American officials from the Rio Grande Valley said they are keeping a close eye on the border to make sure Mexico's violence doesn't spill over.
Local leaders said when American agents come under attack from drug cartels in Mexico, that means the cartels are playing by different rules and that's a concern.
The death of U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jaime Zapata hit close to home for those living on the border.
"In our community, we are greatly saddened by the loss of agent Zapata in Mexico," said Hidalgo Mayor John David Franz.
Now leaders representing the Valley are vowing to stand up against the violence happening just next door.
"We have a constant monitoring of the situation," said Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.
U.S. Congressman Hinojosa said the fact that both Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of Homeland Security and U.S. Attorney Eric Holder were at Zapata's funeral Tuesday morning shows how the United States is committed to keeping this country safe.
"That there be no spillover as a result of the drug war that is occurring in mexico," said Congressman Hinojosa.
Congressman Henry Cuellar said there is a plan to increase security on the border.
"Right now, we intend to increase the number of federal agents--American agents that work on the Mexican side to help the Mexicans with investigations with intelligence," said Congressman Cuellar.
Mayor Franz said he's seen the Mexican government respond as well.
He said he's noticed more troops in Reynosa.
"We still feel secure in our community," said Franz.
Franz said he hasn't seen any signs of spillover in Hidalgo and he hopes it stays that way.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKGBT