Packages containing 163 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Del Rio Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Del Rio Port of Entry seized cocaine that totaled over $2.1 million in street value.
“Our CBP officers have been doing outstanding work and are committed to preventing these dangerous drugs from entering our country,” said Port Director Liliana Flores, Del Rio Port of Entry. “This interception is a fine example of the work they do to protect our communities.”
The seizure occurred on the evening of Wednesday, April 12th at the Del Rio International Bridge, when officers assigned to cargo selected a tractor-trailer transporting a shipment of rocks into the United States, for a non-intrusive inspection. Upon further examination, including canine, and non-intrusive inspection systems, CBP officers discovered 63 packages containing a total of 163 pounds of cocaine hidden in the floor of the flatbed trailer.
CBP seized the narcotics. The case was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Our small business owners don’t have compliance officers or attorneys. It’s incumbent on them to figure it out so they don’t get fined by the city. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
NFIB State Director Annie Spilman Image Source: LinkedIn
McALLEN, Texas – “We’ve mostly seen these larger urban cities trying to regulate private employment practices, like hiring, scheduling, wages, and benefits, but then also stepping into regulating products – trying to get rid of gas-powered motors,” NFIB State Director Annie Spilman said in an interview with KURV’s Sergio Sanchez. “These cities are infringing on businesses that don’t even have offices or employees in the city. If you do business within the city limits, you fall under those mandates.”
Discussing how the bill maintains cities and municipalities’ ability to address local concerns, Spilman said:
“At what point do the cities start overreaching? That’s the question. They’re supposed to be dealing with local safety and transportation and zoning and nuisances and things like that. They’re not supposed to be regulating banks and doctors and businesses – those are the things that we discuss on the statewide level or the federal level for the sake of consistency. So that these major streams of commerce can truly follow the law and be compliant and not have to deal with a patchwork of regulations across the state of Texas on top of state and federal laws.”
Finally, Spilman described the economic headwinds small business owners face and how these city ordinances often exacerbate these challenges:
“Our small business owners don’t have compliance officers or attorneys. It’s incumbent on them to figure it out so they don’t get fined by the city. […] They’re being resilient but to have their own local government working against them in many cases, there’s only so much that a small business can handle to keep their doors open and their workers employed.”
The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act would give local job creators one set of rules to follow statewide while ensuring cities and counties retain their authority to address local concerns. NFIB and local job creators testified before both the House and Senate in support of the bill, with one NFIB member saying: “We need the protection of the state, when it comes to cities telling us how to run our businesses.”
CBP works around the clock to perform our vital missions including maintaining border security. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released operational statistics today for March 2023, which can be viewed online here.
“CBP works around the clock to perform our vital missions including maintaining border security. Overall, in March, encounters of individuals on the Southwest border between ports of entry were down 23% from the prior year, as we continue to respond to the challenges presented by increasing global migration,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Troy A. Miller. “CBP will continue to enforce our immigration laws and ramp up efforts to combat smuggler misinformation as we prepare to return to expedited removal proceedings under Title 8 authorities, which carry stricter consequences like a five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution for unlawful entry.”
CBP Southwest Border Enforcement Numbers for March 2023
U.S. Border Patrol encounters of individuals who entered the country between Ports of Entry at the southwest border in March 2023 totaled 162,317, up 25% from 130,024 in February 2023. Our January border enforcement measures continue to hold strong even against the typical migration patterns seen as we enter the warmer months. This month’s encounters are down 23% from last year, and the month-over-month change is the lowest seasonal increase seen in two years.
This increase in encounters from February to March is typical, as winter temperatures rise with the approaching spring, but less compared to prior years. Border Patrol’s 162,317encounters along the southwest border in March 2023, however, were down 23% from March 2022 (211,181) and down 4% from March 2021 (169,216). Additionally, the rate of increase from February to March 2023 (25%) for Border Patrol’s southwest encounters was less than the rate of increase from February to March 2022 (33%) and February to March 2021 (73%).
