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HARLINGEN, Texas (KVEO) Armed intrusions, economic losses, fever ticks, trespassing and property damage, are just a few ways ranchers along the Rio Grande are affected by the influx of migrants crossing the border illegally.

Imgoing to step lightly and tell you we do carry ourguns. Ive had armed intrusions here before, said Richard Guerra, Starr County Rancher

Guerra owns 8,000 acres along the Rio Grande. Guerra said that when the migrants cross illegally, it can come at a cost.

Some of these people do a lot of damage because they leave the gatesopen, they tear down the fences. Some of these people on the highwaythey are chases, they knock down your fence, they cut down your fence. All of that is an expense that I have tobare,nobodypays us for that, he said.

Apart from property damage Guerra said cartels on the Mexican side force ranchers to abandon their properties, leaving their animals behind which can bring across fever ticks.

People that cross sometimes bring the fever tickon humans. Plus the cattle, horses and everything that comes across the river, if they haveticks on them, then Im most likely going to be quarantined,Guerra told KVEO.

The quarantine can be costly for ranchers because they cant move their cattle until they are free of ticks.

Guerras property is patrolled by an aerostat which he said gives him some comfort and security, but there have been talks those could go away.

Itsworrisomebecausetheadministrationis saying well it cost too muchor they are going tocome up withnew technologyto replace some of that, but whenis that going to happen?Instead,they are shutting these things down, with nonew technology. Well, were going to have a tsunamiof people comingacross, Guerra said.

Guerra said that ranchers concerns need to be addressed and they need to be compensated for their losses either from the state or federal government.

Ihope that this president and administration wakes up, he said We do have a crisis, they need to address it, do not sugar coat it, its a problem.

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Impacts of illegal immigration on ranchers, armed intrusions, fever ticks - KGBT-TV