El Paso Named Most Dangerous Border Town In America

Two cities separated by one river, but it is violence that has torn El Paso and Juarez apart. El Paso once attracted tourists as a way to take part in two different cultures. Now the thought of traveling into the city that has claimed thousands of live since a drug war began back in 2008 is just a joke to most El Pasoans KFOX 14 spoke to Wednesday night.

It was no laughing matter when the battles that brew in the streets of Juarez crossed the border and struck El Paso. Nearly a year ago several stray bullets hit El Paso City Hall, allegedly the result of gun fight right across the Rio Grande. Less than two months later another bullet fired from Juarez would strike the University of Texas at El Paso campus.

It's those two events that have been directly credited for El Paso being named the number one most dangerous border town in America by Tribune Weekly Chronicle out of California.

Also, on that list of 8 is 3 other lone star state cities including Brownsville, Laredo, and McAllen, who have all fallen victim of the shadows of violence in Mexico. One El Pasoan said it is what has happened since the drug war began that is leaving El Paso on top.

"The military, you know like, they come over here and they start fighting with these people also," said Richard Martinez, of east El Paso.

On Aug. 1, President Barack Obama sent 1,200 troops to protect the borders and act as reinforcement. Martinez said those actions have spilled into the streets of El Paso, into the bars and clubs.

"They’re sending military to protect the border, it creates a lot of problems between the people. They start feeling like they're bringing in the military to attack them," he said.

To see the full list of the 8 Most Dangerous Border Towns In America: Click Here.