Construction of the Border Fence and Levee

Construction of a border fence and levee is well underway in Madero, a small community south of Mission, Texas. The project to protect the area against catastrophic flooding and the flow of iillegal crossings is a joint effort between the Department of Homeland Security and Hidalgo County.

While many local people agree that there is a need to stop illegal immigrants and smugglers, many disagree that construction of a fence is the right way to do it, preferring other means like more patrols or virtual fences.

Hidalgo County's main focus is in preventing a flooding disaster as occurred after Hurricane Katrina when the levees burst. A review of local levees showed the need to rebuild them.