Judge Fears Cartels Will Use Waters Along Port Mansfield
Oct. 3, 2011

RAYMONDVILLE - A shooting in broad daylight in Willacy County is bringing a new threat to light. Mexican border violence is now making its presence known in Raymondville.

One week ago, a man was shot. Police say a pair of outsiders wanted his SUV. Some think the duo is linked to crime in Mexico.

"A crime of this magnitude, the kind of crime that happened, is very, very rare in our community. Very rare," says Willacy County Judge John S. Gonzales.

Willacy County sits less than 50 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. "We're open to the gulf," says Gonzales. "We have a deep water channel."

Gonzales fears smugglers will use the unprotected waters of Port Mansfield. Security as a priority now tops his list after last Monday’s shooting and attempted carjacking.

“That's why I’m trying to be proactive in this movement to have our cities' security move a few notches before that happens,â€