Border Fence To Be Built

Homeland Defense Secretary says construction will begin by late September

RIO GRANDE VALLEY - During an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Michael Chertoff announced construction on the proposed border fence would begin by the end of the fiscal year.

Chertoff says border towns will not have any veto power, but will be consulted on the style fence that goes up.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 spoke with Valley residents to find out what they think.

Robert Morales says, "For U.S. citizens to stay here and keep other Mexicans out of this place. I think it would be a good idea."

Mary Ybarra disagrees, "It will definitely effect our relationship with Mexico. They're trying to break down walls in other places, and yet here we have them putting up a fence. So I don't think it's a good idea."

Construction on the fence is set to begin by the end of September.