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IMMIGRATION
South Texas sees influx Flow of Central, South Americans overburdening BP and others Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part story about immigrant overcrowding on the border, specifically about the increase of children and families crossing, which has caused trouble within the Department of Homeland Security.
By SUSAN CARROLL AND DAVID MCCUMBER HEARST NEWSPAPERS
McALLEN — A little before noon on May 30, a white Homeland Security bus stopped outside a public bus terminal in downtown McAllen, its doors
opening to disgorge a group of about 20 immigrants from Central and South America. A father carried a sleeping 9month-old with curly black hair. A mother steered two toddlers toward the terminal. “They just left us here,” said Norma Navarro, from El Salvador, as the government bus pulled away from the terminal. “We have nothing.” But each person on the bus had at least one critical possession: a packet of U.S. government-issued documents ordering them to report to immigra-
tion officials within 15 days of landing at their new destination, and to appear in immigration court on a set date. The paperwork confers no legal status, but many immigrants see it as a pass to a new life. Edilberto Lanza Mejia, a 26year-old from Honduras holding his infant son, described it like this: “It is a permit to enter the United States.” The flow of Central and South Americans through South Texas has become an unmanageable torrent within the past month, overburdening the
Border Patrol and the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is charged with placing thousands of unaccompanied minors who have been arrested. “We are being overwhelmed,” said U.S. Border Patrol Agent Christopher Cabrera, vice president of National Border Patrol Council Local 3307. “We have groups of 70, 80, 90 people just walking up and turning themselves in. They’re finding the first agent and ‘saying take me in and let me have my walking papers.’ If we don’t get some help soon, it’s going to be disas-
trous.” Last week, Gov. Rick Perry sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to send more Border Patrol agents to Texas and to deploy 1,000 National Guard troops. Perry also asked the administration to eliminate policies that he described as encouraging illegal immigration — in particular releasing immigrants from custody with notices to appear in court and reuniting youths caught alone in the
See INFLUX PAGE 10A
SCHOOLS
INSPIRING ARTWORK High school senior donates mural
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
Photo by Cuate Santos | The Zapata Times
United South High School senior Victoria Majesta Marquez unveiled her original mural Monday morning at the high school under the watchful eyes of her teachers, fellow students and administrators.
United High School senior Victoria Majesta Marquez’s mural was unveiled Monday morning at the high school.
By JUDITH RAYO THE ZAPATA TIMES
A local artist unveiled a mural she created during a ribboncutting ceremony at United South High School on Monday.
United South High School senior Victoria Marquez donated a mural of the school’s mascot, a panther. It took Marquez twoand-a-half weeks to complete the mural, which is located in the administrative hall.
Marquez says she wanted to paint the mural to encourage other artists to display their work. The idea came after she joined the Panthers Artists and Writers Society, or PAWS. “I met so many talented art-
ists throughout the club who did not put their work out there,” Marquez said. “You have to pursue your dream. You can’t let what other people say ruin your path. It’s not their path, it’s yours.”
The mural contains a quote by Socrates, “Know Thyself,” and 82 symbols that symbolize the importance of being true to one’s self. The symbols are also
See ARTWORK PAGE 10A
FORT HOOD, TEXAS
Sexual-assault prevention officer facing charges ASSOCIATED PRESS
FORT HOOD — Two soldiers said Tuesday that a noncommissioned sexual-assault prevention officer at Fort Hood recruited them and other cash-strapped female soldiers to join a prostitution ring. Their testimonies came during an Article 32 hearing to determine whether Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen will face a military court-martial on more than 21 criminal charges filed in March that include pandering, adultery and sexual assault. The hearing is similar to a grand jury proceeding. The first to testify was a female private who said she was granted immunity in exchange for her testimony. “Basically, it was having sex with higher-ranking officers for
money,” the private said, according to the Killeen Daily Herald. She was 20 at the time of the alleged misconduct and said she confided in McQueen, telling him she was experiencing money prob-
Brad Grimes, has already been demoted and reprimanded in the case for conspiring to patronize a prostitute and solicitation to commit adultery. The private testified Tuesday
— have not been released. Fort Hood spokesman Tyler Broadway said it’s to protect the women. Anu Bhagwati, executive director of Service Women’s Action Network and a former captain
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen may face a military court-martial on more than 21 criminal charges filed in March. lems after her husband left her and her 3-year-old son and drained the couple’s bank account. She also testified that McQueen had sex with her and took photos of her naked to show potential clients. Another soldier at the Army base in central Texas, Master Sgt.
that McQueen arranged for her to have sex with Grimes for $100. A second female soldier testified that McQueen sexually assaulted her and also attempted to recruit her to join the prostitution ring, but she declined. The names of the female soldiers who testified — three in all
with the Marine Corps, said prostitution rings are not uncommon within the military and the allegations against McQueen were no surprise. “Institutionally, a lot of inappropriate behavior is condoned,” she told The Associated Press. “Women are so few within the military
still that I think predators look at women as fresh meat and the military as an institution where they can get away with criminal activity.” More testimony is expected Wednesday, including from Grimes. McQueen’s attorney, Joseph Jordan, did not return a phone call to the AP seeking comment Tuesday. Fort Hood would not release the initial charges list — akin to the complaint in a civilian case — when the AP requested a copy. The case has brought renewed focus on the prevalence of sexual assault within the military. In March, the U.S. Senate blocked a bill that would have stripped military commanders of their authority to prosecute or prevent charges for alleged rapes and other serious offenses.