Kidnappers make easy prey of immigrants
By DUDLEY ALTHAUS HOUSTON CHRONICLE
June 17, 2009, 10:58PM

REYNOSA, Mexico — After running a gantlet of criminal gangs and corrupt police, immigrants arrive here by the thousands each month determined to cross illegally into Texas, even if it means exposing themselves to treacherous smugglers who kidnap and threaten their families.

The new U.S. anti-immigrant fence stands unseen beyond the far bank of the Rio Grande. And U.S. Border Patrol agents hover just past the fence. But not many migrants are discouraged.

“It’s like they say: You build a wall, we make a ladder,â€