http://www.newschannel5.tv/2006/5/12/76 ... -proposal-

Locals react to military proposal
Friday, May 12, 2006 Posted: 06:59 PM

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The idea of using the military on the U.S.-Mexico border is getting mixed reviews

PENITAS – This small town, just a block away from the Rio Grande River, is on the front lines for illegals.

Local people have mixed opinions about a proposal to use the military to guard the U.S.-Mexico border.

Police Chief Oscar Ontiveros has four officers to deal with the illegals who cross the river every day.

“It's a stress,” he said, “because we need to be patrolling out there. Then we get calls over here on the military road about groups of people. Our people get concerned.”

No decision about putting troops here has been made, but the chief thinks it’s a good idea. “It would help us since we are under staffed. We are not operating 24 hours.”

Freddy Martinez is a Mexican immigrant from San Luis Potosi who came here illegally. He can’t make up his mind.

“On one side it is good because there are a lot of illegals incapable of crossing the river. They put themselves in a dangerous life situation.” But on the other hand, he says, “We come here to work. In Mexico it's a bad situation. The majority of us are here to do good.”