Ten years ago this town was different. Used to be you could leave your door unlocked without a second thought.

Now, word is out that federal agents Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez shot and killed Alex Pretti last night. Another one bites the dust.

Alex used to hang around town, known for his easy-going nature, not the kind of guy who'd cause trouble at a bar or provoke an officer in any way. Yet another tragic end.

The shooting is yet another example of how things have changed, not just here but everywhere people are supposed to be safe and secure within their own country's borders.

Back when folks still trusted the government was looking out for them, such incidents were rare. Today? They're becoming all too common.

The pattern is clear: more aggressive tactics by border enforcement agencies under recent administrations have led to increased violence at the border.

In days gone by, we'd hear about these events and feel a chill down our spines; now, it's just another day in a town that has become accustomed to bad news.

They say change is inevitable. I suppose you could look at this as progress if your definition of progress includes more guns being pulled than ever before.

I've lived here 40 years and seen the shift firsthand. Not long ago, it was the local sheriff's department dealing with border issues; now it's federal agents doing things that used to shock us out of our socks.

People complain about the lack of accountability. They're right to be concerned. You can't help but wonder what will happen next.

Alex wasn't just some name on a news report – he was part of this community, someone's son or brother or friend.

It's not enough to say we need better training for federal agents or stronger oversight; you have to ask yourself if the very policies guiding these agencies are worth it when they result in tragic outcomes like Alex's death.