Mexican Immigration, Customs, and Inspection

Looking back at the bridge after coming from the U.S. side. Since the election of the current Mexican President, there has been a great increase in efforts to halt the drug traffic into the United States. The present administration is fighting a war aginst drug cartels and organize criminal factions. This action is reflected in greatly increased Mexican military presence at the border crossing points, such as this. Nuevo Progresso was always a small, confortable border town, with shopping, resturants, bars, and without many problems or crime. We used to visit the larger border cities like Reynosa and Matamoras, but now only visit Nuevo Progresso. The troubles have spread even to this area. Fifty years ago, the village used to be two blocks wide, and three long. Arturo's Resturant has always been a favorite, and it had it's 50th anniversary last year.

In this shot, looking straight back toward the bridge, a sand-bagged machine gun position and another soldier on the balcony are shown.

Notice that all the arms are pointed INTO the country, not at the United States.