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• Ambulance Drivers Trained to Avoid Violence Play Video

  April 3, 2013 7:21 PM

  CAMERON COUNTY - Ambulance drivers in Harlingen are trained to avoid situations like the ramming incident Wednesday in Hidalgo County, officials said. Paramedics must be sure the scene is safe before they exit the ambulance, Placido Guerra said. He works with South Texas Emergency Care. The comments come... more »

• District Attorneys Express Concerns Over Security Play Video

  April 1, 2013 5:32 PM

  WESLACO - Cameron and Hidalgo county district attorneys said they worry about their safety. The acknowledgement comes after a district attorney was murdered in North Texas. Kaufman County District Attorney Michael McLelland and his wife were murdered in their home Saturday. Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz said... more »

• Mexico's vigilantes turn over 11 detained suspects Play Video

  February 9, 2013 9:24 AM

  MEXICO CITY (AP) - The Mexican farmers who took up arms against drug-gang violence and crime in the mountains of southern Mexico have turned over to authorities 11 of 53 people that the vigilantes have detained over the last month as suspected criminals. Movement leader Bruno Placido says the 11... more »

• Local Resident Refutes Claims of Decreasing Violence in Mexico Play Video

  January 30, 2013 10:36 PM

  WESLACO - A Rio Grande Valley resident said reports of diminishing violence in Mexican border towns are false. The man, Raul, lived in a Mexican border town across from the Valley much of his life. He had to flee north after a drug cartel took his family's businesses. ... more »

• US commandos boost numbers to train Mexican forces Play Video

  January 19, 2013 9:27 AM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon is stepping up aid for Mexico's bloody drug war with a new U.S.-based special operations headquarters to teach Mexican security forces how to hunt drug cartels the same way special operations teams hunt al-Qaida, according to documents and interviews with multiple U.S. officials. Such assistance... more »

• Vela: Border Security a Priority Play Video

  November 7, 2012 7:20 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - The Rio Grande Valley's newest congressman is vowing to make the Obama administration aware of the security problems plaguing the region. Filemon Vela Jr. on Tuesday was elected to the newly created 34th Congressional District. He said the border region has changed and Washington needs to get... more »

• Family Violence Awareness Event in McAllen

  October 16, 2012 3:53 PM

  McALLEN - The Hidalgo County Family Violence will host the first Celebrating Families Fair. The event will highlight the services available to victims of family violence. The event will happen from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 20 at 511 N. Cynthia Street in McAllen. Presenters will speak... more »

• Researchers Unable to Study Ocelots in Mexico Play Video

  October 1, 2012 9:57 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Researchers say the violence in Mexico is having strong repercussions on an endangered feline species. Tony Reisinger, with the Texas Sea Grant, said only 80 ocelots remain in the United States, primarily in the eastern regions of the Rio Grande Valley. He said there is no new... more »

• Mexico, US Intensify Cartel Takedowns Ahead of PRI's Return to Power Play Video

  September 12, 2012 7:24 PM

  WESLACO - American drug agents and Mexican intelligence officers are in the middle of cartel takedowns, officials said. Mexican officials arrested several key cartel figures and extradited them to the United States to face charges. The latest high-profile arrest was that of Jesus Rejon Aguilar, also known as "El... more »

• Cameron County Officials Discuss Spillover Violence Play Video

  September 12, 2012 7:03 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - The debate over spillover violence has gone public in Cameron County. County leaders on Wednesday released a new public service video warning residents about the impact Mexican drug cartels have on both sides of the border. Law enforcement officials and judges have different opinions on the... more »

• Expert: Cartel Violence a Threat to South Texas Play Video

  August 23, 2012 7:07 PM

  WESLACO - A Mexican national said he wants the world to know the atrocities perpetrated by cartels in Mexico could bleed onto U.S. soil. "The problem in Mexico is the war between cartels, more than the action of the Mexican government, or the government forces against the criminals," he... more »

• Gunbattle in Matamoros Play Video

  August 21, 2012 12:38 PM

  MATAMOROS, Tamaulipas, Mexico - Mexican authorities are investigating the cause of a morning shoot-out in Matamoros. The U.S. Consulate confirmed a gunbattle happened near Colonia Puerto Rico. The violence ended shortly before 10 a.m. Authorities suspect the shootout was between the Mexican military and drug cartels. So far,... more »

