Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. It is critical that you conduct extensive research before deciding whether or not to visit Mexico. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. But when Title 42 lifts, she said, she will see far more migrants. Lets start with three cities that are directly on the border with Mexico: Laredo, Brownsville and Hidalgo. Mr. McLaughlin said about 100 to 200 migrants were being released by the Border Patrol every other day in Del Rio, about a one-hour drive from Uvalde. Living in Sedona, AZ Pros and Cons, 8 Best Small Towns in Texas to Raise a Family in 2023 Safe & Great Schools, The 9 Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in California in 2023, The 8 Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco Without a Car. They're going to Dallas. Threatening crime and kidnapping exists because of the competition between transnational criminal groups for control of the border area. We chose to drive 60 miles to the border crossing because Nuevo Progreso is one of the safest Mexican border towns in Texas. "Compare the quality before you decide what to buy. Rodriguez, Harvey and their breakfast partners serve border counties with a total population of more than 1 million. The cities of Brownsville, Yuma, San Diego, El Paso, Laredo, Calexico, Del Rio, and McAllen were more secure than those in the inland areas. The smallest cities are those with fewer than 10,000 residents. If you live in the United States, you can get professional dental care at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost in the rest of the world. But the numbers are already proving to be challenging. It sits right on the edge of the stunning Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and calls itself A Community with Opportunity.. A Mexican license plate must be present on all vehicles in Mexico. For that reason, anyone who wants to measure the heat of migration flow in the Rio Grande Valley looks to Sister Norma Pimentel, who runs the Catholic Charities shelter in McAllen. We have a city commission that is very dedicated to making public safety number one on their agenda.. At the shelter in Del Rio, Ms. Burrow said most migrants now being dropped off by the Border Patrol had money for transportation from family members already in the United States; many take buses to San Antonio or Houston before continuing to other locations. "That's where these folks are going. that features concerts, sports, and other live events. The 25 Best Beaches in America, According to You! They are harmless, he said, and, in any case, there is a substantial new law enforcement presence in town. Furthermore, because it has a very low crime rate, it is a very desirable and safe place to live. WebThe border crossings are vital to the economies of Texas and Mexico, and have contributed to Mexicos status as Texas #1 trading partner. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans. There is a high risk of kidnapping in the Sonora, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and border regions. "Always, everybody tries to get a better price," Senor Pea says with a smile. I would call it a crisis with an exclamation point, said Don McLaughlin Jr., the mayor of Uvalde, a town of 16,000 about 60 miles northeast of Eagle Pass. However, if you take precautions and use common sense, you should be fine. I believe we will be able to manage the numbers of people that may be released by Border Patrol to us, she said. We recorded our lowest crime in thirty-five years, said Rodriguez. 2:41. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Contact us at: hello (at) strategistico (dot) com. We changed administrations, we changed the policies and its like the floodgates have opened.. Explore The Unique Culture And Nightlife Of Tijuana With A Stay At These Boutique Hotels! Children and teenagers are spending an average of 129 hours in the border detention facilities, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. First, we created a database of over 1,200 towns and cities all across Texas. Outsiders may think "the sky is falling" on the Texas border as crossings surge, say local cops, but their towns are safe, even if their jobs have changed. Pharr is a bustling city near McAllen close to the border with Mexico. Pharr police responded to a call in February from a man who'd escaped from a stash house hosting more than 70 undocumented migrants. Where to shop: U.S. travelers may bring back $200 worth of purchases for personal use duty-free. The Friendliest Little Border Town in Texas - Southern Living We believe that the federal government should resolve the issue that they have finding ways to get immigrants where they need to go, Johnston said. Locals remember that it was on this spot that several U.S. and Mexican Presidents stood, shook hands, and sealed the bond of cooperation. If U.S. travelers bring back $200 in personal use duty-free purchases, they can do so. How safe are the border towns in Mexico? Finally, we split our list into two categories to give you the best opportunity to find a place that suits your preferences. This small town is situated about 35 minutes north of Brownsville by car in South Texas and is also nearby the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. Walking down streets in their towns remains safe, they said. We want to make sure we have a safe and orderly process.. