Saturday, May 18, 2013

Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Local police chief says illegal immigration is on the rise
Posted: 12.26.2012 at 6:44 PM
Katie Lopez

Katie Lopez is a reporter for Action 4 News.

0
Slideshow
Photo:

The problem is not going away.

"Most of them have people here or they're just trying to make it over here so they can start making a better living for themselves," La Joya Police Chief Julian Gutierrez told Action 4 News. 

No matter how many miles of border fence is erected—it seems nothing will stop the thousands of immigrants, crossing our border illegally, from continuing their journey.

"A lot of times we talk to them and ask them why they're coming here,” Gutierrez explained. “They say they're coming for the 'American Dream.' I always tell them that they're here illegally---how do they expect to find work? They always say it's a lot better than their country.”

Usually, this time of year, many immigrants will head back home to spend a few months with their families.

Come the end of January they make the journey back into the U.S.

But this year is different, Gutierrez said.

“It seems we’re seeing more people coming across and in bigger groups.”

Gutierrez said they are doing what they can to curb this growing problem.

They have stepped up patrol and are making sure those abandoned home in the city are monitored.

"We're seeing that a lot of houses that we used to go to are boarded up or they have them fixed up to look like someone is living in them,” Gutierrez said. “That's a big plus."

But still, immigrants continue to push through.

It is something Gutierrez does not foresee stopping anytime soon.

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Man attacks woman with a cable box
Action 4 News Staff  |  Yesterday at 9:21 AM  |  14 comments
Thumbnail
Over $5.1 million dollars of dope found in Garceno home
Katie Lopez  |  Yesterday at 10:45 AM  |  3 comments
Thumbnail
Over 1,000 pounds of marijuana found in load of pickles
Brianna Vela  |  Yesterday at 11:06 AM  |  3 comments
Follow Valley Central
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
Pay It 4Ward
Pay It 4Ward is a program where Action 4 News viewers can nominate a person who selflessly gives to others for a cash prize.
KGBT on Facebook
Follow Action 4 News on Facebook
Submit A News Tip
Got a news tip? Submit it directly to Action 4 News!
Food 4 Thought Page
Keep It Clean! Food 4 Thought airs every Wednesday night at 10 pm!
ADVERTISEMENT