• Violence Unsettles Matamoros Residents Play Video

  August 17, 2012 9:35 PM

  MATAMOROS - Battles between the Mexican military and drug cartels are intensifying again in Matamoros after a period of relative peace, residents said. "There is a lot of violence at times. Sometimes it changes and it's peaceful. Then there is a lot of shootings and blockades in the city,"... more »

• Violence Erupts in Reynosa

  August 14, 2012 6:11 PM

  REYNOSA - A wave of violence has gripped the border town of Reynosa. There have been multiple reports of gunbattles and street blockades today around town. Many of the gunfights have happened near the Plaza Periferico and Boulevard Hidalgo. One Mexican media website reported this is the most... more »

• Pharr Neighbors Say They Live In Fear Play Video

  August 2, 2012 6:14 PM

  PHARR - Residents of a neighborhood along Bronze Drive say the area has become a favorite haunt for thieves. A suspected burglar was killed recently in the neighborhood, but that hasn't dissuaded others thieves from returning. "I'm nervous, scared for the safety of my kids," Marisa Alvarez said.... more »

• Activist Braves Cartel Violence in Nuevo Laredo Play Video

  July 25, 2012 9:56 PM

  NUEVO LAREDO - The cartels' turf war has forced thousands of Nuevo Laredo residents to leave their homes. One man has done the opposite and is struggling to let others know about the violence gripping his city. "We wake up in the morning, pray and put our lives... more »

• Businessman: Workers Living in Nuevo Laredo Prisoners in Their Homes Play Video

  June 20, 2012 5:26 PM

  LAREDO - A Laredo businessman said he's watching Nuevo Laredo crumble under cartel control. Les Norton told us several of his employees live in Nuevo Laredo. He said when they cross the border back to their homes, they head straight home and stay there. "It has evolved into... more »

• Artist Chronicles Mexico's Drug War Play Video

  June 18, 2012 5:50 PM

  BROWNSVILLE - Mark Clark's paintings are devoid of butterflies and paradisiacal landscapes. Traditional themes have given way to a harsher subject - Mexico's bloody drug war. "If I was painting butterflies and flowers while people are being slaughtered next door, historians would think there was something seriously wrong with... more »

• Tourists Staying Away from Mexico Play Video

  June 6, 2012 6:44 PM

  WESLACO - Mexican tourism officials claim the industry is doing fine despite all the travel warnings issued by U.S. authorities. They also say most of the visitors are from north of the border. But local travel agent Claudia Varela says those warnings are not making her job any easier.... more »

• Stray Bullets Hit Retired Deputy's Home Play Video

  May 22, 2012 6:20 PM

  MISSION - A retired sheriff's deputy can't seem to catch a break. She left to focus on family and now street violence landed at her doorsteps. Police say two men began shooting indiscriminately outside of her home. The woman we'll call "Lucy" was sitting on her couch with her... more »

• Psychology of Survivors Play Video

  May 18, 2012 12:43 AM

  WESLACO - Surviving traumatic events isn't easy; getting through kidnapping and extortion from the cartels seem impossible. CHANNEL 5 NEWS sat down with a psychologist to talk about the strength of survivors. Dr. Joseph McCoy specializes in trauma. He treats patients who are bouncing back from horrible circumstances; some... more »

• 48 Hours in Hell: A Survivor's Story Play Video

  May 18, 2012 12:42 AM

  MCALLEN - A Rio Grande Valley businessman says he doesn't know if the drug cartels will come after him again. They've already kidnapped him once. The man we'll call "Antonio" still has scars from the kidnapping. He still relives the nightmare of his 48 hours in hell. Ever... more »

• Staying Alive: A Survivor's Story Play Video

  May 17, 2012 1:02 AM

  WESLACO - A single mother says she's a survivor, after walking away from a killer. Raul Garza confessed to killing his wife and a young girl in his home in Weslaco. He also admitted to kidnapping his neighbor who he didn't know. That woman is speaking to CHANNEL 5... more »

• Reporter From Mexico Says Cartels Controlling Journalists Through Threats Play Video

