Cameron County DA puts parents at forefront of school threat conversation

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In the wake of multiple school threats made in the past week, Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz is placing parents at the forefront of the conversation.

With six minors, ranging in age between 11 and 14, being arrested and detained by local law enforcement for making school threats this week, officials are trying to mitigate the frequency of these scenarios by getting to the root of the problem.

In a public statement, Saenz pleaded with Valley parents to monitor their children.

"Their actions have consequences," he continued. "The threat of school violence is no joke, and it traumatizes."

Since the start of the 2024 academic year Harlingen, Brownsville, Los Fresnos and many other school districts have experienced school threats.

Saenz argues these types of threats instill fear in students, employees and families.

In the past week ValleyCentral has reported on school closures, cancelled activities and rescheduled events in light of these threats.

The Cameron County DA encourages parents and all citizens to take an active seat in their safety and report any suspicious behavior.

"The best friend of law enforcement is an interested citizenry," Saenz said. "If you see something that is questionable, please say something."