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income suburban cities. Some will remember Ciudad Acua as the nighttime home of famous disc jockey Wolfman Jack, who blasted the border from the 1 million-watt XERF-AM just south of the city. A center run by the Val Verde Border Humanitarian Coalition in Del Rio has recorded about 1,325 migrants so far in March, more than three times the number in February, said Tiffany Burrow, its director of operations. Children participate in a Families Belong Together demonstration on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. Population: 7,837 Cost of Living: 19.6% Below Texas Average Crime Rate: 39.6% Below Texas Average, Los Fresnos is a small town located in the heart of South Texas about 20 minutes north of Brownsville. The daily numbers in McAllen recently are far lower than in 2019, when for a time local officials were dealing with more than 1,200 released migrants per day. But if some outsiders think Texas border towns have become "war zones" during the 20-year high in border crossings, the chiefs say that's far from reality. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income suburban cities. "With what we have currently, we're struggling with that due to the high numbers that we're seeing," he said. Rio Grande City, Texas. is also just 15 minutes from downtown Roma, where you can hike or fish in the Falcon International Reservoir on the Rio Grande. It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. Small Texas border town considered hot zone for migrant traffic I like the culture. The numbers have been increasing in recent days. If you need to drive after dark, I always recommend taking the Cuota roads, but especially if you have to drive after dark. Insider's tip: Check your insurance policy before taking your car into Mexico. Its combination of amenities, low cost living, and safety makes it one of the top cheapest small towns to live in Texas. With a little planning and caution, you can have a great trip. Study our various maps, dashboards, portals, and statistics. Del Rio, Texas, a town of 36,000 people about 145 miles west of San Antonio, has seen more than 1,300 migrants arrive so far in March, up from fewer than 500 in February. Stop by The White Horse Leather Store for cowboy boots, belts, saddles, and spurs. Actually the most dangerous border crossing to Mexico. Didi Martinez is an associate producer with the NBC News Investigative Unit. TxDOT recognizes the importance of the relationship between both neighbors and, since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, is continuously seeking ways to improve the safe crossing of people and goods. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as y There is a large police presence in these towns and the residents are used to the increased security. In addition, international border crossing information compiled throughout the years, including studies, statistics and general data, is shown below. Lake Amistad is the embodiment of the friendship between the two countries. See, the cartels hadn't yet taken over so it was, relatively speaking, safe to cross. We broke our study down into two main categories: We prioritized places that offer a low cost of living, affordable homes, excellent livability, and low crime rates. Its homes are priced at a reasonable $160,000 to $170,000, while it is also the safest town on this list statistically, with crime rates that are 67.5% below the Texas average. as well as numerous restaurants across the city. Border Cities Rank Lower in Violent Crime Rates Compared to Same-Sized U.S. Cities McAllen has lowest homicide rate of all Texas border cites; U.S. border cities continue to be lowest in violent crime overall Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages! Luckily, we have safety tips for all the ways you like to travel. To contact the states Agency for Community and Social Development (ACSGDL), please call 1-800-528-6611. The community is eager to share its rich culture and traditions with one another. The cost of living here is cheap, with average home values that are around $90,000 to $100,000, according to Zillow. Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda credits the community for their recognition, We are the community, the community is us. Thus, if you are searching for a safe area with very cheap home prices, you should consider Roma. The town of 29,000 people is seeing as many as 100 migrants arriving every day. Yes, texas border towns are safe. If you have a disability preventing you from viewing this file, please contact, Man killed along two major interstates after tazing San Antonio police officer, Man caught on video causing $9k in damage to car in San Antonio parking lot, New Braunfels man, 20, caught having sexual relationship with 12-year-old girl, then kidnapping her, UPDATE: New Braunfels police find their library Herald Hijacker, Police continue search for missing 8-month-old San Antonio boy. Meanwhile, the city is quite safe, with crime rates that are 51% lower than the national average. Safest border Town in Mexico to go to from Texas - Texas Chandan Khanna/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. Trophy Club. The United States is the source. "The unaccompanied children, they pose absolutely no security threat for us. Aide workers who are operating shelters to help migrants along their way say they are feeling the strain on medical resources and their own facilities, though they discount fears that the newcomers are a threat. On a recent Wednesday, sitting at his usual table, Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey described a frantic call he got from a man who'd escaped from a stash house where he'd been held with 70 other undocumented migrants. In addition to being sister cities, both