Armed Attack in Ciudad Juárez: Young Man Injured, Child Missing, Authorities Launch Search
Ciudad Juárez, February 18, 2026 – An armed attack in the Valle de Juárez has resulted in a young man, approximately 20 years old, being wounded by gunfire, and a four-year-old child reportedly abducted. The incident, which occurred yesterday evening, has prompted a significant security operation involving state and federal authorities in the border region of Ciudad Juárez.
Details of the Attack and Victim’s Journey to Seek Help
Preliminary reports indicate that the aggression took place near Gate 54 of the Río Bravo riverbank. After sustaining gunshot wounds, the injured man managed to walk to the intersection of Venustiano Carranza and the Juárez-Porvenir highway, in the town of San Isidro, where he sought assistance.
Child Allegedly Abducted by Assailants
The spokesperson for the State Public Security Secretariat confirmed that a four-year-old child, who was traveling in the victim’s vehicle, was allegedly taken by the attackers. As of now, the child’s whereabouts remain unknown, intensifying the urgency of the ongoing search.
According to initial information, the aggressors were traveling in a black pickup truck and a compact red car. They reportedly fired shots from these vehicles before fleeing the scene.
Two Suspects Cross Border, Abandon Vehicles
Following the events, it was reported that two individuals crossed into the United States to surrender to authorities. They abandoned two vehicles in the sector: one belonging to the victim and another suspected to be linked to the perpetrators of the attack.
Extensive Search Operation Underway
State authorities and all three levels of government are maintaining an extensive operation in the Valle de Juárez. Their primary objectives are to locate the missing child and to fully clarify the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact mechanics of the incident.
Context of Insecurity in Chihuahua
This incident adds to concerns about insecurity in Chihuahua, a region that has recently seen other violent events, including blockades, tire-spiking, and the burning of a maquiladora truck in Aldama. The ongoing efforts by authorities underscore the challenges faced in maintaining public safety in the area.
The community remains on edge as the search for the missing child continues, and residents hope for a swift resolution to this distressing event.