Combining Border Patrol encounters and noncitizens processed at Ports of Entry, CBP total encounters along the southwest border in March 2023 were 191,900, up nearly 23% from 156,138 in February 2023. Of these, single adult encounters increased by 19% compared to February, unaccompanied children increased 14%, and family unit individuals increased by 38%.
Over two-thirds (69%) of all southwest land border encounters were single adults, with 133,256 encounters in March, a 19% increase compared to February.
87,662 encounters, 46% of the total, were processed for expulsion under Title 42. 104,238 encounters were processed under Title 8.
77,257 encounters involving single adults (58% of all single adult encounters) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 55,999processed under Title 8 (42% of all single adult encounters).
10,171 encounters involving family unit individuals (22% of all family unit individuals) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 35,793processed under Title 8 (78% of all family unit individuals).
In March 2023, there were 43,958(23%) repeat encounters and 123,898 (65%) unique encounters. The number of unique individuals encountered in March 2023 was 123,898 compared to 97,069 in February 2023, a 28% increase in the number of unique individuals encountered the prior month.
Of those, 23% involved individuals who had at least one prior encounter in the previous 12 months, compared to an average one-year re-encounter rate of 14% for FY2014-2019.
Unaccompanied Children
Encounters of unaccompanied children increased 14%, with 12,374 encounters in March compared with 10,845 in February. In March, the average number of unaccompanied children in CBP custody was 464 per day, compared with an average of 438 per day in February.
Family Unit individuals
Encounters of family unit individuals increased by 38% from 33,291 in February to 45,964 in March—which is a 47% decrease from the peak of 86,626in August 2021.
CBP total encounters along the southwest border in March 2023 (191,900) were down(14%) percent from March 2022 (222,574). Additionally, the rate of increase from February to March 2023 (23%) for CBP total encounters along the southwest border was less than the rate of increase from February to March 2022 (34%).
During March 2023, 27,783 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (including immediate family members where applicable) were paroled into the country by CBP’s Office of Field Operations through the parole processes established for Venezuelans in October and expanded to the additional nationalities in January. Arrivals of noncitizens via these processes, which include careful vetting and require a supporter present in the Unites States, are a testament to the benefit of these lawful processes in promoting safe and orderly migration while reducing encounters along the Southwest Border.
Encounters of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans between ports of entry at the southwest border declined from a 7-day average of 1,231 on the day of the announcement on January 5, to a seven-day average of 339 on March 31—a drop of 72 percent.
Venezuela / Cuba / Nicaragua
Mexico / N. Central America
March 2023
3,508
65,058
% Unique Encounters
3%
53%
Unique Southwest Border Encounters by Select Citizenships
SW Border
Cuba
Haiti
Nicaragua
Venezuela
Mexico /N. Central America
23-Mar
147
319
164
3,197
65,058
% Unique
.12%
.26%
.13%
2.58%
53%
23-Feb
145
178
302
1,297
55,432
% Unique
.15%
.18%
.3%
1%
57%
23-Jan
6,115
2,313
3,260
2,767
53,503
% Unique
5%
2%
3%
5%
47%
22-Dec
42,183
4,064
34,869
6,415
53,023
% Unique
19%
2%
16%
3%
24%
22-Nov
34,561
4,122
34,062
6,512
59,208
% Unique
18%
2%
17%
3%
30%
22-Oct
28,28695
5,183
20,805
21,135
61,948
% Unique
15%
3%
11%
11%
33%
22-Sep
25,079
4,338
18,097
33,691
59,943
% Unique
14%
2%
10%
18%
32%
Mar change since Feb
1.4%
79%
-45%
146%
17%
Feb changeSince Jan
-97%
-93%
-90%
-77
2.9%
Jan change Since Dec
-85%
-32%
-91%
-9%
2%
Dec change Since Nov
23%
-1%
3%
-3%
-10%
Nov change Since Oct
20%
-21%
64%
-70%
-3%
Oct change since Sept
10%
23%
15%
-38%
5%
Sep change since Aug
37%
-23%
58%
33%
2%
Note: Unique encounters include persons not previously encountered in the prior 12 months. Source: Office of Immigration Statistics analysis of CBP data.
