While many are traveling to spend time with family or are preparing for July Fourth festivities, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are encouraging law enforcement "to be vigilant and prepared" for any possible terror attacks this Independence Day.
 
"There is no direct information that (terrorists) are going to do something. Is there a possibility? Yes. Whether it’s a 9/11 date or July the Fourth or some day that’s important to us, the bad guys are going to try to do that," said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-TX.
 
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez told Action 4 News his department is sensitized to the concern of the possibility of terrorism but at the present time, there is no basis or belief that there is a threat to any of their July Fourth events.

However, the McAllen Police Department is in communication with all relevant agencies and are closely monitoring activities.
 
"In the nature of society that we live in, you kind of just have to take every day and be precautious of everyday activities. Unfortunately we do live near the border and right now things in Mexico are not that great. I know it’s in particular to terrorism, but that can happen any day at any time," said Hidalgo County resident Josie Stoleson.

Customs and Border Protection said they remain vigilant and are operating at high levels of alert, but they are asking travelers who may incur a little bit of wait time at the ports of entry to be patient as there typically is more traffic during the holidays.
 
"We cannot allow the bad guys to change our way of living because otherwise they win. We have to continue with our lives, but at the same time we have to be very, very aware," Cuellar said.