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My name is Elizabeth Burns. My family was featured on the news when we moved from our 38,000 acre family ranch. This website has that newscast featured today. Just to be clear, we were never directly threatened by drug cartels. But, we do have lots of drugs and humans crossing the ranch and we did feel that our lives were in danger. On several occasions, we had illegal immigrants trying to break into our house. I had to hold people at gunpoint to save our lives. People don't realize that the border is also the site of major oil and gas infrastructure and the Eagle Ford Shale gas play. The industry does nothing to secure the area and they make it impossible for law enforcement or landowners to anything. We have no idea who is working for the oilfield and who is smuggling drugs.
Here are some sworn affidavits from law enforcement about our ranch and the challenges faced:
http://rancholosmalu...avits-final.pdf
People need to realize that it's just not as simple as sending the military. The area is a huge oil and gas operation and you can't just come into that and start shooting. In addition, the risk of terror attack to the infrastructure is great as there is no security. Its not just agriculture at stake.
In 2008, I started interviewing the illegal immigrants passing thru the ranch and putting the movies on youtube. It is sad to here about how they are kidnapped and held for ransom. I always turn immigrants in to Border Patrol, but I feel sorry for them. They have a bad life. I don't think they should stay here. It's a very complicated situation.
my youtube channel is
http://www.youtube.c...ancholosmalulos
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We are the family featured on the FM 755 Newscast
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#2
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 09:51 AM
I feel for your situation. In West Texas we were always searching for new ways of detering activity. In my experiance, we found that the less there is to attract people the better. Improved roads would lead to nowhere while roads going to houses or storage would be neandering, rough, and purposfully difficult. vehicles were always emptied of fuel and there was always an outside water source to keep the break ins low. This didn't always work though and we would have times where people would still attempt to steal from the different locations. It is a bit more difficult for you though as there was not widespread oil and gas out there.
In what ways have you found worked to deter people from coming up to the house? Is there any advice you have? As well had y'all tried any attemps of organizing with others in your area?
In what ways have you found worked to deter people from coming up to the house? Is there any advice you have? As well had y'all tried any attemps of organizing with others in your area?
#3
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 03:49 PM
We can't do too much about the improved roads on our ranch. They were built by Exxon and Chevron and are for heavy truck traffic. We have paved roads that go from FM 755 to State Highway 285 and bypass both the Hebbronville and Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoints. We have 11 miles of FM 755 going thru the middle of the ranch. That is 22 miles of fence that we have to maintain. Once or twice a weeks a truck with illegals or drugs will drive thru the fence. The cows get on the highway. We have to pay to repair the fence, etc. It's a huge headache.
As far as cutting down on crime - we just tried to be vigilant and get a better breed of criminal. If you are keeping an eye out, they will be more discreet and you have less chance of running into them. I think that's the best we could do. We have gate guards at the gates but we can't tell real oilfield tankers from fake tankers and Exxon does not share any info about who works for them. If they look like oilfield, we have to let them in. We know there are issues because tanker trucks with 9500 pounds of marijuana get picked up on the ranches north of us on the road from our place.
We just hope we don't have any confrontations. That's the big risk. I don't think drug smugglers or human traffickers want trouble. But, now a days, if you lose your load of drugs, you have to pay for it and people don't want to lose a tanker with 9,500 pounds of marijuana. You just hope you don't cross paths.
When we lived on the ranch, I was more worried about the illegal immigrants because there were 1000's a day and they are desperate and they will sometimes break into houses, beat up oilfield workers, steal trucks, etc. I wasn't so worried about a bale of marijuana breaking into my house. We had five dogs and we were never out after dark driving around the ranch.
I don't have a solution to the problem. I think that it will have to be some kind of electronic surveillance because the area is vast. I'm not very hopeful that any effective measures will be taken. That's why we moved. It was getting worse and we felt like it was going to keep getting worse. if you read the affidavits in my original post, you understand the logistical issues of fire and things.