  May 16, 2012 12:07 AM

  MEXICO - One reporter from Mexico says journalism in his country no longer exists. He tells us extortion and threats from the cartels are destroying Mexico's media, and fear dictates the headlines in northern Mexico. "If you publish something, they will find out, and they will find you," says... more »

• Tamaulipas Reporter: Journalism Across the Border Dead Play Video

  May 15, 2012 7:43 PM

  WESLACO - A newspaper reporter from Mexico said journalism across the border is dead. CHANNEL 5 NEWS is concealing his identity for his safety. The reporter works in northern Tamaulipas. He said fear and corruption are destroying Mexico's media. Just this week, a newspaper in Nuevo Laredo announced... more »

• Nuevo Laredo Newspaper Halts Cartel Reporting Play Video

  May 14, 2012 7:31 AM

  NUEVO LAREDO - A Mexican border newspaper has decided to stop reporting on any violence they believe is connected to the cartels. The publishers of "El Manana of Nuevo Laredo" made the announcement in a weekend editorial. The article says the paper will not report on the violence currently gripping... more »

• Little Mexico Residents Want Law Enforcement's Help Play Video

  May 4, 2012 6:48 PM

  SOUTH OF ALAMO - The most recent shooting in Little Mexico has residents saying enough is enough. They want law enforcement to help them stand up against gangs in the area. "They carry guns... like carrying gum in their pockets," said one resident. We're told some teenagers carrying... more »

• Death Toll Climbing in Nuevo Laredo Play Video

  May 4, 2012 6:46 PM

  LAREDO - A new wave of violence is sweeping across the border town of Nuevo Laredo. The death toll there continues to climb. Twenty-three people were killed in the latter part of the week. Nine of them were discovered hanging under a bridge in the middle part of town Friday... more »

• State Department: Most Murders in Mexico Happen on Border States Play Video

  May 1, 2012 7:18 PM

  WESLACO - U.S. State Department numbers show more U.S. citizens in Mexico are dying at the hands of the cartels. Officials say the country is becoming riskier for Americans. That's not stopping Terry Johns. He makes a 109-mile journey to Progreso to save a few hundred dollars. The Corpus... more »

• Special Report: Troubled Waters Play Video

  April 30, 2012 11:59 PM

  MERCEDES - CHANNEL 5 NEWS is exposing new threats to the Rio Grande Valley's water supply. We're asking questions about the safety and security along the Rio Grande. The river is the Valley's primary source of water. Cities and water corporations count on powerful pumps to push thousands of... more »

• Gun Shop Owner: New Rules Cuts Time Helping Customers Play Video

  April 28, 2012 1:45 AM

  RIO GRANDE VALLEY - One gun store owner is upset with a new federal rule for gun dealers in four border states. The rule is designed to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to the people who buy guns for the cartels illegally. Erick Kruger says... more »

• Mexican Military Rescues Victim of Cartel Kidnapping Ring Play Video

  March 29, 2012 1:01 PM

  LAREDO - In the last 24 hours, the Mexican military clashed with members of a cartel kidnapping ring in Nuevo Laredo. They killed members of the kidnapping ring and rescued one of their victims. Weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized. This adds to what's being called... more »

• Group of Missionaries Avoids Mexico During Spring Break Because of Violence Play Video

  March 16, 2012 7:12 PM

  Spring Break missionaries are heading back to Waco. The college students spent the week working in Upper Valley colonias. Border violence is keeping all kinds of Spring Breakers out of Mexico. The desire to go is still there. The reality is not. More than 500 missionaries from the Waco... more »

• Violence Across Border in Victoria Play Video

  March 14, 2012 7:09 PM

  We're following the latest in a wave a violence sweeping the Tamaulipas city of Victoria. Suspects threw a grenade inside the police academy there. The blast injured two maintenance workers there. A series of shootouts in other parts of the city left three people dead. Two arrests have... more »

• Violence in Mexico Forcing Increased Patrols on Border by U.S. Authorities Play Video

  March 8, 2012 7:13 PM

  Dangers across the river continue to put more stress on the Valley's local law enforcement. Mexican gunbattles are affecting the front lines here in the Valley. Call it the calm after the storm. Not far from where children play, cartel and Mexican military faced off. "We could hear... more »