CBP One App
From January 12, when the scheduling function began, over74,000 individuals have scheduled an appointment via the CBP One mobile application through the end of March, and the top nationalities who have done so are Mexican, Venezuelan and Haitian. In March, CBP processed 22,865 individuals at ports of entry as exceptions to Title 42 based on an individual vulnerability assessment using the newly available functionality in the CBP One app. The high demand for these appointments has meant that not all individuals seeking appointments have yet been able to schedule them, but the transition of the exceptions process to CBP One allows more open access and has provided immediate benefits in reducing the exploitation of vulnerable persons seeking to present at ports of entry.
The large number of appointments scheduled via CBP One in recent months was made possible through the identification of process improvements and implementation of a number of software updates that fixed earlier reported technical difficulties. For example, CBP addressed reported challenges related to geolocation and error messages due to bandwidth issues with a third-party software for liveness. Also, CBP One’s undocumented noncitizen scheduling functionality is now available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. It is important, however, for users to approve location services when prompted in the application or they will be unable to schedule an appointment. CBP will continue to enhance the CBP One application as additional improvement opportunities arise.
CBP Nationwide Total Encounters for FY23TD through March: 1,544,087
Ongoing Migration Management Efforts
CBP continues to enforce U.S. immigration law and public health authority and apply consequences to those without a legal basis to remain in the United States. Current restrictions at the U.S. border have not changed; single adults and families encountered at the Southwest border will continue to be expelled, where appropriate, under the CDC’s Title 42 public health Order. Once the Title 42 public health Order is no longer in place, CBP will process all individuals encountered at the border using its longstanding Title 8 authorities.
Under Title 8, those who attempt to enter the United States without authorization, and who are unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States will be quickly removed. Individuals who have been removed under Title 8 are also subject to additional long-term consequences beyond removal from the United States, including bars to future immigration benefits.
DHS has been executing a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to secure our borders and build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. The strategy is based on six pillars: surging resources; increasing efficiency to reduce strain on the border; employing an aggressive consequence regime; bolstering the capacity of NGOs and partner with state and local partners; going after cartels and smugglers; and working with our regional partners. This comprehensive plan leverages a whole-of-government approach to prepare for and manage the current and anticipated increases in encounters of noncitizens at our Southwest border. Read more here.
International Travel and Trade
One of CBP’s core mission objectives is to enhance the nation’s economic prosperity, including through the facilitation of lawful trade and travel. CBP continues to protect America’s national and economic security by facilitating legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing U.S. customs laws and regulations.
Count
March2021
March2022
% March 2022 Change from March 2021
March 2023
% March 2023 Change from March 2021
% March 2023 Change from March 2022
Travelers Arriving by Air
2,851,019
7,579,337
165.85%
10,637,934
273.13%
40.35%
PassengerVehicles Processed at Ports of Entry
4,998,979
6,813,688
36.30%
7,965,743
59.35%
16.91%
Pedestrian Travelers
2,345,366
3,457,001
47.40%
3,771,843
60.82%
9.11%
Commercial Trucks
1,136,074
1,165,147
2.56%
1,167,351
2.75%
0.19%
Since travel restrictions were eased on November 8, 2021, CBP has processed increased numbers of arriving travelers without any significant delays. The rules allow noncitizen, non-lawful permanent resident travelers seek to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land ports of entry and ferry terminals, provided they are fully vaccinated and have appropriate documentation. The guidelines also allow most non-immigrants (non-U.S. citizens and other covered persons) who are fully vaccinated to travel by air to the United States, regardless of the reason for travel.
CBP tracks traveler numbers and wait times and continuously adjusts as needed to make the travel experience more efficient. Travelers can plan by doing the following:
Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDCwebsite.