As far as cutting down on crime - we just tried to be vigilant and get a better breed of criminal. If you are keeping an eye out, they will be more discreet and you have less chance of running into them. I think that's the best we could do. We have gate guards at the gates but we can't tell real oilfield tankers from fake tankers and Exxon does not share any info about who works for them. If they look like oilfield, we have to let them in. We know there are issues because tanker trucks with 9500 pounds of marijuana get picked up on the ranches north of us on the road from our place.
We just hope we don't have any confrontations. That's the big risk. I don't think drug smugglers or human traffickers want trouble. But, now a days, if you lose your load of drugs, you have to pay for it and people don't want to lose a tanker with 9,500 pounds of marijuana. You just hope you don't cross paths.
When we lived on the ranch, I was more worried about the illegal immigrants because there were 1000's a day and they are desperate and they will sometimes break into houses, beat up oilfield workers, steal trucks, etc. I wasn't so worried about a bale of marijuana breaking into my house. We had five dogs and we were never out after dark driving around the ranch.
I don't have a solution to the problem. I think that it will have to be some kind of electronic surveillance because the area is vast. I'm not very hopeful that any effective measures will be taken. That's why we moved. It was getting worse and we felt like it was going to keep getting worse. if you read the affidavits in my original post, you understand the logistical issues of fire and things.
#4
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 04:42 PM
I went to your youtube site. There are no videos there. Can you point me to another location?
I travel a lot for work. I'm also concerned for my family in central Texas. We have a lot of illegals where we live. Sure would be nice if the good Tx representative who complained about this site would actually take a look at your affadavits. He is probably like the US Attorney General. He did not read the AZ law before he filed suit against the state.
The feds our own governor(s) and legislature could care less about the illegal immigration or smuggling operations. Our capital's government braggs about bussing illegals around Austin to look for work. That's illegal too, by the way.
My biggest fear about this situation is our border is fast become a scene of anarchy, not just lawlessness; which is bad enough.
Good luch to you and your families.
StretchTexas1
I travel a lot for work. I'm also concerned for my family in central Texas. We have a lot of illegals where we live. Sure would be nice if the good Tx representative who complained about this site would actually take a look at your affadavits. He is probably like the US Attorney General. He did not read the AZ law before he filed suit against the state.
The feds our own governor(s) and legislature could care less about the illegal immigration or smuggling operations. Our capital's government braggs about bussing illegals around Austin to look for work. That's illegal too, by the way.
My biggest fear about this situation is our border is fast become a scene of anarchy, not just lawlessness; which is bad enough.
Good luch to you and your families.
StretchTexas1
#5
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 07:30 PM
[quote name='2DollarBill' timestamp='1299858713' post='12']
I feel for your situation. In West Texas we were always searching for new ways of detering activity. In my experiance, we found that the less there is to attract people the better. Improved roads would lead to nowhere while roads going to houses or storage would be neandering, rough, and purposfully difficult. vehicles were always emptied of fuel and there was always an outside water source to keep the break ins low. This didn't always work though and we would have times where people would still attempt to steal from the different locations. It is a bit more difficult for you though as there was not widespread oil and gas out there.
In what ways have you found worked to deter people from coming up to the house? Is there any advice you have? As well had y'all tried any attemps of organizing with others in your area?
[/quo[b[b]
[As a reply, I am wondering as to what some of you have thought about as a means to curb trepass and what is your liability in doing so?
Also, do those of you on the border and who are being faced with trepass whether it be people smuggling, or contraban, do you fear or have
reason to fear reprisal?]
I feel for your situation. In West Texas we were always searching for new ways of detering activity. In my experiance, we found that the less there is to attract people the better. Improved roads would lead to nowhere while roads going to houses or storage would be neandering, rough, and purposfully difficult. vehicles were always emptied of fuel and there was always an outside water source to keep the break ins low. This didn't always work though and we would have times where people would still attempt to steal from the different locations. It is a bit more difficult for you though as there was not widespread oil and gas out there.
In what ways have you found worked to deter people from coming up to the house? Is there any advice you have? As well had y'all tried any attemps of organizing with others in your area?
[/quo[b[b]
[As a reply, I am wondering as to what some of you have thought about as a means to curb trepass and what is your liability in doing so?
