Authorities have released photos from a second Mexican military helicopter incursion into Zapata County.
The incursion was reported over the Four Seasons Mobile Home & RV Park and the Beacon Resort west of Zapata around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez told Action 4 News that the helicopter hovered in the area for about five to 10 minutes.
Several witnesses, including a federal law enforcement official, captured pictures and video of the Mexican military helicopter.
Sheriff Gonzalez said several people were terrified and frightened by the helicopter’s presence.
Gonzalez said the helicopter clearly had the word “Marina” written on it – an indication the helicopter belonged to the Mexican Navy.
The Mexican Navy could not immediately be reached for comment but it has increased its presence along the border to fight drug traffickers.
Sheriff Gonzalez said the helicopter flew over the two RV parks and was seen hovering over the home belonging to the owners of a local oil & gas exploration company.
Gonzalez said he spoke with the homeowner but there was no apparent reason why the helicopter would have been there.
Sheriff Gonzalez said he’s frustrated that state and federal officials have not done anything about the situation since the last helicopter incursion last month.
The sheriff said he’s worried local officials aren’t being notified about joint operations with the Mexican military.
Gonzalez said another possibility is that that Mexican military officials are being used to drop off drugs or illegal immigrants.
A Mexican military helicopter was spotted in a rural community near Falcon Dam about three weeks ago.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar said in a previous statement the federal government is aware of the issue.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry issued a stern statement against the first helicopter’s incursion into Texas air space.
Action 4 News called the office of Texas Governor Rick Perry about the second incursion. Perry released the following statement on Tuesday:
“The governor’s office was made aware of the helicopter incursion late yesterday, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is currently investigating this incident.”
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT