At a plaza by the international bridge in Reynosa Mexican citizens are more concerned about celebrating their country's independence then they are wondering if terrorists are gathering here. Juana Rivas Martinez like many Mexican nationals plans to celebrate el diez y seis all month long marking Mexico's independence from Spain. "Well right now we're preoccupied with the fiesta," Juana says through a translator. So far, Martinez and even Reynosa police claim they have no news about terror cells living along the border. "We really haven't heard anything," said Reynosa police officer Roberto Cantu Aregulline. "We're continuing to collect our protection money like always."
Thursday, members of Congress went on the record in Brownsville that al Qaeda terrorists could be mobilizing across our border. But, it's a claim U.S. Border Patrol has not officially acknowledged. "We'll first of all the information has to be confirmed. If the information comes into us, we'll contact the FBI, we'll contact ICE, contact our counterparts in Mexico's," said Border Patrol spokesman Eddie Flores.
When asked if there was a communication gap about the intelligence Flores referred us to Department of Homeland Security Commissioner Robert Bonner who responded only by saying: "U.S. Customs and border protection is addressing the terrorist threat 24 hours a day. We have a multi-layered approach that encompasses working with our foreign counterparts, employing intelligence, technology, advanced information in the field and the most dedicated law enforcement workforce world wide." Border Patrol agents in McAllen tell us if they do get intelligence to support any of these claims, they will shift and adjust manpower immediately. But so far say they haven't seen anything to support the claims. And it seems neither have our neighbors down south. |