Read more: Local, National, State, International, Crime, Border Violence, Brownsville, International Bridge, Mexico, Rio Grand Valley, Mexico
BROWNSVILLE -- Despite repeated warnings of violence across the border the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville has a steady flow of traffic.
Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio told Action 4 News that he has been playing close attention to recent violence south of the border.
A recent shootout in Matamoros promoted Lucio to shutdown the Gateway International Bridge.
The sheriff said many Rio Grande Valley residents have legitimate business and travel in Mexico but worries about Americans being caught in the crossfire.
"They may not be the target but sometimes when people are shooting each other, once the bullet leaves the barrel you never know where it’s going to end up and it can hit an innocent bystander; which has happened before," Lucio said.
But Brownsville resident Adrian Perez said the violence doesn't scare him.
"I’m just not scared it doesn't happen like everyday,” Perez said.
His sister Alejandra Perez said they go to Matamoros to visit their mother.
“I go once a week, every weekend,” Alejandra said.
The two siblings said they've been going to Mexico for the past two years and they haven't seen any changes.
“I see much more news about the violence in Matamoros but I’ve never bumped into it myself,” Alejandra said.
But not everyone feels the same way.
Action 4 News spoke with several Winter Texans in Brownsville who said off-camera that the violence makes them think twice about crossing over.
“Better safe than sorry, so until things settle down a little bit its Brownsville,” said Winter Texan Aldan Moore.
But Adrian and Alejandra Perez said that no matter how bad the violence gets in Matamoros they will never stop going to visit their mother.
