Nuevo Progreso Rant

[TomG2]

A group of us Singles visit Nuevo Progreso, Mexico almost ever week. It is considered the safest of the unsafe border crossings in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

When I was leaving today, the American agent first addressed me in Spanish, which I do not speak. Strike one. He asked why I visited Progreso and I told "Just being a tourist". He asked me again and got the same reply. "What did you buy" he asked although I was empty handed in a t-shirt and shorts. "One Margarita" I answered, which really set him off. He demanded to know what I purchased and was not happy with the same answer. I held up my hand with my fingers forming a circle and said, "Nada, nothing". He got bored with me and sent me on my way.

I asked a woman who witnessed this if the agent was being rude and she said, "Very".

We have the most porous border in the civilized world and this young fellow is worried about a 72 year old empty handed American with a passport coming in? Come on.

[Bea_PA]

As much as we have crossed there and Canada. We were treated rudely 3 times, once coming back into states in NY and 2 times coming back at Nuevo Progreso. I used great restraint in not asking him if he talked to his parents and grandparents that way. Saw my last post and we did have a nice woman coming back from Canada several weeks ago.

[TomG2]

Geeze wrote:
We crossed over at Progresso twice last week while vacationing in the RGV. We had no issues crossing or coming back.

That is the norm.

[Geeze]

We crossed over at Progresso twice last week while vacationing in the RGV. We had no issues crossing or coming back.

[John_Joey]

TomG2 wrote:

darsben1 wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
I can understand that, but why the opening question in Spanish? I am as Midwestern as you can get. Oh well, I love the place and will go back.

Same ploy as when they used to ask you in English to say the last three letters of the alphabet. X,Y,Z was okay X,Y, ZED identified you as from North of the USA

The "ploy" didn't work as all he got from me were two big, "Huh's".

Next time try "Eh" and see if that makes a difference. :B

[TomG2]

darsben1 wrote:

TomG2 wrote:
I can understand that, but why the opening question in Spanish? I am as Midwestern as you can get. Oh well, I love the place and will go back.

Same ploy as when they used to ask you in English to say the last three letters of the alphabet. X,Y,Z was okay X,Y, ZED identified you as from North of the USA

The "ploy" didn't work as all he got from me were two big, "Huh's".

[darsben1]

TomG2 wrote:
I can understand that, but why the opening question in Spanish? I am as Midwestern as you can get. Oh well, I love the place and will go back.

Same ploy as when they used to ask you in English to say the last three letters of the alphabet. X,Y,Z was okay X,Y, ZED identified you as from North of the USA

[joebedford]

jplante4 wrote:
Here's an idea... DON'T GO TO MEXICO

The bad ones aren't all on that border.

[Bea_PA]

We got an a$$ coming back from Canada last year, hope we don't get one next week.
Have always had very nice Canadian agents but US not so nice.

[jplante4]

Here's an idea... DON'T GO TO MEXICO

[TomG2]

Not to change the subject, but Summers in the RGV are not that bad. Yes, it is hot, but there are three or four good dances a week and most all of the popular restaurants are available. I was north for a month in May, came back down in June. North in July, and back down here for August. Will go somewhere north for October and then land back down here in November for the Winter. Still like to travel.

[John_Joey]

TomG2 wrote:
I can understand that, but why the opening question in Spanish? ...

I got nothing for that. Best case, it was a random audit, worst case he was being an A$$.

As my FIL always said, "if it wasn't for them, the rest of us won't look so good." 😉

Enjoy your summer. There is a crisp in the morning air up here, so expect a crowd soon. 🙂

[JAXFL]

It is not just Mexico that has A**es work the immigration points. I just flew back from Asia and arrived in NYC... I do not hear well and my hearing aids failed during the flight. The "professional" asked me something and I said... "I am sorry I can't hear you with all the noise in here and my hearing aids died"... he says what you don't speak English... The wife jumped and said..."I guess you don't, he said his hearing aids don't work... you want me to talk to your supervisor?" ... he just waved us on...

[TomG2]

I can understand that, but why the opening question in Spanish? I am as Midwestern as you can get. Oh well, I love the place and will go back.

[John_Joey]

TomG2 wrote:

pawatt wrote:
We go frequently and never had a major issue. ........

Me too, which is why I was surprised today.

It may be what is known as "random audit." The computer system picks a random party to have a more thorough search.

These results are collected and then applied to the whole to see if more security needs to be applied, or if they are meeting their goals. Has nothing to do with the party or the agent in charge.