Farmer Says Smugglers Use His Property

Reported by: Farrah Fazal
Last Update: 10:47 pm

CAMERON COUNTY - Robert Martinez says smugglers are hurting his business.

He says he's tried to record them, and even tried to confront them but nothing has stopped them from using his property.

"I saw people with bundles on their backs and they would travel on the edge of the canal," Martinez continues, "that affects my life, because I need to make ends meet here."

He tells CHANNEL 5 NEWS the smugglers are trampling his crops before they get a chance to grow, and it's costing him money.

Martinez says Border Patrol agents did put censors on parts of his property, but they aren't making a difference.

CHANNEL 5 NEWS asked the Border Patrol about the increased security measures near Martinez's home. A spokeswoman says agents aren't doing any more than normal. But they did say if they get intelligence about trafficking in the area, they do deploy more agents to patrol there.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Fa ... 1biQw.cspx