Also, do those of you on the border and who are being faced with trepass whether it be people smuggling, or contraban, do you fear or have
reason to fear reprisal?]
#6
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 07:34 PM
I was some years ago working security on a very large ranch south of Hebronville, Tx. some 50 miles north of Zapata. The trafficing was daily and followed
by a considerable amount of property damage. Have you ever tried to file trespass charges against those that you may have stopped or held long enough
to call BP, or perhaps local law enforcement?
#7
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 07:56 PM
Growing up in Alice, I am sorry to hear that the Burns found it necessary to move. Gas prices are making a trip to town much more difficult, but to leave the ranch is like losing the twin towers to a New Yorker. (and I mean that with much reverance and respect)
If you live in a rural South Texas area, you should:
1) have the local and neighboring Border Patrol dispatch on your cell phone.
2) find out who the BP Landowner Liason is, and become a friend, with his or her cell number, and report all suspicious movement you see. If you live here, you know what suspicious movement is.
3) Always let the BP on your ranch; the BP LL should have your pass key or your combo. They will notify you when they are on your property.
4) Take the time to get your neighbors contact info. This includes hunters and absentee landowners. Have them in your cell. I know the cell does not work all the time, but your now always out of contact either. This must include every contact within 2 - 3 miles of your residence/lodge.
5) The reason for #4 is the only tool you have is movement away from an uncomfortable situation and numbers. As neighbors in Dimmit Co, if one is uncomfortable, another 2 or 3 show up. Those causing the uncomfortable situation tend to move on.
6) Always wave at the BP; turn on your interior cab light if passing during the night. Always stop if you pass on a rural road, roll down the car windows, ask how the day is going. They will begin to know your vehicle and where you reside. This will help in response time.
7) Hand out water to the Oil and Gas people in your area. Usually they have it with them, but it gives you an excuse to meet and greet.
8) Never give transportation to an IA; always provide food and drink if you possibly can.
I too talk to IAs moving across the country; shame on Mexico for allowing these children to face this difficulty. You may think I am a Gringo who has an issue against mexicans. My family has been here since 1932. I have yet to see an IA stop and determine the race of a homeowner or landowner before they vandalize.
As the crow flies, we are 45 miles from the border. Suprisingly, Wednesday nights are always active. I guess Linea Conejo runs at that time.
One final comment: Chesapeake Oil Co does have a security force present and mobile in Dimmit Co. Many former LEO's are in its employment.
If you live in a rural South Texas area, you should:
1) have the local and neighboring Border Patrol dispatch on your cell phone.
2) find out who the BP Landowner Liason is, and become a friend, with his or her cell number, and report all suspicious movement you see. If you live here, you know what suspicious movement is.
3) Always let the BP on your ranch; the BP LL should have your pass key or your combo. They will notify you when they are on your property.
4) Take the time to get your neighbors contact info. This includes hunters and absentee landowners. Have them in your cell. I know the cell does not work all the time, but your now always out of contact either. This must include every contact within 2 - 3 miles of your residence/lodge.
5) The reason for #4 is the only tool you have is movement away from an uncomfortable situation and numbers. As neighbors in Dimmit Co, if one is uncomfortable, another 2 or 3 show up. Those causing the uncomfortable situation tend to move on.
6) Always wave at the BP; turn on your interior cab light if passing during the night. Always stop if you pass on a rural road, roll down the car windows, ask how the day is going. They will begin to know your vehicle and where you reside. This will help in response time.
7) Hand out water to the Oil and Gas people in your area. Usually they have it with them, but it gives you an excuse to meet and greet.
8) Never give transportation to an IA; always provide food and drink if you possibly can.
I too talk to IAs moving across the country; shame on Mexico for allowing these children to face this difficulty. You may think I am a Gringo who has an issue against mexicans. My family has been here since 1932. I have yet to see an IA stop and determine the race of a homeowner or landowner before they vandalize.
As the crow flies, we are 45 miles from the border. Suprisingly, Wednesday nights are always active. I guess Linea Conejo runs at that time.
One final comment: Chesapeake Oil Co does have a security force present and mobile in Dimmit Co. Many former LEO's are in its employment.
