McALLEN - Central Americans say news reports in their countries are encouraging them to make the journey north to the United States. A mother and child told CHANNEL 5 NEWS that the message being disseminated in their country is, "go to America with your child, you won't be turned away."

As illegal crossings from Mexico into the U.S through South Texas continue to rise, Commissioner Staples hosted a bipartisan delegation of agriculture leaders from eight states to share a firsthand glimpse into the realities of life along the Texas/Mexico border.

A mannequin showed up on I-10 West under a billboard that read "Plata O Plomo" or "Silver or Lead.” This phrase is used by Cartel members, and it means accept a bribe or face assassination. Clearly, this is sending a very loud message that spillover crime is indeed occurring north of the border.

Ruthless criminal organizations behind mass murders, assassinations and kidnappings are setting up shop in the area, right under property owners' noses.

LAREDO - A Border Patrol agent injured after a struggle with illegal immigrants is out of the hospital. A Border Patrol spokesperson said Wednesday morning, agents working the west Laredo area ran into a group who had crossed into the U.S. A struggle broke out as agents tried to apprehend them. Two of the illegal immigrants were shot. One was treated and released. The other was shot in the stomach. He remains in intensive care. The FBI and Laredo police are investigating the incident.