KRGV.com

HIDALGO COUNTY - The demand for personal security is on the rise in the Rio Grande Valley. One firm hopes to step up and meet that demand.

The list of clients is confidential, but growing, said International Security Agency officials. More people are willing to pay top dollar to feel safe.

"We just provide that security knowing that they can come and do what they need to do. Job meetings, interviews ... and don't have to worry about security at all," said Michael Lopez, a recruit with ISA.

The group is nine-men strong and growing. The men are training and soon could work as bodyguards on both sides of the border.

"With the shootings, kidnappings and the robberies, there are so many things going on down here, that what we provide is definitely a service that can be utilized," said Jerry Brumley, with ISA.

"Someone has to do it. I have experience of being in the Marine Corps for four years. I like to do it. You have to like to do it to be good at what you do," Carlos Martinez said.

Martinez said he sees the violence from Mexico slowly spilling closer to home.

"When I was in high school, I started noticing that people are changing ... in the Valley," he said. "I thought it would be good to get into the Marine Corps to do this kind of work."

Martinez knows the risks.

"We're not here to fight the cartels. We're here to provide security and protection, fire protection and security protection," he said.

ISA officials said they perform background searches on potential clients. They turn away anyone with possible cartel ties.