• Mercedes Store Owner Speaks About Violent Robbery Play Video

  March 2, 2012 11:59 PM

  MERCEDES - Workers at one Quickie Mart are speaking out after their store was robbed. The robbery happened just after 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The clerk says a man with a bandana rushed into the store on North Mile 9 and 2 East. She says he was waving a gun... more »

• Syrians Living in Valley Hoping for Peace in Home Country Play Video

  February 10, 2012 7:20 PM

  The violence in Syria continues to escalate. Two suicide car bombers struck security compounds Friday; 28 people were killed and another 175 were wounded. Debris filled the street and buildings were left with shattered windows. Blasts went off near a public garden where people were enjoying the day. Anti-Assad... more »

• Pharr Police Analyzing Every Gang-Related Crime

  February 3, 2012 6:44 PM

  PHARR - Molotov cocktails, drive-by shootings and lots of tagging, some folks living south of Pharr say they're being terrorized by gangs. We went straight to the police department. Pharr police show us how they're working to zero in on crime. Police say when and where crimes happen help... more »

• Border Crossers Say Mexican Governments Efforts Against Cartels Helping

  January 26, 2012 6:42 PM

  Information released by the Mexican government says the drug war is claiming fewer lives. We went to find people who live in Mexico and Americans who cross the border regularly. We wanted to know if their experiences are consistent with this information. People are waiting for the bus in... more »

• Gunbattle Breaks Out Near Matamoros Play Video

  January 24, 2012 11:07 PM

  MATAMOROS - A gunbattle between the Mexican military and suspected cartel members lasted for about an hour and a half. The gunbattle near Calle Sexta could be heard by people who live near the B&M International Bridge in Brownsville. Another gunbattle was west of Matamoros in a rural area.... more »

• Shootouts Reported in Matamoros Play Video

  January 24, 2012 7:02 PM

  MATAMOROS, MEXICO - Another wave of violence is breaking out in Matamoros Tuesday night. Residents are reporting two major battles between the Mexican military and the cartels. One is located around the Calle Sexta. We are told people around the B&M International Bridge in Brownsville can hear the gunfire.... more »

• Alamo Woman Talks About Missionary Killed in Mexico a Year Ago Play Video

  January 24, 2012 6:31 PM

  ALAMO - An Alamo woman is looking back on the past. It's been a year since she lost a fellow missionary to Mexican cartel violence. Life hasn't been the same for her since then. The name Nancy Davis slowly faded from the headlines. Her death has become a distant... more »

• Immigration Attorney Says Central Americans Come to U.S. to Avoid Violence Play Video

  January 5, 2012 6:46 PM

  An illegal immigrant caught in the Valley says he fears for his life. He worries he'll be killed if he's sent back to his home country. Thousands are fleeing Central American gangs. They seek safety in the United States. They have to come illegally. Asylum is not a likely... more »

• Agents See Increase of Immigrants Crossing Border During Holidays Play Video

  December 27, 2011 7:05 PM

  MCALLEN - The search for peace has many Mexican immigrants crossing our borders. Cartel violence has forced many of them to leave their homes and loved ones behind. Border Partol agents say this exodus is something they have never seen. Mexican immigrants are looking for a way to... more »

• Mexican Government Sending Soldiers to Border Cities Play Video

  December 27, 2011 7:03 PM

  Officials say the soldiers have been sent to both Matamoros and Reynosa. Officials say their heavy presence stems from the discovery of several bodies near Tampico. The military presence hasn't stopped violence in the state of Tamaulipas. The latest act of violence happened Monday near the Reynosa highway. The... more »

• Sheriff Speaks About Future of the Border

  December 20, 2011 11:53 PM

  EDINBURG - Sheriff Lupe Trevino says Mexico's war on drugs will intensify in northeastern Mexico over the next 12 months. He says recent efforts to shut down drug and human trafficking on the arizona and california borders will send a new wave of criminal activity through the Valley. "You're going... more »

• Nun Keeps Going to Help Build Church in Matamoros Despite Dangers Play Video

  December 15, 2011 8:03 PM

  Violence is forcing some Valley volunteers to stay out of Mexico, but one Catholic nun refuses to stay away. Sister Ninfa Garza is doing the work in Mexico that volunteers from the Valley used to do before the violence. Garza is building a chapel in Matamoros. She says faith... more »