US Border Patrol agents and suspected Mexican cartel members traded gunfire near the southern border Monday as a group of migrants tried to enter the US illegally, according to a report.

Mexican drug cartels have planned attacks on U.S. Border Patrol agents with kamikaze drones and other explosives to combat a crackdown by the Trump administration at the southern border.

Federal agents working the border are also advised to "carry proper equipment" at all times, including first-aid kids, tourniquets and body armor. The memo also notes that rifles "should be readily available.