#8
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Posted 11 March 2011 - 11:23 PM
First of all Mrs Burns, How can a person living in Brooks County know what is going on in the Border?
You and your family live in a cushy 38,000 acre ranch 100 miles from the REAL Border. I am not endorsing
illegal immigration, but those persons that already made it that far to your ranch, are just probably hungry,
thirsty, tired, etc...Say the truth, were you attacked? or did you just catch them in your house? Drug Cartels?
please mam.
You and your family live in a cushy 38,000 acre ranch 100 miles from the REAL Border. I am not endorsing
illegal immigration, but those persons that already made it that far to your ranch, are just probably hungry,
thirsty, tired, etc...Say the truth, were you attacked? or did you just catch them in your house? Drug Cartels?
please mam.
#9
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Posted 12 March 2011 - 05:53 AM
I have been living in the Rio Grand Valley for 56 years. Let me tell you that it is getting bad. I can't even go to my ranch without being armed.My ranch is about 20 miles from the border.All my deer blinds have been broken in to and the camp house torn up.Poaching is getting out of hand.Those guys up in Washington don't get it. It's not in their back yard.We can go fight wars in other countries but not our own.We have a war down here and it's going to get worse before it gets better.Talking about spill over from Mexico, it's here my friend.
#10
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Posted 12 March 2011 - 01:47 PM
Great to see you here Mrs. Burns. I am the one from ALIPAC who posted your story there. We are still working to get more and more people interested in this siege. I do think Todd Staples need to be thanked for his support. We do need his help because no one else in our government seems to care.
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#11
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Posted 13 March 2011 - 01:26 PM
Sorry, I put the wrong youtube address
my movies are
http://www.youtube.c...ancholosmalulos
Even though our ranch is 35 miles from the Border we had a lot of traffic because you cut thru the property to circumvent both the falfurrias and hebbronville checkpoint. The ranch is 38,000 acres of brush country. It's not very cushy. Everything has thorns. 10,000 acres of the ranch are in Starr County and 10,000 acres are in Hidalgo which are both border counties. It's not like traffic stops at the border. Especially because there is not really anything at the border to stop it. It's wide open.
The traffic is in lots of rural areas. In the area of Victoria, ranches are really bad and they are very far from the Border.
my movies are
http://www.youtube.c...ancholosmalulos
Even though our ranch is 35 miles from the Border we had a lot of traffic because you cut thru the property to circumvent both the falfurrias and hebbronville checkpoint. The ranch is 38,000 acres of brush country. It's not very cushy. Everything has thorns. 10,000 acres of the ranch are in Starr County and 10,000 acres are in Hidalgo which are both border counties. It's not like traffic stops at the border. Especially because there is not really anything at the border to stop it. It's wide open.
The traffic is in lots of rural areas. In the area of Victoria, ranches are really bad and they are very far from the Border.
#12
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Posted 14 March 2011 - 04:17 PM
Ms Burns I know exactly what your going thru I live on my famlies ranch. Iam a Vietnam veteran, and do not want to hurt anyone, but I will protect myself.
Let's hope that Governor Perry is monitoring this web site, and correct me if I am wrong I don't feel that Governor Perry is as concerned about the war zone here as we are who have to endure this war.
I saw many responses from gun happy wannabe killers wanting to come to the border and take matters into their own hands which would have been a disaster. What we need here besides the border patrol, and Texas Rangers(who can't be every where at once is the the military set up from El Paso to Brownsville, and not just on the Rio Grande River. Governor Perry has the power to activate the National Guard, and President Obama has the power to send regular military forces.
An interesting side note is that Car Jacking became a federal office many years ago, only after a congressman's wife was carjacked in Washington. makes you wonder where the attention in violent crime becomes a problem that needs addressing.
Let's hope that Governor Perry is monitoring this web site, and correct me if I am wrong I don't feel that Governor Perry is as concerned about the war zone here as we are who have to endure this war.
