Free Republic

MCALLEN - The U.S Consul General at Matamoros visited McAllen today. U.S. Consul Michael Barkin says Mexico is a safe place visit, but security is also the number one concern for Americans traveling there. Barkin was honored today at a reception at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. He has been on the job as U.S. Consul General in Matamoros since September. CHANNEL 5 NEWS asked him, given the ongoing shoot-outs and violence in Mexico, is it safe to visit? We wanted to know what people who call his office are most concerned about. Barkin says, "People are concerned about the...

NUEVO LAREDO - Despite the presence of federal troops and state police throughout the streets, violence continues to plague the Sister City, with six homicides reported over the weekend, including that of a state police officer. The death toll for the year, which still has more than five months to go, stands at 90. The most recent victims were Víctor Manuel Castillo Andrade, 18, who died near midnight Saturday; Noe Vives, a state police officer shot dead Sunday night; and Arturo Puente Alonso, 28, killed early Monday. Authorities had already logged three other deaths, one on Friday and two on...

Memo lists possible border terror plot Officials play down plan described in secret FBI bulletin 11:03 PM CDT on Saturday, July 16, 2005 By ALFREDO CORCHADO and JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News Dirt roads trace pale lines across a desolate landscape of bald peaks and plunging canyons near Texas' Big Bend and bridge the border at dozens of improvised crossings. For decades, these routes have been used to smuggle drugs and humans. Now there is growing concern they could become deadly conduits for terrorism. The concern is buttressed by a confidential but unclassified FBI intelligence bulletin, obtained by...