I actually live in deep south Texas in McAllen. I was in Juarez the first of the month and I can tell you that it is just as bad here as there only they keep it quiet around here. The problem is that you need to be very aware of your surroundings. Bullets do not care what is in their path. The US officials were on high alert down here twice last week with swat teams at the crossings because they thought it might spill over into the US.
I am in and out Mexico doing business very frequently and all I can say is be very aware of your surroundings and be careful where you go. You may still get caught in the cross fire. There have been two gun fights one in Matamoros and one in Reynosa in the shopping malls in the past week. As far as the Mexican officials are concerned, I have learned how to pay the bribe game and never had and major problems other than spending time and bribe money getting it done. I can tell you this. I do not mind the drive out of south Texas but it would be very scary having a breakdown between McAllen and George West in the middle of no where. There are narcos (drug runners) and coyotes (people runners all through that region. I am not saying whether I carry or not but I will say I will defend myself. Bruce ----- Original Message ----- From: Geary Schindel To: Cavers Texas Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 9:26 AM Subject: [Texascavers] Travel along the US Mexico border This is in response to the new posting on travel to Mexico. This is from my caver friend that works in the Office of Homeland Security here in San Antonio. He is also on Texas Cavers list but prefers to keep a low profile. Something to think about. Geary Hi Geary! They said they were going to renew that. I am glad they did. Some of the areas are very dangerous right now. Folks just need to be aware of the threat and that things can turn sour very quickly. Bullets are not picky who they hit during a gunfight. There has also been an increase in drug trafficking from Big Bend NP to Maverick County along the Texas border in the US. In the last six months there has been at least two LARGE shipments picked up in Big Bend NP itself. It is Very similar to what they are doing out in Organ Pipe National Park. These are not the normal "wetback with drugs" scenario. These are well armed individuals dressed in black or camouflage carrying fairly large amounts of contraband. They usually travel at night and have normally a number of set pick up points which they rotate around. Cell phones are such a help to all. They will avoid contact if possible but if cornered have been know to fight. Normally if they are pressed hard they will drop there cargo and disappear but like stated before, they will fight if cornered and usually are quite ready to do that. They don't play by the same rules that we do. There has also been an increase in human trafficking (two or three young women from Mexico/Central America being sold in slavery or prostitution) These are not so heavily armed but the handlers have been aggressive in the last couple months. If confronted they will run and leave there cargo (the women) but there has been several incidences of ranchers and hunters being jumped at gates and such as the handlers were trying to steal the vehicle. Packing a handgun seems to be a quick cure as they know most ranchers and hunters will use them if they can. Just tell the guys to be careful going through gates to the caves late at night or early in the morning. The buddy system works and safety in numbers is a good thing. Two or more people they will evade and avoid. They have been breaking into vehicles at night as well along the border. This time of year seems to be the time that this increases as the weather is more temperate and they can move large groups at night quite easily. Hope this helps some. Just thought you would want to know and maybe pass this on. From your local Department of Homeland Security Friend! :) Take care Bro!
