The man in charge of state border security efforts Tuesday compared the tactics used by Mexican drug cartels to those used by terrorist organizations.
Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw testified before the House select committee on emergency preparedness Tuesday morning at the State Capitol.
He pointed to evidence that powerful cartels are using gangs and hit squads on both sides of the border -- especially in Juarez and El Paso.
He says that's why state law enforcement will continue its robust presence on the border.
"The best say to do it, from a Texas perspective, is a pro-active, no non-sense law enforcement presence, positioning ourselves far forward. That's on the river. That's in our communities," said McCraw.
Governor Rick Perry and gubernatorial candidate Bill White have both asked federal law enforcement to send more unmanned drones to patrol the border.
Some on the border are skeptical of the state's plans for security there.
