We are planning a trip to Brownsville and wonder about the safety of visiting Mexico. Any one with experience please reply.
Saw one post that said walk, don't drive.
Thanks.

I wouldn't do it. The INS, Boarder Patrol, and Customs are having a hard time right now.

haven't done it in a few years but was very easy and safe.We prefer Reynosa across from hidalgo(near Mcallen).

I travel to Mexico on business many times a year. The Mcallen crossing is a huge drag. Those "walking" are far more "suspicious" than those in vehicles. I've witnessed "walkers" there, still there after we've been (finally) waved through. Why would you be going there, anyway?

My parents have lived in Brownsville for almost 30 years now, and they never drive across. They walk over once or twice a month and have not had any problems. I went across this past July, and had no delays coming back. The biggest risk in walking across is the safety of your car on the USA side. Make sure you have some sort of antitheft device to make your car less desireable; even a "club" is better than nothing.

You'll be fine.

boarder towns are sort of joke.

So are "border" towns.
I think boarder towns are for hostel tourists (not hostile tourists).

it is very safe to walk across the border, millions of mexicans do it every year. they never cross back over though, so maybe it was a scary experience and they fear doing it a second time, that is the only possible explanation

There are two hotels within walking distance to the border. The Holiday Inn and a Ramada. We stayed at the Ramada. The Holiday Inn is nicer though. Do NOT drive into Mexico. Walking across is fine and safe.Beware, you will run into a lot of beggars and people trying to sell you all kinds of things. They never bothered me, sorta fun to bargin with them. There is a big store and restaurant about 1 block in called Garcia's. It is a nice place to eat and has everything you'll want to buy.Downtown Metamoros has lots of shops and a couple places to eat but be careful. It's pretty run down. Remember this is a border town NOT a tourist area.Also if you go into town take a taxi, NOT the bus and get the price from the driver first before you get in.
Have Fun!!

After walking across every few months for years, I now go to Garcia's and get everything there that I need. After shopping, I have a drink and some guacamole there, then head back. I know it's not "the real Mexico", but it's enough for me.

We were hoping to visit something called "boys town" as we heard that it would interest us. We've heard different reviews however. We were hoping to catch a "show" and was hoping that somebody could tell us where to go and how much to expec to pay to see the dancing and the animals?

You must be thinking of Tijuana... the town across the border from Brownsville is Matamoros (no better than TJ).

Crossing the border on foot is quite easy and hassle free.

We are winter texans down here at SPI, we go over to Matamoros and Progresso quite often. Progresso was made for tourists and is quite safe, even a new covered walkway across. Silver, hand blown glasses, vanilla are your best bet. Matamoros is more rustic and junky, but quite a few good restaurants there. We are never there after dark.

Make sure you got a lot of booze on your way back to Brownsville.That way customs won't bug you,Texas just wants its import tax on the booze.
What is the toll on the brige for walkers these days?

Booze & med runs are common down here. The rate is $.25 each way. Booze is about 1/2 even with the tax.