PENITAS, Texas – The old adage, “Nothing much happens in small towns,” doesn’t always hold true for Penitas, Texas, which boasts a population of 8,000. Penitas police Chief Roel Bermea said his small department, with about a dozen officers that covers 438 square miles, is often the first to encounter illegal activity coming across the Rio Grande west of Mission. Bermea said he doesn't know if it's a factor, but activity began to increase soon after it was announced the National Guard was returning to the border. Morales said his officer was on one side, waiting for backup to arrive on the other side of the canal. AdBermea said the recent increase in activity has taken a toll on officers.