MCALLEN - "Miguel" is a Honduran national drawn to the streets of McAllen. He and other day laborers are in the country illegally. They came here to find work.

"Miguel" says he does construction work to make an honest buck for himself and his sister. His path is different from other illegal immigrants in the Valley who are turning to a life of crime.

"We have a very big problem right here in Hidalgo County. This year we had eight murders. One of those, 50% involved criminal illegal immigrants," said Sheriff Lupe Trevino.

Criminal illegal immigrants are a big worry for authorities in the area. They say they get their fire power from Valley street gangs. Trevino says keeping them from coming into the U.S. is a job for the federal government.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Department has already received millions of dollars in federal grants to help combat criminal illegal immigrants. In the next few months, the sheriff hopes to create a task force. Their main priority will be targeting criminal illegal immigrants.


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