Del Rio, Texas, and Ciudad Acu*a, Mexico, are commercial centers. "They're going to Houston. He is pleading with federal officials to reconsider dropping off migrants in places that are already stretched thin. It may be a crisis at the river, and I know it is for the poor Border Patrol people, and its a crisis in Washington because they cant solve it, but were handling it in McAllen, Mr. The bottom line is that while there are some risks involved in travel to Texas, the state as a whole is safe. safe We recommend that you go out and visit some of these places to get a true sense of their vibes and see if they are the right community to settle into for you. More than 1,500 tested positive for COVID-19 over the past seven days, according to a city document issued Wednesday. The 12 Best Places to Live in Texas 2023 Update with Fresh Data, Why is Texas so Cheap to Live in 2023? There are numerous buses that link Houston to San Lzaro, making it one of the most popular stops for travelers between Texas and Mexico. McAllen has had a 31 year low crime rate. We really do have the best of both worlds here.". Stay up to date with the latest news and learn more about who we are. Safety rest areas and travel information centers, Texas vehicle registrations, titles, and licenses, Road, bridge, and maintenance contractors, and roadway and traffic material suppliers, Engineering, architectural, and surveying consultants, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise Programs, Scientific services contracts - requests for proposal, Transportation systems management and operations, Texas-Mexico International Bridges and Border Crossings: Existing and Proposed, US-Mexico Joint Working Committee on Transportation Planning, Bureau of Transportation Statistics Border Crossing/Entry Data Statistics, Copyright 2023, Texas Department of Transportation. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the amount, and a spokesperson said the agency greatly values the partnership of communities along the Southwest border, and regularly engages with elected officials, local leaders and non-governmental organizations.. The numbers are projected to double, triple, quadruple.. There is no doubt that this is a very enjoyable place to visit. Yes, texas border towns are safe. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which border crossing they feel most comfortable with. Some top attractions in the area include the Harlingen Arts & Heritage Museum, Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum, and the Hugh Ramsey Nature Park in nearby Harlingen. Last week, 7,000 migrants were released in downtown McAllen, Texas. Texas cities crime rates ranged from 6 to 371, with an average score of 48. 1. Theyre racist among each other and racist toward immigrants.. I do the same thing.". Our folks came here before these policies they crossed illegally, Ms. Garcia said. B& M, Gateway, and Veterans Memorial bridges are the three major US-Mexican border crossing points between Matamoros, Mexico, and Brownsville, Texas. Del Rio was rocked by news this week when eight undocumented immigrants were killed outside of town after they were involved in a high-speed chase with the authorities and the pickup truck they were riding in struck another vehicle head-on. There have been no major "I like the people. Logistically, it will be a nightmare, said Mayor Javier Villalobos of McAllen, Texas, the largest city in the sector that is typically the epicenter of Southwest border crossings, the Rio Grande Valley. In the past few years, there has been a lot of violence, but it seemed to me that the majority of it had to do with drug cartels versus police. He said he thinks the U.S. needs an immigration policy that "is able to provide humanitarian relief" while also providing national security. That's part of being Texan, I guess. There is still a way to travel to Canada and Mexico by air or sea from the United States. It is a good idea to thoroughly review your insurance policy before bringing your car to Mexico. I cant travel to Houston alone, she said. 06500, Mexico City. ", Rodriguez said the same applies to migrants: "These folks are not coming to live here. Posted: Mar 2, 2023 / 01:12 PM CST. Drug and human smugglers do cross through their cities. Under Covid restrictions known as Title 42, however, fewer than half have made it to McAllen, with the majority being turned back into Mexico at the border. The migrant releases are spurring debates in towns along the border. These are things that normally our federal partners would be doing.". De Leon provides its residents with great amenities and things to do, including some fantastic local restaurants to dine in such as Prados Cafe and Rollies On Texas. , which is about $40,000 cheaper than the values in neighboring McAllen. Spanish missionaries planted a church here in 1635 and christened the spot San Felipe del Rio. Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas Methodology, Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas (Over 10,000 Residents) Our Top 4 Cities, Cheapest Small Towns to Live in Texas (Under 10,000 Residents) Our Top 4 Towns, Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas Summary, The 16 Best Places to Live in Florida for 2022, Here are the 12 Cheapest Beach Towns in California, 12 Stunning Resorts in Florida for Every Budget, California vs Florida - Our Full Comparison, 8 Fastest Growing Small Towns in Texas in 2023 Charming & Desirable, Is Sedona a Good Place to Live? You can drive to Mexico if you have a US drivers license. The average home values in Hidalgo are around $150,000 to $160,000, which is still lower than the Texas state average. "I love Mexico," says longtime Del Rio resident Dee Money, who sometimes leads groups into Ciudad Acua. Of all the Texas border towns, locals claim this is the cleanest and friendliest. They share the banks of the Rio Grande, which forms the international border. This is a national issue that needs to be addressed with a national solution.. "We all love Mexican decorative items. And we like to bargain. There may be a border state where a valid passport and drivers license are required. The three rivers that make up this lake converge to form a massive body of water with more than 850 miles of shoreline. Harvey also found a spiral notebook containing the names of "caminantes," or migrants who would have to walk, and "especiales" migrants who paid smugglers more so they could make at least part of their journey north in a vehicle. If you are heading deeper in to Mexico cross through Laredo. All of these factors, in addition to poor street lighting and wandering animals, should be considered while driving at night. He wanted to go to Houston.. This city is also the safest on the list, with, crime rates that are 55% lower than the rest of the state, Meanwhile, the city offers several attractions, like the, Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, , which is now a museum and nature preserve, as well as the. "Go ahead, senorita," the owner of Casa Uxmal implores. The house, a yellow converted trailer on a quiet street, would have gone unnoticed if not for the call. It was quite difficult to narrow our list down to the top eight places considering how vast and diverse Texas is as the 2nd largest state in the US. Outsiders may think "the sky is falling" on the Texas border as crossings surge, say local cops, but their towns are safe, even if their jobs have changed. We bought him a bus ticket, the mayor said. When driving a car, make sure the license plate on the car matches one from a state along the U.S.-Mexican border. Harvey found the house full of migrants, who were later handed over to federal immigration agents. The real estate market in McAllen is very affordable, making it a great option for those who are looking to purchase a home. Ms. Gamboa, who had plans to go to Houston, said she was at a loss over what to do now with her brother still detained. The man was temporarily housed at a shelter that had opened for local residents at the civic center during the storm. In McAllen, Texas, which has been one of the main centers of migration into the United States, Border Patrol agents have eased the effects of newly arriving migrants by coordinating releases with local officials and nonprofit groups. Deaths in the United States in the 2001-2017 fiscal year resulted in 7,216 in 2021; Deaths in the 2021 fiscal year resulted in 650 in 2022. Kenzi Abou-Sabe is a reporter and producer in the NBC News Investigative Unit. They're going to Chicago. Combes also has quite a bit to offer, including some fantastic restaurants and museums. La Antigua and Buffalo Girls are two of our favorites. AdvisorSmith looked at crime reports published by the FBI. One potential benefit of traveling to Mexico is that there are no restrictions on vehicle and passenger travel. According to the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice of Mexico, a think tank, Jurez is ranked sixth on a list of the worlds most violent cities in 2021. Julia Ainsley is homeland security correspondent for NBC News and covers the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department for the NBC News Investigative Unit. A crime rate of 43.5 is very low when compared to the average crime rate of 69.1% in cities with more than 100,000 residents. The answer to this question is complicated. We've already exceeded that number here in the Rio Grande Valley this fiscal year," Hastings said. And unlike single adults and families, who may be released with court dates, children are held in Border Patrol facilities until they can be transferred to Health and Human Services custody and eventually the homes of relatives or sponsors in the U.S. Border Towns Brace for More Migrants as the Border Slowly Reopens, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/19/us/border-migrants-texas.html. Indeed, you can cross the border with few hassles here. We do not budget for immigration., Villalobos and McAllens assistant city manager, Jeff Johnston, said they received about $30 million from the federal government over the past year and that theyll need more than that to be ready to handle the coming influx. The humanitarian crisis and the danger of the journey for migrants are messages the chiefs and sheriffs repeat to delegations from Congress, where they say comprehensive immigration reform legislation is needed. 2 South Texas border cities named safest in America Combes is a small town in South Texas that is about 30 minutes away from Brownsville. Customs and Border Protection says it has seized at least 1,000 pounds of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of meth on this stretch of the border this year. They say they will need more money to run a testing and quarantine site on such a large scale. As the Biden admin readies to end Covid restrictions at the border, officials from one Texas city want help from D.C. to cope with an expected migrant surge. Migrant families, Mr. Mayorkas said, are being allowed to enter the United States when Mexico does not have the capacity to house them at its shelters a situation that accounts for most of the releases in border towns in recent weeks.