Border Violence

Recently over a ton of drugs was seized at the Del Rio/Acuna checkpoint. Recently a counterfeit Border Patrol Vehicle, painted to look exactly like an official Border Patrol van, was followed after it entered Del Rio and the driver was arrested. The vehicle contained uniforms, guns and drugs.

Both of these incidents suggest that drug activity in Acuña is increasing. The level of sophistication in duplicating a U.S. Government van suggests big money and cartel involvement.

There have been no reports or evidence of violence in Acuña for over a year. A few mission groups have recently been seen in Acuña, but it is difficult to gauge real safety issues.

This week I will meet with a large group of families that live in the colonias and I will spend a day walking the streets to get a better feel for the safety issues as it pertains to mission groups.

Violence in Acuna

Acuña is now caught in the middle of a drug war that involves multiple cartels and the Mexican Military. We are able to pay the bills at every shelter and program we support through the banks without traveling into Acuña. However, there are still little kids and parents waiting to see me about getting treatment for their children. Some of these children have cancer. Others need surgery. Many need bus tickets to the big hospitals in Monterrey and those must be purchased.

My presence in the colonias continues to give the people hope. I am their friend. They need to see me on the street and at the hospital. I will not travel after dark and will not remain in Acuña overnight. I know where the military installation is at and can easily avoid driving near that facility. There is no reason for any cartel to have an interest in the colonias where I will travel. I know many of the places where drugs are sold and where people connected with drugs reside. Naturally, I will avoid these places.

More than ever, there will be needs among the poor. Church groups and charities from the U.S. will cease their activities. The people they were helping will now need our help. We need to get the word out to everyone we know to provide support.
At the end of the day, the children still need to eat. They still need medicine. The children in the shelters need someone to help pay the bills or the power gets turned off and the food and water can't be purchased. The shelters we normally support are fine. I am writing about the other shelters that depended on visiting groups from America for help. They are going to need our help.