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February 7, 2017 9:45 PM By Ken Molestina

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ZAPATA (CBS11) CBS11 is in the South Texas border town of Zapata, where folks say they have a different solution to the illegal immigration problem and it doesnt involve a wall.

The City of Zapata is home to about 14,000 people. Most of the residents are ranchers or small business owners.

Joe DeAnda sells candy apples right of the citys main drag.

I dont think its necessary to have a wall in this kind of place here, said DeAnda.

DeAnda said for generations his community has coexisted with their neighbors to the south of the border without any barriers or fear.

Were used to going back and forth and our ancestors always have been to the border and back, said DeAnda.

Just down the road from his candy apple stand, sits a diner known for its chicken fried steak and a healthy serving of local opinion.

There, CBS11 found Sotero Ramirez, a 77-year-old rancher who was born and raised in Zapata.

There has to be a limit to it. You cannot just open the gates and let them come in, Ramirez said regarding Mexican immigrants.

Ramirez agrees something needs to be done about illegal border crossings, but he, too says a wall isnt the solution.

If you stop hiring illegals they probably wont come back, suggested Ramirez.

He said most undocumented immigrants come to the U.S.looking for work.

Ramirez said he believes stricter penalties for employers who hire them will have a much greater effect on reducing illegal entries into the U.S. than any physical barrier.

If you make a 20 foot wall they have a 22 foot ladder. They can just jump so I dont think that is the solution, said Ramirez.

(2017 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Prior to joining CBS 11 News in January 2014 as anchor and reporter, Ken was most recently a reporter for WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. Prior to that, he was a news anchor and reporter at KVIA-TV in El Paso, where he focused on crime and public sa...

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Folks In Border Town Agree On Illegal Immigration Problem, Disagree On President's Solution - CBS Local