MCALLEN – Mexican state and federal police are patrolling the city of Reynosa. The increase in patrols comes after violent confrontations overnight between what the Government of Tamaulipas calls “criminal groups.”

The violence was severe enough in which one man said his son’s school called his wife to pick him up.

“Secondary say come pick up the kids,” the father said.

The University of Tamaulipas cancelled classes and administrative activities until further notice recommending people stay indoors.

“Loneliness in the city… You see… people in the city but you won’t see a lot of people you know. They (are) afraid,” one man said who was heading back to Reynosa.

He said cartels have eyes on the U.S. side.

“Yeah they watch, they got people over here, you don’t know,” he said.

The Tamaulipas government has reported no deaths so far.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS reached out to Customs and Border Protection to see if agents at the bridges are advising people to stay safe when traveling. We haven’t heard back.