Hiker Shot, Robbed By Suspected Cartel Members Near Border: Authorities

IMPERIAL COUNTY, CA — A group of hikers were shot at and robbed by suspected cartel members in the Jacumba Wilderness, with one person struck repeatedly, according to authorities.

The hikers included multiple U.S. citizens and a Canadian citizen who was legally visiting the country, U.S. Border Patrol El Centro Sector said in a social media post.

One of the hikers was shot twice and robbed, and the Canadian citizen was robbed as well, according to authorities, who said emergency personnel were dispatched to the area to rescue and evacuate the hikers and neutralize any threats.

The incident occurred around mid-day Wednesday in the Valley of the Moon area near the Mexico border, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune.

“Cartels think they can bring their war here,” Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino said in a post on X about the incident. “Think again! Americans won’t be intimidated."