Verbally attest to their travel intent and COVID-19 vaccination status.
Be prepared to present any documents requested by the CBP officer.
Trade Stats/Seizures – Protecting the American Consumer
CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible. CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. There are several programs by which CBP works with importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers to advance information about the shipments and expedite the inspection process at the ports of entry. CBP is available to conduct exams and is ready and willing to expand hours of operations if necessary to meet the growing demand for imported goods.
In March 2023, CBP processed more than 2.7 million entry summaries valued at more than $274 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $6.1 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In March, trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 38.27percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
In March 2023, CBP identified 400 shipments valued at more than $122.7 million for further examination based on the suspected use of forced labor, and which may be subject to a Withhold Release Order, Forced Labor Finding, or the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act’s rebuttable presumption, and prohibited importation into the United States under 19 U.S.C. § 1307.
Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers.
In March 2023, CBP seized 1,798 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $335 million.
CBP completed 29 audits that identified $24.7 million in duties and fees owed to the U.S. government, stemming from goods that had been improperly declared in accordance with U.S. trade laws and customs regulations. CBP collected over $33.1 million of this identified revenue and from previous fiscal years’ assignments.
Drug Seizures
CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, and Air and Marine Operations agents continue to interdict the flow of illicit narcotics across the border. Nationwide, drug seizures (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana) by weight increased 30% in March compared to February. Seizures by weight were as follows:
Cocaine seizures increased 128%
Methamphetamine increased 22%
Heroin seizures increased 15%
Fentanyl seizures increased 25%
Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found here.
On Friday, DHS announced that in its first month, Operation Blue Lotus and the complementary Operation Four Horseman have seized more than 5,000 lbs of fentanyl in their first month.
Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture
In March 2023, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.
CBP issued 6,467 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.
CBP conducted 93,463 positive passenger inspections and issued 661 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.
Attorney General Paxton sent a comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), offering critical commentary on a proposed new rule that would crush economic development in different parts of the United States. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Paxton sent a comment letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), offering critical commentary on a proposed new rule that would crush economic development in different parts of the United States.
EPA’s proposed rule would dramatically alter the national ambient air quality standards (“NAAQS”) for particulate matter. This rule was finalized even though a careful review spanning six years, which culminated in 2020, determined that the NAAQS were already at an appropriate level to protect public health.
Lacking adequate scientific evidence to change the NAAQS, EPA’s rule would greatly expand its authority in order to implement the Biden Administration’s radical policy agenda.
Even though the proposed rule lacks any meaningful scientific justification, it nonetheless poses a very real danger to economic development. The letter highlights that the proposed rule and its corresponding compliance costs would likely require the closures of existing manufacturing and industrial facilities, hurting the surrounding communities and leaving workers without jobs.
The Kentucky-led comment letter states: “The EPA should withdraw the proposed change. The Proposed Rule exceeds the EPA’s statutory authority under the Clean Air Act, fails to offer sufficient scientific evidence demonstrating a need to revise the NAAQS, and imposes real harm. We, therefore, urge the EPA to withdraw the Proposed Rule and maintain the current NAAQS.”
As our society becomes increasingly polarized and divided, cultural cordiality is in crisis. Without the learned ability for communicating effectively and respectfully with those whose opinions differ from our own, societal strife will continue to spur avoidable discord. This as digital media consumption in the modern world is severely exacerbating the issue.
So profound the problem, Milan Kordestani, author of the new book, “I’m Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World,” is elevating the national conversation and taking this issue head on. Below is a straightforward look at 8 distinct areas Kordestani believes are not just challenging, but critically undermining, the art of maintaining courteous communication in a world struggling with ability to listen—along with his tactical tips for constructive conversations through civil discourse.
REFLECTION
The Challenge: So many of us today find ourselves overbooked and overwhelmed, leaving little time to explore why civil discourse has decayed in our lives. The importance of reflection in crafting civil discourse cannot be overstated. Without reflection, we have no way of understanding why we are engaging in discourse, nor can we reflect on our behavior during debates and discussions. Yet, reflection itself can be a challenging, time-consuming and stressful process as we uncover harsh truths and accept criticisms about ourselves.
