We want to give potential participants and parents a bit more information about this area, especially because of news reports and very legitimate concerns about the occasional violence and instability found in the "Frontera" or along the Border region with Mexico. While it is true that violence and crimes occur in this area, these situations are almost exclusively propagated by drug cartels, gangs, human smuggling and sexual exploitation rings, and other such criminal elements. The worst and most frequent of this border violence lies hours away from us, in Laredo, Texas, and across the border in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. However, violence upon occasion does occur in the region across from Brownsville, in Metamoros, and even in the Reynosa area. Almost exclusively, this criminal activity is generated by and among those who are participants in criminal arenas - drug dealers and cartels, gangs, human smugglers and exploiters - and the law enforcement officers on both sides of the border who attempt to deter this criminal element. Although innocent civilians have at rare times been involved, by and large, most occurrences involve those directly or indirectly involved in this segment of activity. Innocent civilians effected by such crimes are usually those who have put themselves into risky situations and unwise settings; those who find themselves in wrong place at the wrong time. This most often involves crossing the border alone, during late evening or early morning hours, and going to unsafe places such as local bars, clubs, or establishments known for illicit activities such as drugs or prostitution.

 

What PRO-ORB Retreats Do To Minimize Risk and Danger:

 

The safety of all participants in any PRO-ORB Retreat or Outreach Ministry activity is our utmost concern. Because of this, we minimize the chances of exposure to border dangers in every way possible. First of all, we generally cross the border into Mexico only once during our events. Second, we go together, as a group, and caravan across the border directly to our destination, as a large group. Third, we cross the border in the morning hours; a time when the criminal element is rarely if ever active. Fourth, we visit only places which are known to be safe and secure, such as the walled and protected Casa Amparo Orphanage for girls, or an enclosed Mexican market venue. Fifth, we always stick together as a group, with plenty of adult supervision. Sixth, we re-enter the border bridge area and return to the USA well before dark, a time when the criminal element is more of a concern. If you have further questions or concerns about border crossings or the region, please feel free to contact us at: mateliza@aol.com and ask away!

 

While one can never eliminate all risk factors in this crazy world, we do try to minimize them during all of our PRO-ORB Retreats and Outreach Ministries. We always have plenty of adult and young adult staff on hand during all aspects of the retreats. Young men and young women sleep in locked and secure bunk-rooms which include adult and young adult staff who stay and supervise the younger participants. The grounds of the retreat facility where we bunk up at night are also locked and secured after all guests have re-entered the facility site. Work activities are generally done in teams, with a staff member serving as a team leader. When we go to the South Padre Island, participants must stick together in groups of 3 or more, whether in the water or talking a walk down the beach. In addition, we keep first aid supplies on hand at all times during outings and events. If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly at: mateliza@aol.com and ask away!