Texas confirms ownership of nine border islands on Rio Grande

Who's involved

• Dawn BuckinghamTexas Land Commissioner
• Texas General Land OfficeState agency that made the ownership determination
• U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionFederal agency that had questions about island ownership

The facts

• GLO confirmed nine Rio Grande islands totaling approximately 66 acres belong to Texas.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Islands are spread along Rio Grande from Laredo area south toward McAllen.²
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection had questions about 28 islands; GLO identified nine as Texas land.²
• GLO reviewed historical records, surveys, and other information to determine ownership.²
• Determination allows state and federal law enforcement to access, monitor, and patrol the islands.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• No criminal activity confirmed on the nine islands, according to GLO.²
• In 2023, GLO declared Fronton Island, a 170-acre property, as state land.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Dawn Buckingham Ownership uncertainty had limited state ability to monitor and protect the islands for years.^{1 2}
• Buckingham Past experiences showed cartels and smugglers exploited border islands.¹
• Buckingham Texas land will never become a safe haven for cartels, human traffickers, smugglers, or criminal organizations.²