The Resolution: Reflection is a process that takes time and conscious effort, and one’s biases and intentions become more apparent with reflection. It’s key to accept criticism as a part of growth and to reflect critically on one’s own thoughts through meditation and contemplation. While examining the challenge of self-reflection and exploring the nature of bias, Plato’s “The Allegory of the Cave” can help us understand why we develop biases and how they affect our interactions. For example, we may begin a discussion with someone assuming they have no knowledge of a topic just because they lack a degree or career experience in that field. But, our own bias in that situation—just like in Plato’s cave—is causing us to disregard the valid ideas and knowledge that person has to share. Beyond Western stoicism, we can also apply Eastern philosophies to achieve optimal personal growth. One great way is to embrace the Japanese concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement, which can promote incremental growth and steady progress toward self-development goals. Zen Buddhism also offers clear and easily understandable approaches to silencing the world around you so you can aptly reflect, which is beneficial for reducing distraction while digging deeply into your motivations driving specific actions or beliefs.
INTENTION
The Challenge: Much of the problem with discourse today revolves around our intent: are we engaging in conversation to share ideas, learn and benefit all parties, or are we just looking to score points and win no matter the cost? While individuals with poor intentions can obviously disrupt any reasonable conversation, even those with ambivalent and unclear intentions can be disruptive. Many people participate in discourse without being aware of their true intent, nor are they able to control their tone or content as their mood and intent change over the course of a discussion. Even more challenging, some actors deliberately mask their intent, taking control of discourse and manipulating its progression.
The Resolution: It can be hard to focus on positive discourse in a world where argumentativeness and ill intent is encouraged or even rewarded. Do this by always bringing positive purpose to your conversations with the goal of embracing others and to engage in a harmonious debate. Reflection is also needed to understand one’s intention and, if our intention is ambiguous, it’s difficult to come to clearer conclusions. Work to discern and solidify your intention by reflecting on the various reasons why you are engaging in discourse in the first place. Ask yourself, “what is the most optimal outcome desired?” Discerning the intentions of others to curb intellectual dishonesty is also part of the process. This includes better understanding body language, facial expressions and verbal cues that signal intent at the subconscious level. For example, if someone covers their mouth with their hand while listening to you, it might mean they are holding back something they want to express in the discussion. Here, you can consider pausing and asking the other person if they would like to interject before you continue speaking.
TONE
The Challenge: We are all aware that we use different tones in different circumstances to impart meaning, but all too often we fail to harness this tool to our benefit during discourse. With the wrong tone, even the best of intent becomes misunderstood, leading to confusion and concern. We are often challenged with maintaining a cordial and respectful tone in the face of criticism and argumentation. More than we would like, we lose control of our own tone, even as we struggle to understand the tone of those we speak with, leading to a spiral of unintended meanings and hurt feelings.
The Resolution: Tweaking the trifecta of tone, mood, and intention is a tool for better discourse. Learn to assess your own tone by paying close attention to how your speech affects others relative to volume, pace, inflections and words chosen. Also reflect on how your tone correlates with your mood and stress levels and endeavor to be more controlled and intentional no matter what your temperament at the time. You can also emulate the collaborative, desirable tone of some of your own favorite speakers and leaders who are professionally trained in the art. For example, try watching TED talks by notable experts, listening to how they use a controlled and deliberate tone to share knowledge about their industries and experiences.
TRUST
The Challenge: While we face the challenge of discourse in our personal lives, we also live at a time when trust is at an all-time low—trust in the media to be unbiased and trust that our politicians or thought leaders speak for our collective societal benefit. We have lost faith in the quality of our public discourse, and struggle to trust the intentions of our collaborators and even ourselves. The dichotomy of trust and faith is a key consideration, as each is necessary to regain trust in the process of civil discourse. This is mainly because each operates at a different social level, and the breakdown of our discourse is caused by both societal and personal pressures.
