Rising Public Safety Issues in Eagle Pass Requires Community Collaboration
By: Victoria Martinez, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2025
In the wake of the tragic shooting at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino on September 27, 2025 and a string of recent threats to local schools, public safety has become one of the most pressing issues in Eagle Pass. Residents are grappling with grief, anxiety, and questions about how the community can better prepare for emergencies while holding institutions accountable.
For many in Eagle Pass, the casino shooting marked a turning point in how safety is viewed. The event not only shocked the community but also exposed the urgent need for stronger communication and preparedness across agencies.
Police Chief Amy Gonzalez reflected on the lessons learned:
“The tragic events at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino had a profound impact on our community. While we cannot share all operational details, we have used this and other incidents as key training points to improve communications, preparedness, coordination, and response. These lessons help ensure our officers are ready to act quickly and compassionately in any emergency along with the trainings to equip a more quality first responder. We are also proud to be the only law enforcement agency locally providing CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events) training to our community, empowering residents with lifesaving skills and situational awareness.”
Less than a week after the casino tragedy, Eagle Pass families faced a new wave of fear when threats surfaced at three public elementary schools. Notes referencing violence and even a “kill list” at one campus led to widespread concern among parents. In some cases, confusion over communication between school officials and law enforcement intensified frustrations.
Though none of the threats resulted in actual violence, they underscored how quickly fear can spread and how critical coordinated responses are for maintaining trust.
Community leaders stress that preventing violence is not only about police response but also about addressing deeper social issues. “Gun violence is a national crisis, and Eagle Pass must do its part,” voiced Border Artist Society Director Yocelyn Riojas, “we need open conversations on safety measures and stronger mental health support because protecting our community means addressing it all together.”
For Eagle Pass, the dual impact of the casino shooting and recent school threats highlights the need for vigilance, collaboration, and transparency. City police, school officials, and community advocates agree that safety cannot be left to one agency alone. It requires shared responsibility, from law enforcement training and school preparedness to mental health services and open dialogue with families.
As Eagle Pass Police Chief Amy Gonzalez noted, ensuring safety means being ready to respond with both skill and compassion. As local citizen Yocelyn Riojas stressed, it also means listening to the community’s demand for accountability. Together, these priorities shape the path forward for public safety in Eagle Pass.
