Valley authorities say their priority is keeping criminals out of U.S.

POSTED: 07:10 PM CDT Aug 10, 2015 UPDATED: 08:40 PM CDT Aug 10, 2015

MISSION - Armed Tamaulipas federal police were seen patrolling along the Rio Grande River, across the Anzalduas Park. The patrol comes after a large number of illegal crossers being detained on the U.S. side of the border.

Some park goers voiced their concerns about the patrols and if they felt safe.

A father and daughter are frequent park visitors and spoke with CHANNEL 5 NEWS. They said they come out to fish three times a month. They admitted the presence of the federal police put them on edge.

“I don’t know what they are, honestly, but we saw them pass by. I guess it’s the police from over there,” the 21-year-old woman said. “I told my dad, how are we going to do it if there’s a shooting. Where are we going to hide cause I mean what if they…hurt us or something.”

High ranking authorities said federal and state police, along with the Mexican army, are working together and are on the lookout for criminals along the river. Valley lawmen are on alert at Anzalduas Park, as well.

Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 3 Larry Gallardo said they’ve seen a spike in activity in the area.

“Last year, the numbers were high. I mean in the thousands and they dropped down over the year. And now, slowly it’s increased,” Gallardo said. “I think last week, during our grand operations, we recovered…about 86 of them that we detained with Border Patrol. They had just come across the river, but it seems like they’re picking a day here and there to do a volume.”

He said their priority is keeping criminals from sneaking into the U.S. and making sure park goers are safe. According to Gallardo, a few days ago sounds of a gun battle in Reynosa could be heard.

“I mean you never want to be right by the border, right on the river, because you never know what may come across. A stray bullet that may hit you or something like that,” he advised. “I mean you always got to be alert, because somebody might be trying to get away. Maybe they’re after a cartel member (or) they’re after someone trying to smuggle drugs across.”

In addition to looking out for criminals, the constable said his deputies are on the lookout for illegal crossers. They want to make sure those in need are rescued.

Last week, an 11-year-old boy died of dehydration. He said he doesn’t want to see that repeated.

Gallardo said his deputies will continue to help federal and state police safe guard the park as there is a need.

http://www.krgv.com/news/local-news/...order/34642354