More Security on Mexican Side

This week I saw that not only were Mexican military at every entrance and exit in Acuna, they were also on every bridge that runs from the tourist area to the area of the factories. As I drove down the main street I could see that every bridge had roadblocks and military check points.

I was waived through without incident and nobody knows why there is such a large military effort.

Everything else was normal. The children were playing, people were shopping and going to work.

Some of the factories were cutting hours and that is typical during August.

The migrant shelter had over 100 people and still only have beds for 30. Most of the migrants said that they returned because they could not find work.

Piedras Negras had a large military deployment and many soldiers on trucks could be seen after dark. The shelters report that the had very few American visitors and bible groups this summer. The poor are hurting because of the void left when America's church groups and charities deserted them because of the violence. It seems odd that when we are needed the most, our church leaders stop mission trips without suggesting other ways to help these people.

Is It Safe?

The question in Marathon Man was asked and the poor character portrayed by Dustin Hoffman did not have a clue about the question. Is what safe? Why are these people asking me? What are they talking about?

I know what people mean when they ask me, “Is it safe?” because they are talking about Acuña. I visit this city every month so it only follows that I should be able to answer the question.

The only fair way to respond is to pretend that I am deciding if I should take my grandchildren to Acuña.

Statistically, it is far safer than inviting the grandchildren to San Antonio. Statistically, my grandchildren would be in more danger on the drive to Acuña than in that city.

However, in the back of my mind I cannot forget the warning of my friend, Elias.

“The problem is not daily acts of violence. The problem is the unpredictable sudden acts of violence. You never know when and where they will occur. Competing cartels, the military and the police are all watching each-other. You never know.”

Elias and I recently returned to this issue and agree that if there are no violent acts between now and November, we will have a Christmas Mission to Acuña. I will invite the grandkids.