Recently, the Laredo Police Department--along with other local agencies--raided 8-Liner businesses and seized thousands in cash. New city ordinances may allow more gambling establishments to open in the Gateway City. But neighboring residents over in Zapata County say their community has already become a complete casino. Our Annette Garcia has the details.
" 'The blinking lights may be off on this Sunday morning in Zapata County, but--in the evening--residents of Falcon say their small town transforms. 'Es demasiada muchisima gente (It's an overwhelming number of people she says)' 'Ive never seen traffic like that in such a small town.' 'It's got to the point where it's no longer entertainment.' People will travel for miles to the town of roughly 100 residents. 'Most will come from the valley, even Mexico, Monterrey,' says one resident. 'You"re doubling your population in one night,' says another. All aiming for local 8-Liner businesses--which authorities say have recently exploded in popularity in the county--drawing in hundreds of vehicles each night; including buses of eager customers. Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez says at least one of the 7 warehouse size establishments in Falcon holds almost 300 machines and may pay out more than the law allows. Zapata County Sheriff Sigifredo Gonzalez said, "If you have people coming back from that far away they're not here to take back a box of detergent, a can of juices or toilet paper ... it's money.'" The result: more crime in a town that rarely saw any, and a community full of people worried about their safety. Thelma Gonzalez, a concerned resident, said, 'esta affectando todo los residentes y la seguridad de nosotros no sabemos de done cuanta gente viene...(It's affecting all of the residents and our security. We don't know who they are or where they're coming from.)' Annette: 'The sheriff has even decided to keep a close watch from the sky. He says not all businesses are operating illegally but those who are have got to stop.' Gonzalez says he's asking for help from outside agencies and has issued warnings, saying arrests could come soon. He's outraged over the lack of respect for the law. 'My deputies who are patrolling the area get stopped by people from who knows where. Theyre asking where the casinos are where the maquinitas are and who pays better,' says the sheriff. After years, some agencies have finally agreed to help--giving way for undercover investigations that may bring relief to the people of Zapata County. 'Ya no hay seguridad ni para los ninos ni para nosotros,' says a resident. She says there is no security---not for our kids--not for any of us.' Annette Garcia, Pro 8 News."