Mexico disputes Texas’ claim to nine Rio Grande islands, says IBWC must decide

Mexico disputes Texas’ claim to nine Rio Grande islands, says IBWC must decide by Jordan Elder Fri, November 6, 2026 at 2:05 PM 4 VIEW ALL PHOTOS Courtesy: TX General Land Office Comment on this story 1 Comment Share story Share topics: Mexico Texas Rio Grande International Boundary and Water Commission Boundary Treaty General Land Office Dawn Buckingham Fronton Island Mexico is challenging Texas’ determination that nine islands in the Rio Grande belong to the state, saying the International Boundary and Water Commission must decide which side of the international border each island is on. In an Oct. 30 statement , Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the border “cannot be modified by a decision of a state government.” It cited the 1970 Boundary Treaty, which sets the international boundary along the middle of the river’s normal channel. The Texas General Land Office announced Oct. 26 that it had identified nine islands, totaling about 66 acres, as state property. The islands are along the Texas-Mexico border between Laredo and McAllen. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said the GLO reviewed historical records, surveys, and other information to determine ownership. “We just want to be sure that any Texas territory that is truly and legally Texas territory is declared as such so that we can defend it,” Buckingham told News 4 and Fox SA. The nine islands total about 66 acres and are located along the Texas-Mexico border between Laredo and McAllen, according to the GLO. Buckingham said CBP asked her to review 28 islands in the river total, but the others did not qualify as Texas land. Some may be Mexican territory, while others may not be entirely islands or may be affected by historical deeds. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the announcement on Nov. 3, saying the islands should be measured and their location determined by the commission. She also said she believed Texas’ announcement was politically motivated ahead of the U.S. midterm elections. Buckingham said Texas has not identified criminal activity on the nine islands, but state law enforcement is expected to access them soon. “Right now, these islands, we haven't noticed any criminal activity,” she said. “Law enforcement is going to be stepping on them for the first time here very quickly. So we’ll figure that out.” Buckingham pointed to Fronton Island as a precedent. Texas declared the 171-acre island state land in 2023, and state agencies later cleared vegetation there through Operation Flat Top. Buckingham said the GLO took extra care with the new determinations. “Let’s measure that center of the river twice,” she said she told her team, adding that she wanted them to be sure they were proceeding responsibly. Trending Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business Night out turns violent as gunfire erupts outside La Cantera-area business 1 dead, 1 in grave condition after shootout with police at Alamo Ranch San Antonio police are investigating an officer-involved shooting on the far West Side near Lone Star Parkway and Alamo Ranch Parkway. One person is dead, another is hospitalized in critical condition. No officers hurt. Dozens of undelivered ballots found in dumpster at Seattle park The ballots have already been reissued to the affected voters. Eastland family loses control of Camp Mystic A federal bankruptcy judge has stripped the Eastland family of control of Camp Mystic, installing two independent overseers as the camp faces a criminal probe and wrongful-death suits tied to the July 2025 flood. High school football highlights and scores The 2026 regular season for Texas High School football is in the books. District championships and some playoff spots were on the line going into the final Fri NEWS IN PHOTOS: " Local " 5 NEW AMBER ALERT: 17-year-old Gabriela Cabrera last seen Friday 3 VIDEO: Police seek suspect accused of striking woman walking her dog near Blue Star Arts 8 San Antonio Mayor pushes for changes to state health care, immigration and housing laws 3 San Antonio Democrats pushing for marijuana legalization