021. Even though the program has involved deploying additional aircraft for surveillance and patrols, the current incident appears to be tied to separate federal-state collaboration aimed at reinforcing border controls rather than to the governor’s solo security effort. The incident underscores the complexity and danger inherent in joint missions that blend federal and state resources in high-traffic border regions. Source: local media.