I saw many responses from gun happy wannabe killers wanting to come to the border and take matters into their own hands which would have been a disaster. What we need here besides the border patrol, and Texas Rangers(who can't be every where at once is the the military set up from El Paso to Brownsville, and not just on the Rio Grande River. Governor Perry has the power to activate the National Guard, and President Obama has the power to send regular military forces.
An interesting side note is that Car Jacking became a federal office many years ago, only after a congressman's wife was carjacked in Washington. makes you wonder where the attention in violent crime becomes a problem that needs addressing.
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Posted 14 March 2011 - 07:51 PM
nbnsct2086, on 11 March 2011 - 11:23 PM, said:
First of all Mrs Burns, How can a person living in Brooks County know what is going on in the Border?
You and your family live in a cushy 38,000 acre ranch 100 miles from the REAL Border. I am not endorsing
illegal immigration, but those persons that already made it that far to your ranch, are just probably hungry,
thirsty, tired, etc...Say the truth, were you attacked? or did you just catch them in your house? Drug Cartels?
please mam.
You and your family live in a cushy 38,000 acre ranch 100 miles from the REAL Border. I am not endorsing
illegal immigration, but those persons that already made it that far to your ranch, are just probably hungry,
thirsty, tired, etc...Say the truth, were you attacked? or did you just catch them in your house? Drug Cartels?
please mam.
I am sure that after this post, many South Texas Ranchers will be happy to host you as a ranch hand for 2 or 3 weeks this summer. That is the best way for you to learn what happens. I have heard that in cities around schools, the students cannot cut across home yards to access school grounds. How is this different from crossing a ranch?
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Posted 15 March 2011 - 11:09 AM
lizburns, on 10 March 2011 - 06:21 PM, said:
My name is Elizabeth Burns. My family was featured on the news when we moved from our 38,000 acre family ranch. This website has that newscast featured today. Just to be clear, we were never directly threatened by drug cartels. But, we do have lots of drugs and humans crossing the ranch and we did feel that our lives were in danger. On several occasions, we had illegal immigrants trying to break into our house. I had to hold people at gunpoint to save our lives. People don't realize that the border is also the site of major oil and gas infrastructure and the Eagle Ford Shale gas play. The industry does nothing to secure the area and they make it impossible for law enforcement or landowners to anything. We have no idea who is working for the oilfield and who is smuggling drugs.
Here are some sworn affidavits from law enforcement about our ranch and the challenges faced:
http://rancholosmalu...avits-final.pdf
People need to realize that it's just not as simple as sending the military. The area is a huge oil and gas operation and you can't just come into that and start shooting. In addition, the risk of terror attack to the infrastructure is great as there is no security. Its not just agriculture at stake.
In 2008, I started interviewing the illegal immigrants passing thru the ranch and putting the movies on youtube. It is sad to here about how they are kidnapped and held for ransom. I always turn immigrants in to Border Patrol, but I feel sorry for them. They have a bad life. I don't think they should stay here. It's a very complicated situation.
my youtube channel is
http://www.youtube.c...ancholosmalulos
Here are some sworn affidavits from law enforcement about our ranch and the challenges faced:
http://rancholosmalu...avits-final.pdf
People need to realize that it's just not as simple as sending the military. The area is a huge oil and gas operation and you can't just come into that and start shooting. In addition, the risk of terror attack to the infrastructure is great as there is no security. Its not just agriculture at stake.
In 2008, I started interviewing the illegal immigrants passing thru the ranch and putting the movies on youtube. It is sad to here about how they are kidnapped and held for ransom. I always turn immigrants in to Border Patrol, but I feel sorry for them. They have a bad life. I don't think they should stay here. It's a very complicated situation.
my youtube channel is
http://www.youtube.c...ancholosmalulos
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Posted 16 March 2011 - 06:12 AM
If Exxon and Chevron are operating on the ranch ... Has anyone contacted them about security? Maybe it can be written in their contract for drilling rights.
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Posted 19 March 2011 - 07:48 PM
dimmitco84, on 14 March 2011 - 07:51 PM, said:
I am sure that after this post, many South Texas Ranchers will be happy to host you as a ranch hand for 2 or 3 weeks this summer. That is the best way for you to learn what happens. I have heard that in cities around schools, the students cannot cut across home yards to access school grounds. How is this different from crossing a ranch?
