In a recent interview with NewsNation, Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland revealed that cartel members have been using social media to threaten officials, including himself, amidst the ongoing crisis at the southern border. Despite the concerning nature of these threats, Sheriff Cleveland remains steadfast in his duty to protect and serve his community, as he has sworn to do throughout his career in the military, as a border patrol agent, and now as a sheriff.
During his appearance on “NewsNation Live with Marni Hughes,” Sheriff Cleveland shared that the cartel members have been monitoring his Facebook account and have been using it to send him vile and derogatory messages. These messages also included warnings that they were watching him and his loved ones. Hughes asked Sheriff Cleveland if there was a particular message that stood out to him as the most concerning, to which he replied that he puts his faith in God and his oath to serve, which gives him the strength to continue doing what is right for his country and community.
The journalist then questioned the sheriff about whether the threats had caused him to reconsider what he posts on social media. Sheriff Cleveland admitted that he used to black out the faces of the illegal immigrants they captured, but stopped doing so to show the reality of the situation and to provide peace of mind to families who were searching for their missing loved ones. While he may have despised social media in the past, Sheriff Cleveland now sees its advantages in highlighting the good work of the United States Border Patrol and showcasing the collaboration between the various agencies working to secure the border.
It seems that threatening law enforcement officials is just one of the ways in which the cartels are using social media to gather intel and monitor their illegal activities. Reports suggest that they are also using these platforms to keep an eye on their cargo and to check if it has successfully crossed the border undetected. This poses a significant challenge to law enforcement as they try to combat the ongoing crisis at the southern border.
The situation at the southern border has reached unprecedented levels, with a record-breaking 302,034 migrant encounters in December 2023 alone, as reported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This surge in illegal crossings has put tremendous strain on border officials and has brought to light the need for stronger security measures to be implemented.
The threats from cartel members towards southern border sheriffs and the use of social media to gather intel are troubling developments in the ongoing crisis at the border. However, Sheriff Cleveland’s unwavering dedication to his duty and his community is a testament to the resilience and bravery of law enforcement officials working tirelessly to secure the border and keep their communities safe. It is crucial for the government and relevant agencies to address these issues and implement effective measures to combat the rampant illegal activities at the southern border.