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Texas Trooper Cleared in Border Shooting

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, February 28th 2026 at 3:44 GMT by KDFW
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

Laredo, Texas - February 28, 2026 - A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper has been cleared in the fatal shooting of Miguel Angel Flores, 32, who died on February 21st near Laredo while attempting to cross the Rio Grande into Mexico. The incident, which has prompted scrutiny and debate, occurred as Flores was fleeing authorities who were attempting to arrest him for an alleged assault. A report released Thursday by the Texas Rangers concluded that Trooper Joseph Cerna acted within department policy and training during the confrontation.

The investigation centered on the events leading up to and including the moment Cerna discharged his firearm. According to the report, Flores was a suspect in an assault case within Webb County and was actively wanted by law enforcement. Attempts to apprehend him proved unsuccessful, leading to a pursuit that culminated at the border. As Flores ran towards the Rio Grande, seemingly attempting to cross into Mexico, Cerna fired, resulting in Flores' death.

The Texas Rangers' findings emphasize that Cerna's actions were justified under the circumstances. The report states the trooper reasonably perceived Flores as a continuing threat and believed the use of force was necessary, citing that Flores was actively evading arrest and posed a risk to public safety. Critically, the report doesn't detail which specific DPS policies or training protocols were followed, leaving some room for continued discussion regarding the specifics of the justification.

DPS officials have released bodycam footage capturing the incident, further fueling public discussion. The released footage corroborates the Rangers' account, showing Flores running towards the river at the time of the shooting. The quality and framing of bodycam footage, however, are always subject to interpretation, and advocacy groups have called for a more granular analysis of the events leading up to the moment Cerna fired. While the footage confirms Flores was fleeing, questions remain regarding whether less-lethal options were considered or if the severity of the alleged assault warranted the use of deadly force.

This incident takes place against a complex backdrop of border security concerns and ongoing debates regarding the use of force by law enforcement. The Rio Grande River serves as a significant international border, frequently traversed by individuals attempting to enter the United States, both legally and illegally. This creates challenging scenarios for border patrol and state law enforcement, requiring quick decision-making in potentially dangerous situations. Furthermore, the escalating rates of domestic violence and assault cases, particularly in border regions, place additional strain on law enforcement resources.

Legal experts suggest that the fact Flores was fleeing towards another country complicates the legal landscape. Extradition treaties and international law add layers of complexity to cross-border law enforcement actions. While the report claims adherence to DPS policy, the question of whether the shooting constitutes a violation of international norms remains open for discussion, especially considering Flores had not yet fully crossed the border.

The Webb County District Attorney's office will review the Texas Rangers' report to determine if any further action is warranted. While the Rangers have cleared Cerna, the District Attorney retains the authority to pursue criminal charges if they deem the evidence supports such an action. The DA's office has not indicated a timeline for their review.

Civil rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, demanding full transparency and accountability. Some groups have expressed concern that the shooting reflects a pattern of excessive force along the border. They argue that the immediate resort to deadly force in situations where individuals are fleeing is unacceptable and necessitates a thorough reevaluation of DPS policies and training protocols. They also call for independent investigations of all officer-involved shootings, free from potential conflicts of interest.

The case highlights the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement in border regions, balancing the need to apprehend suspects with the imperative to protect lives and uphold the law. It serves as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can occur when these factors collide, and the vital importance of ongoing dialogue and reform in law enforcement practices.