Surge in Illegal Immigration Worries Rural Residents
HIDALGO COUNTY - Residents who live near a makeshift illegal immigrant camp north of Edinburg said the site was too close for comfort.
Border Patrol agents arrested more than 70 illegal immigrants at the site. The camp was near a school and a large subdivision. Officials said smugglers are turning to rural lots to hide illegal immigrants.
The trend is disturbing for area residents.
"We thought ... moving out to the county (would be) nice and peaceful. Here we are, with all this commotion going on," Regal Gomez said.
Gomez watched from his home as a Border Patrol helicopter hovered over a group of immigrants near his home.
A tip from Gomez's neighbors led authorities to the site. He said the large piece of land at Mile 17 ½ Road and 10th Street is perfect for hiding illegal immigrants.
Gomez said he doesn't feel safe outside his house.
"I have a gun, and I stay as protected as I can," Gomez said.
Gomez and his neighbors watched as the immigrants were loaded into a bus.
"Round them up ... get them out of here. I hope they do something about this property," he said.
Border Patrol Spokesman Henry Mendiola said smugglers are opting for empty lots to hide the immigrants.
"This is a good indicator that these organizations are starting to change their tactics. They have been using stash houses ... hotel rooms. Now, they are using vacant lots," Mendiola said.
Mendiola said the Border Patrol relies on neighbors to report suspicious activity.
Homeowners said they hope to see more patrols in their neighborhoods.
"They don't patrol this area much," Gomez said.
Border Patrol officials said they will contact the property owner to notify him about the incident. They said agents will provide the landowner with tips to prevent future human trafficking attempts.
Border Patrol agents arrested more than 70 illegal immigrants at the site. The camp was near a school and a large subdivision. Officials said smugglers are turning to rural lots to hide illegal immigrants.
The trend is disturbing for area residents.
"We thought ... moving out to the county (would be) nice and peaceful. Here we are, with all this commotion going on," Regal Gomez said.
Gomez watched from his home as a Border Patrol helicopter hovered over a group of immigrants near his home.
A tip from Gomez's neighbors led authorities to the site. He said the large piece of land at Mile 17 ½ Road and 10th Street is perfect for hiding illegal immigrants.
Gomez said he doesn't feel safe outside his house.
"I have a gun, and I stay as protected as I can," Gomez said.
Gomez and his neighbors watched as the immigrants were loaded into a bus.
"Round them up ... get them out of here. I hope they do something about this property," he said.
Border Patrol Spokesman Henry Mendiola said smugglers are opting for empty lots to hide the immigrants.
"This is a good indicator that these organizations are starting to change their tactics. They have been using stash houses ... hotel rooms. Now, they are using vacant lots," Mendiola said.
Mendiola said the Border Patrol relies on neighbors to report suspicious activity.
Homeowners said they hope to see more patrols in their neighborhoods.
"They don't patrol this area much," Gomez said.
Border Patrol officials said they will contact the property owner to notify him about the incident. They said agents will provide the landowner with tips to prevent future human trafficking attempts.
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