There is a phenomenom on Americas 35 HWY known as the "mini-van caravan". Hispanics are traveling as far north as Minnesota and buying used vehicles (mostly mini-vans and suvs). These vehicles are then driven and/or towed to Mexico where they are sold for a healthy profit.

What's the problem you ask? Well in theory it's a great idea. Poor mexicans are getting transportation for cheaper than a local new or used vehicle and we are reaping the profit at home from vechicles that would have been junked. But then come in the dangers. Many of these vehicles are bought by drug cartels and smugglers (remember the SUV that was caught on fire in the Rio Grande?). But the worse part comes in with the transportation of the vehicles.

A caravan will nomally consist of 4-5 driving vehicles with each towing another. There will be one employer, a man who speaks at least decent english and is a US Citizen with a Drivers License. The other drivers will not all be Citizens and most will not have drivers licenses.

The worst part is most of the vehicles towing others are ones purchased at the same location, they do not have insurance or valid plates.

Returing home from my recent trip to Kansas my girlfriend and I noticed one of these caravans only ONE of the vans had a license plate at all. The rest did not even bother and the ones being driven had auction markings on the windows. We called Kansas and Oklahoma authorities but still saw the caravan in North Texas.

If you are out traveling on 35 HWY this summer please keep your eye on these caravans and immediately report them to State Highway patrol or Troopers if you notice they do not have license plates. They are a threat to all of us and the end vehicles could end up being used to smuggles narcotics, marijauna and illegal immigrants.