DHS Issues New Warning to Border Patrol On Possible IEDs As Funding Remains Tied Up in Congress: ‘Exercise Extreme Caution’

Border patrol agents are being warned by the Department of Homeland Security to look for possible explosive devices at the southern border as funding remains tied up in congressional negotiations. According to a report from Fox Business, an internal safety alert on Dec. 13 warned agents to “exercise extreme caution” following the Mexican military seizing 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the southern border.

The Mexican military seized the weaponry after U.S. border patrol agents near Tucson reported gunshots. Agents later arrested an armed individual with a loaded AK-47 rifle, a handgun, and ammunition.

A source also revealed to the outlet that the gunfight observed by patrol agents was rival cartels fighting for control of an area used to smuggle drugs and humans.

The memo advises agents to “exercise extreme caution and should report any possible armed subjects approaching the border with possible explosive devices.”

The explosive warning on the borders comes as Republicans and Democrats negotiate additional funding for border security. The GOP wants increased funding for the border to pass President Joe Biden’s proposed $106 billion aid package for Israel and Ukraine.

Moreover, other GOP lawmakers have demanded that additional aid to these U.S. allies also include funding to restart border wall construction, return to the Trump era Remain-in-Mexico border policy, and place restrictions for asylum seekers.

Biden and Democratic Senate leaders have so far rejected the GOP proposal. However, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted on Thursday that the Senate would return early to Capitol Hill to resume border funding negotiations.

Watch the full segment above via Fox News.