The Resolution:Amid the notion of secular faith and trust, there is ample evidence that we as humans do have a strong desire to embrace respectful dialogue. For example, there are numerous examples of racism and bigotry being overcome through discussion and shared experiences with oppressed minorities, showing that common ground can be achieved across any divide. View both yourself and those you talk with as peers and equals on a path toward mutual understanding. You can do this by making a concerted effort to ensure your own biases and perceptions are not prompting you to interact differently with diverse parties. Also beware challenges like imposter syndrome and untrustworthy participation that can undermine the process. Utilizing your own self-confidence to compensate for difficult collaboration is a powerful north star. You can also reward trust in others by opening up and practicing transparency and appropriately tempered frankness in your discussions. Doing so will make you a more effective and authentic discussant.
ACTIVE LISTENING
The Challenge: Truly listening to others is difficult for anyone. It’s easy to hear others, but listening to them —actively, with attention and with care—is increasingly rare and challenging in today’s world. We live at a time when our “Twitter fingers” are encouraged to respond as soon as possible, without taking the time to truly listen to the perspective of others. Our fast-paced, media-oriented society has conditioned us to listen less, reducing our ability to empathize and connect with others. Even when we try to listen to the opinions of those who are different from us, we lack the tools to maintain attention and focus, and we struggle to show that we are attentively listening.
The Resolution:Simply “listening to others more” does not solve the problem of poor listening skills and discourse. Rather, growth is found through improving the quality of our listening. The real solution is active listening, as opposed to passive listening, along with a true dedication to being attentive during discourse. It’s best to listen rather than speak to foster respectful and productive discourse. If you find yourself talking with those who dominate conversation, try pointing out the other speaker’s behavior in a calm but direct way, like calmly and politely saying “I would appreciate it if I could make my point without interruption.” You can also show others that you are being attentive by reframing and summarizing their points to show you are hearing and thoughtfully considering their views. There are also alternative forms of active listening, which can include utilizing body language and technology to communicate with those who are differently abled or speak another language.
FOCUS
The Challenge: We are constantly bombarded with new content, from social media to new technologies, all while trying to navigate our day-to-day challenges as we live in an increasingly diverse and divisive world. As more and more people experience anxiety and a sense of being overwhelmed, finding focus becomes a greater and greater challenge. It becomes increasingly difficult to stay focused during discourse, even the most civil discussions, and this lack of focus can bleed into important conversations no matter how hard we try. Specific mental tools and practices are needed to help maintain focus, as well as bring ourselves back into focus when we become distracted.
The Resolution:To help you master your own focus quickly and efficiently, you can draw from both Eastern traditions and the practices of leading American entrepreneurs to develop practical, real world habits that support improved focus. For one, the concept of Ichigyo Zammai, a Japanese practice that hones your focus through simplifying your attention, can be helpful—especially when paired with Zen mindfulness and meditative practices. Doing so can help you take charge of your train of thought. Another helpful approach for staying focused through even the most convoluted or challenging discussions is to practice First Principles Thinking, following the lead of modern entrepreneurs and thought leaders, for which you constantly question processes in order to identify core problems and solutions.
COMMON GROUND
The Challenge: Discourse is built on the meeting of minds as people of different backgrounds share knowledge for mutual benefit. But, this assumes that collaborators can find some shared connections that serve as the foundation for trust, allowing even contentious discussions to remain cordial. Unfortunately, the polarization of our politics and media has only encouraged us to fortify the social bubbles that we live in, putting less and less effort into hearing the opinions and perspectives of those who are different from us. As our society discourages empathy with those who are different, we have a harder and harder time finding common ground and maintaining respect for those that we debate with.
