It's hard to measure whether the violent crime from Mexico has spilled over, or may spill over, across the border.
A new GAO report says state and local law enforcement agencies do not track spillover crime because they lack a common definition.
But what numbers there are, at least hints it may not be spilling over much. if at all.
According to the report along the Arizona border the violent crime rate decreased 33%. For the rest of the state, violent crime dropped 22% from 2004 to 2011.
"There is no spillover," says Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino. "They are using it as an instrument for immigration reform."
According to the report, "we spoke with Chamber of Commerce officials. They all stated they have not seen spillover violence from Mexico."
But they added it has hindered economic growth and tourism.
The Chambers called the concern over spillover a "perception."
The entire report does not offer solutions to the issues but points out problems.
But 27 of the 37 state and local enforcement agencies involved in border crime said "it would be at least somewhat useful to have a common definition of spillover crime."
An Arizona sheriff, who is not named in the report, says "they are not more concerned about spillover crime because their county has not experienced any."
Nogales Mayor Garino says the concern over spillover crime has created a "culture of fear that has hurt our community."
He also says "that culture of fear is not created by Nogales or by the people in Mexico. It's created by politicians wanting to run for office."
According to Sgt. Pete Dugan of the Tucson Police Department, officers responded to the scene at 1801 W. Ajo Way around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25.
According to Sgt. Pete Dugan of the Tucson Police Department, officers responded to the scene at 1801 W. Ajo Way around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 25.
Many of the school districts in Pima County are closing their doors during the teacher walkout for as long as it lasts, leaving parents searching for options and places to take their kids.
Many of the school districts in Pima County are closing their doors during the teacher walkout for as long as it lasts, leaving parents searching for options and places to take their kids.
Julian is a 10-year-old sweet boy with a kind heart in need of loving family.
Julian is a 10-year-old sweet boy with a kind heart in need of loving family.
As red-shirted crowds cover Broadway Boulevard across Tucson Wednesday evening, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance workers and other support staff will be joining teachers in their push for more money for public education.
As red-shirted crowds cover Broadway Boulevard across Tucson Wednesday evening, bus drivers, custodians, maintenance workers and other support staff will be joining teachers in their push for more money for public education.
Mike Newton, general manager at Crime Guard, can help you protect your loved ones and property.
Mike Newton, general manager at Crime Guard, can help you protect your loved ones and property.
Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
Among the items leaving for the month are hit movies like "Disney's The Jungle Book," "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby."
The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
The 72-year-old suspect has been identified as a former police officer and "nice guy."
Forrest Hunter wanted to buy a hunting license and was tired of waiting for help.
Forrest Hunter wanted to buy a hunting license and was tired of waiting for help.
OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
OJ, a blind dog adopted alongside his guide dog companion Blue Dozer, was adopted over the weekend. OJ was then found wandering more than 100 miles away.
A recent Whitehaven High School graduate who was on his way to the U.S. Army was gunned down while sleeping in his own bed.
A recent Whitehaven High School graduate who was on his way to the U.S. Army was gunned down while sleeping in his own bed.
The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
The parents and husband of a 25-year-old Midlands woman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against American Airlines.
Authorities in New York City are searching for the owner of a dog after a woman was attacked by the animal on the subway. The incident was caught on camera.
Authorities in New York City are searching for the owner of a dog after a woman was attacked by the animal on the subway. The incident was caught on camera.
The incident happened in Kitty Hawk along NC's Outer Banks.
The incident happened in Kitty Hawk along NC's Outer Banks.
A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.
A person has died at a fair in Alexander City, the Alex City Police Department confirms.