SAN ANTONIO -- Some members of Congress were in Mexico this week to see if the U.S. can help stop the violence there.
Texas congressmen Henry Cuellar and Ruben Hinojosa were part of that group. The congressmen went to observe the implementation of a new drug fighting program. Congress approved more than $460 million to help Mexico and Central America fight their drug problem.
More than 6,000 people died as a result of the violence in Mexico last year. The violence exploded again on the border Tuesday. Five people were killed and seven federal officers were wounded in a drug shootout in Reynosa, just across the border from McAllen in the Valley.
A family from Mexico who spoke with News 4 WOAI says the problem is not just drugs. They say innocent people are being kidnapped and killed.
"It's not safe to go to Mexico," explained Jose Esparza, whose family members were kidnapped. "I will never be able to go back to Mexico."
Esparza has lived in San Antonio for 3 years. But just recently, the number of people in his household grew after 3 of his siblings were kidnapped from their home in Durango, Mexico.
"We don't know where they are," Esparza said. "We don't know what's happening with them, why they took them, who took them. We don't know."
Esparza's two brothers and his sister were dragged from their home by kidnappers 17 days ago, and he says no one will help.
"If the police shut the door on you, what protection do you have?, " Esparza asked.
Esparza's mother, nieces, and nephews were in the home during the kidnapping. With no one to help, Esparza brought them to San Antonio.
Esparza says without action from the United States Government, it is only a matter of time before the violence ends up here.
"If American government doesn't do anything to protect our borders and to help Mexico with the war they are having, it's gonna come this way," added Esparza. "We're so close".
Esparza says he's now searching for a second and third job, so he can support his family members while they are here. He is trying to stay positive about the kidnapping of his siblings and praying they'll be returned unharmed.