The Resolution: The first step to finding common ground in civil discourse is accepting that others have different opinions, and empathizing with their experiences and perspectives so that those opinions can be put into context. Find a human connection with anyone you are debating by being friendly and asking fun, personal questions to disarm and break down barriers between you. Another powerful tool for building connections and finding common ground is humor. Sharing a laugh can show mutual fears and aspirations, reduce tension, produce a sense of camaraderie and lighten the mood. Also endeavor to step outside your comfort zone and expand your social circle to include people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Doing so can help you understand why an empathetic approach to discourse can bridge even the greatest gaps in perspective.
MANAGING CONFLICT
The Challenge: Of course, civil discourse is a two-way street and, no matter how hard you may try, disrespect and hurtful language can occur. While we cannot control the behavior or ideas of others, it is possible to work with others to handle disagreements respectfully to avoid poor discourse. Our current public sphere of discourse, both in the real world and online, is haunted by trolls and others looking to sabotage meaningful dialogue. It is harder and harder to identify bad faith actors, and to separate them from legitimate critics. The challenge lies in being able to identify useful conflict and growing from those discussions, while protecting yourself from dishonest or malicious speakers looking to hijack civil discourse.
The Resolution: There is a real difference in sharing conflicting perspectives with others for the purpose of growing, and engaging in intentionally malicious discourse. The importance of embracing conflicting opinions and learning from collaborative conflict is not to be underestimated. Learn to accept and reflect on constructive criticism by asking others to corroborate and expand on judgements you’ve received and encourage the provision of substantiating facts. Also refine perception skills to differentiate a valuable critique from belligerent expressions by examining the motivations of the other speaker. One way to identify bad faith actors, even as conversation is occurring, is to listen to their tone and examine how their discussion positions shift over the course of the conversation. Inconsistency is a red flag. Also strive to protect yourself from the double-edged sword of social media when looking through your feeds. Examine how the algorithms can create artificial bubbles, and open yourself up to embracing the differing opinions and ideas of individuals and groups that have new perspectives. A practical technique for resetting discourse that has deteriorated into outright conflict is to take a step back, disengage, assess your own tone and remind yourself of your ultimate intention. Doing so can help you model positive civil discourse and encourage the same from those around you.
With these insights, Kordestani seeks to instill a collective excitement to restore civil discourse and, with time, bring about a revolution of ideas built on respect and compassion for one another. Through personal reflection and acceptance of our flaws, we can begin the process of improving our discourse and sharing our ideas with the world more respectfully. Milan Kordestani is author of the new book “I’m Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World”—a straightforward look at the history and the art of maintaining courteous communication in an increasingly divided world.
In I’m Just Saying, author Milan Kordestani shows us that although challenging conversations can be unpleasant, they can also help us grow. Sometimes, people inspire us to change how we speak, making us better communicators in the process as we search to find common ground with those with whom we disagree. Kordestani uses contemporary case studies and personal experience to teach readers how to have constructive conversations by engaging in civil discourse—the idea that good-faith actors can reach consensus on any opinion-based disagreement. He discusses influential leaders and reflects on his successes and failures in creating The Doe, an online publication focused on civil discourse. He addresses the challenges that digital media consumption presents when seeking common ground—especially when people are only digitally connected.
The book is broken into sequential order, like modules of a lesson plan. Each chapter tackles a specific aspect of civil discourse, from the importance of active listening to the dangers of point-scoring in confrontational conversations. The conversational tone and writing style make for an engaging read, and the Q&A sections that break up the chapters provide a refreshing change of pace.
Kordestani’s personal anecdotes make the book relatable and add another layer of personality and personability. He acknowledges his own wealth and upbringing and how that has played into his life, not hiding from it but thanking it. The book is a conversation, and the “Let’s Talk” section shows that he is open to two-way communication and sets a tone for the rest of the book.
Kordestani is an entrepreneur, writer and founder of several companies who is redefining the meaning of success in business. With a focus on building sustainable businesses that drive positive social change at scale, Milan is a three-time founder who wants to encourage solutions beyond his companies through storytelling and narration of civil discourse.