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Posted 19 March 2011 - 08:04 PM
Mr NBNST,
No one should jump to conclusions as far as the topic of border violence. I live 4 miles from the border and have had illegals try to get into my house. When I was living in the old ranch house I would leave and find my food gone, utensils, and any thing else I left lying around. Were they tired or hungry? I think not.
When I finished building my home, the first thing that got destroyed was a window burglar bar. luckily I left my dog in the house. After that incident I had a 6ft chain link fence with razor wire installed, did this keep them from trying to get in? NO!
I have also held Illegal's for the border patrol, and yes they were trespassing into my house( the old ranch house).
My suggestion is that no one judge anyone, till you have all the facts.
The situation in South Texas not only the border is a clear and present danger.
I need help here on the ranch fixing damaged fences and would be more than glad to have your help, you can camp out in the pasture where all the water bottles, human feces, and trash is. I'm sure you will be well received.
My apologies to those who take this WEB site seriosly as I do.
No one should jump to conclusions as far as the topic of border violence. I live 4 miles from the border and have had illegals try to get into my house. When I was living in the old ranch house I would leave and find my food gone, utensils, and any thing else I left lying around. Were they tired or hungry? I think not.
When I finished building my home, the first thing that got destroyed was a window burglar bar. luckily I left my dog in the house. After that incident I had a 6ft chain link fence with razor wire installed, did this keep them from trying to get in? NO!
I have also held Illegal's for the border patrol, and yes they were trespassing into my house( the old ranch house).
My suggestion is that no one judge anyone, till you have all the facts.
The situation in South Texas not only the border is a clear and present danger.
I need help here on the ranch fixing damaged fences and would be more than glad to have your help, you can camp out in the pasture where all the water bottles, human feces, and trash is. I'm sure you will be well received.
My apologies to those who take this WEB site seriosly as I do.
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Posted 23 March 2011 - 07:12 AM
Look at this - from San Diego Texas
SAN DIEGO – Border Patrol agents caught 13 illegal immigrants wearing U.S. Marine uniforms at a border patrol checkpoint east of San Diego, an agency spokesman said Tuesday.
The immigrants were in a white van that was stopped March 14 along Interstate 8, Border Patrol spokesman Michael Jimenez said. The van had a U.S. government license plate with an altered number, Jimenez said. He did not know where the group obtained the military uniforms.
The immigrants all had Marine-style haircuts and the name tag "Perez" on their camouflage uniforms, U.S. Marine Corps officials told the Los Angeles Times.
The van driver and another man, both U.S. citizens, were arrested on suspicion of alien smuggling, the Border Patrol said. Three of the immigrants were being held in federal custody as witnesses and the others were returned to Mexico, their country of origin, Jimenez said.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Border Patrol were conducting a joint investigation of the incident. NCIS spokesman Ed Buice said he couldn't discuss details, but "there are several obvious questions that need to be answered."
It's not known if the two U.S. citizens who were arrested have been in the military, the Border Patrol said.
SAN DIEGO – Border Patrol agents caught 13 illegal immigrants wearing U.S. Marine uniforms at a border patrol checkpoint east of San Diego, an agency spokesman said Tuesday.
The immigrants were in a white van that was stopped March 14 along Interstate 8, Border Patrol spokesman Michael Jimenez said. The van had a U.S. government license plate with an altered number, Jimenez said. He did not know where the group obtained the military uniforms.
The immigrants all had Marine-style haircuts and the name tag "Perez" on their camouflage uniforms, U.S. Marine Corps officials told the Los Angeles Times.
The van driver and another man, both U.S. citizens, were arrested on suspicion of alien smuggling, the Border Patrol said. Three of the immigrants were being held in federal custody as witnesses and the others were returned to Mexico, their country of origin, Jimenez said.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Border Patrol were conducting a joint investigation of the incident. NCIS spokesman Ed Buice said he couldn't discuss details, but "there are several obvious questions that need to be answered."
It's not known if the two U.S. citizens who were arrested have been in the military, the Border Patrol said.
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