The local MSM breathlessly reported that wetbacks were being shot with pepper balls. This occurred along the Rio Grande. Oh, the horror!
I once spoke to an old man who identified himself as a former Texas Ranger. He was active in the 1930’s. I had never seen him before, or since. He related that back then Texas Rangers would patrol the Rio Grande on horseback. They would ride along the river and camp along the way. These patrols would last for several days. It was not uncommon for the Rangers to meet Border Patrol agents riding a similar circuit.
In the spirit of friendly competition, they would settle in on a bluff overlooking a crossing point on the river. They would then shoot any Mexicans that they saw crossing. Marksmanship wasn’t the only consideration. To make it interesting they bet quarters as to whether the shot Mexican would sink or float. A great time was had by the Rangers and the Border Patrol.
I attributed the story to the ramblings of an old man. Twenty years later I partnered up with Ed. We were assigned to a narcotics task force based in San Antonio, Texas. During a long surveillance, when all other topics were exhausted, Ed related a story told to him. It was virtually identical to the story that old Ranger told me years before. Ed’s source was a retired Border Patrol agent.
Sounds like today’s wetback got off easy. Paintballs sting and the paint will wash off. A rifle round is forever.
