CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — A spasm of bloodletting by drug gangs claimed at least 46 lives over a long weekend in Mexico, including at least 16 young people gunned down at a high school party, officials said.

The grim trail of death began early Sunday in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico's murder capital, when gunmen drove up to the house in several cars, first shooting at people gathered outside, then chasing and cornering some of the partygoers who jumped over a fence frantically running for their lives.

Beyond a landscaped yard and a privacy fence, in a middle-class neighborhood where kids can ride bikes to a local school, stands a house with a sordid past.

Authorities contend the three-bedroom residence once was regularly stocked with guns, drugs and money, as a secret operations center for a drug cartel smuggling route connecting Mexico, Houston, Louisiana and elsewhere.

   Texas Minutemen    

         As Americans, you understand the importance of protecting our nation’s borders.  Yet as the Texas Minutemen focus on towns, cities and on the border our elected officials continue to ignore this growing national security issue.  Fortunately, American resolve has never depended on Washington bureaucracy. 

                In March, the Texas Minutemen will be performing a Border Watch & Recon in the El Paso & Marfa Sectors.  The Border Watch will focus on 15 miles of exposed (un-fenced) border from the end of our normal patrol area which is the most secure in the nation thanks to Texas Minutemen Volunteers and more Agents and an 18 foot fence.  The Recon will focus on an area to the east approximately 100 miles for a future border watch in October 2010.  This is a high drug cartel active area!! 

            Today, your generous donation to the Texas Minutemen will help make this event and others like it possible.  Success on the border is vital to keeping the pressure on Washington with the 2010 elections approaching and will only happen if Americans like you pledge your support.  Remember “Health Care Reform” now and “Amnesty” next!

So far, Texas Minutemen Border Watches have produced the most impressive results out of all the Border Security Groups.  Issues being ignored last year like issuing drivers licenses and in state tuition to illegal immigrants are suddenly being considered because of the new awareness brought by the Texas Minutemen.  Our original patrol area has more Agents and an 18 foot fence!  The efforts of the Texas Minutemen have brought fruit and we need to continue to the east!

                Yet with all the progress we’ve made, our victory is still in the distance.  There is still so much work to be done.  The year will be crucial in determining the success of our effort.  The fight will be difficult.  Have we made believers in our Political Leaders?  2010 will tell!

                We know we can succeed in protecting our border, but the Texas Minutemen still need your help in making our voice heard.  Your support will ensure a brighter and more secure future for all Texans.

Sincerely,

Texas Minutemen