by Ken Treviño

The small coastal towns of Port Isabel and South Padre Island have felt the big presence of an influx of Homeland Security officers. A storm of arrests have been made over the last two weeks that’s starting to make it look like Dolly #2.

Undercover agents are now boarding public transportation buses, entering businesses, and setting up strategic check points in an all out effort to crack down on undocumented workers. The effects of this Dolly 2 can be felt from the hall of the schools to the churches and local neighborhoods. At least Dolly 1 gave some kind of warning.

The already sagging South Padre Island economy is starting to take another hit as Homeland Security agents set check points at the base of the Queen Isabela Causeway. Employers are now calling their employees and telling them NOT to come to work. People that used to roam the streets and local businesses are staying home, locked up in fear of what may happen.

US born children with immigrant parents now don’t know if they will see their parents when they return from school or even if the Homeland Security is brazen enough to enter the schools. Those who live in poverty and were fortunate enough to survive Dolly 1 are now being hit by Dolly 2. Those who do jobs nobody else will do, no longer have jobs.

Does anybody really think that undocumented workers will easily be replaced with documented ones? Not for the same pay. It’s logical to think that the price on everything should start going up to offset the incurred losses.

These communities have already lost hundreds of people due to displacement of homes and jobs. Now this. Can Homeland Security really tell the difference between a Mexican and a Mexican American? Or will they just start checking everyone. What about when you or I accidentally leave our driver’s license at home, are we subject to being detained? It’s time to batten down the hatches and secure all valuables. Dolly 2 is here.