Yes you did. thanks again.
----- Original Message -----
From: Don Arburn
Cc: Cavers Texas
Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2010 11:07 AM
Subject: Re: [Texascavers] Travel along the US Mexico border
Didn't I tow you and your truck to Bustamante from Minas Viejas once?
All I can say is, the Federales have some cool 4x4 caving vehicles with
propellers and turrets at the borders. There, caving related and on topic.
Don's iPhone.
On Feb 24, 2010, at 10:54 AM, Bruce Anderson <brewskyj...@rgv.rr.com> wrote:
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!
