Texans on wrong side of border fence grow anxious

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) -- Some landowners in South Texas are growing worried as the government prepares to install new, heavy metal gates in the fence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The gates are necessary because in some places, the fence was constructed as much as a mile from the border. Landowners can use the gates to go back and forth to their property on the other side of the barrier.

Some fear, however, that they might not be able to flee through the gates fast enough if trouble occurs while they're on the Mexico side. Violence and illegal activity has grown worse in that part of the border in recent years.

Customs and Border Protection officials say they will continue to patrol both sides of the fence to help anyone in need.