American, Canadian hikers robbed, attacked by suspected cartel terrorists near California-Mexico border

According to authorities, a group of hikers were walking through the wilderness around 11 am when two of them were approached by suspected cartel gunmen who demanded they move toward them. The two hikers, a US citizen, and a Canadian citizen, refused the subjects' demands and continued walking. As a result, the assailants fired a volley of shots, striking one victim in the leg.

The suspected cartel terrorists advanced on the downed hiker and his Canadian friend, stealing their cell phones and backpacks, authorities said. The Imperial County Sheriff's Office 911 Dispatch reported the incident to the US Border El Centro Sector around 11 am.

Agents from the Border Patrol Search Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR), Mountain Disrupt Unit, and Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) infiltrated the scene at 12:08 pm, found the injured victim, and stabilized him. After setting up a perimeter for protection, agents used CBP Air and Marine Operations San Diego to remove the victim from the wilderness, who was transported to San Diego's Sharp Medical Center for treatment.

The assailants were pursued by BORTAC and BORSTAR agents, who established a secure perimeter and followed them to the border, where they returned to Mexico, according to the press release.

"The wounded hiker is an 'I told you so moment' highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure the Border Patrol has been championing for years now," said El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino. "Suspected cartel terrorists, however, are fixing to learn this type of conduct will be an end game type of activity here in the Premier Sector. All threats, anywhere, or at any time throughout this sector will be addressed vigorously."

This comes just days after the United States moved to designate cartels a foreign terrorist organization at the direction of President Donald Trump.