I
LLEGAL TRAFFIC ACROSS THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER HAS BEEN DISCUSSED IN PRESIDEN-
tial debates, in campaign speeches and frequently discussed by politi- cians in offi ce. Talk to people who ranch along the border to get the
facts free of political distortion. One such rancher is Mike Vickers, DVM, who speaks from a decade of dealing with smugglers and criminal tres- passers crossing his property. Vickers’ home ranch is 9 miles south of Falfurrias on Highway 281
and he owns 2 additional ranches in Jim Hogg County. Unfortunately, all 3 ranches are near U.S. Border Control checkpoints, which results in illegal immigrants travelling across his properties in an attempt to avoid Border Patrol agents. Trespassing might not be so bad except that the groups leave a wake
of destruction behind them. They tear down fences, break pipes leaving cattle without water, mark their trails with litter and frequently leave bodies or people who are dying, too weak to go any further.
Texas Border Volunteers and Operation Drawbridge “It was evident that something had to be done, so my wife Linda and
I, and others, founded the Texas Border Volunteers in September 2006,” Vickers said. “Our mission is primarily assisting law enforcement offi cials with securing the border, upholding the rule of law and educating the general public with regard to immigration issues. “Texas Border Volunteers is simply a backup for U.S. Border Patrol.
The goal of the volunteers is not to engage with criminal trespassers, but to notify border patrol of their sightings,” he said. Volunteers who patrol private ranches are from all walks of life, pri-
marily a mixture of retired military personnel, educators, small business owners and computer technicians. While some live in the area, others come from north Texas, or even from out of state.
The goal of the volunteers is not to engage with criminal trespassers, but to notify border patrol of their sightings.
These volunteers realize that lack of border security is not entirely a
South Texas problem. People and narcotics smuggled across the Mexican border fi lter into
all regions of our country. During 2007, many trails used for illegal traffi c were identifi ed by the
Volunteers, one being within 600 yards of the Vickers home. Texas Border Volunteers spend 7 to 8 hours during night and day
along the trails watching for traffi c. When it is dark, they use night vision goggles. They hide in the brush wearing camoufl aged clothing. If illegal activity is sighted, they call the Border Patrol on cell phones. Currently more than 300 strong, these volunteers donate their time and furnish
tscra.org September 2016 The Cattleman 93
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