Milan’s companies prioritize transparent practice, civil discourse, and respect for creatives, including “The Doe”, an anonymously published narrative publication launched in 2019 to promote civil discourse. Audo, the only personalized career-building destination that lets you learn skills and earn money at the same time, and Guin Records, an innovative record label that offers artist-friendly deals and helps purpose-driven lyricists to produce their visions while retaining control of their masters.
I’m Just Saying is an essential guide for anyone who wants to learn how to communicate more effectively and respectfully in today’s polarized society. Kordestani’s personal anecdotes, practical advice, and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone who wants to promote civil discourse and find common ground with those whose opinions differ from their own.
Milan’s overarching expertise in entrepreneurship and civil discourse makes him a sought after expert. Whether discussing the future of sustainable business practices, the importance of civil discourse in today’s polarized society, or the art of entrepre
As alleged in the complaint, Lu and Chen are charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government as well as obstructing justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Federal Bureau of Investigation
A complaint was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging two defendants in connection with opening and operating an illegal overseas police station, located in lower Manhattan, New York, for a provincial branch of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). “Harry” Lu Jianwang, 61, of the Bronx, and Chen Jinping, 59, of Manhattan, were arrested earlier this morning at their homes in New York City. Their initial appearances are scheduled this afternoon in Brooklyn before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes Jr.
As alleged in the complaint, Lu and Chen are charged with conspiring to act as agents of the PRC government as well as obstructing justice by destroying evidence of their communications with an MPS official. The defendants worked together to establish the first overseas police station in the United States on behalf of the Fuzhou branch of the MPS. The police station – which closed in the fall of 2022 after those operating it became aware of the FBI’s investigation – occupied a floor in an office building in Manhattan’s Chinatown. While acting under the direction and control of an MPS Official, Lu and Chen helped open and operate the clandestine police station. None of the participants in the scheme informed the U.S. government that they were helping the PRC government surreptitiously open and operate an illegal MPS police station on U.S. soil.
“The PRC, through its repressive security apparatus, established a secret physical presence in New York City to monitor and intimidate dissidents and those critical of its government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The PRC’s actions go far beyond the bounds of acceptable nation-state conduct. We will resolutely defend the freedoms of all those living in our country from the threat of authoritarian repression.”
“This prosecution reveals the Chinese government’s flagrant violation of our nation’s sovereignty by establishing a secret police station in the middle of New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “As alleged, the defendants and their co-conspirators were tasked with doing the PRC’s bidding, including helping locate a Chinese dissident living in the United States, and obstructed our investigation by deleting their communications. Such a police station has no place here in New York City – or any American community.”
“It is simply outrageous that China’s Ministry of Public Security thinks it can get away with establishing a secret, illegal police station on U.S. soil to aid its efforts to export repression and subvert our rule of law,” said Acting Assistant Director Kurt Ronnow of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “This case serves as a powerful reminder that the People’s Republic of China will stop at nothing to bend people to their will and silence messages they don’t want anyone to hear. The FBI is dedicated to protecting everyone in the United States against efforts to undermine our democratic freedoms, and we’ll hold any state actors – and those who help them – accountable for breaking our laws.”
Before helping to open the police station in early 2022, Lu had a longstanding relationship of trust with PRC law enforcement, including the MPS. Since 2015, and through the operation of the secret police station, Lu was tasked with carrying out various activities, including to assist the PRC government’s repressive activities on U.S. soil:
In 2015, during PRC President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States, Lu participated in counterprotests in Washington, D.C,. against members of a religion that is forbidden under PRC law. A deputy director of the MPS awarded Lu a plaque for the work he performed on behalf of the PRC government.
In 2018, Lu was enlisted in efforts to cause a purported PRC fugitive to return to the PRC. The victim reported being repeatedly harassed to return to the PRC, including through threats of violence made to the victim and the victim’s family in the United States and in the PRC.
In 2022, the MPS Official sought Lu’s assistance in locating an individual living in California who is a pro-democracy activist. In turn, Lu enlisted the help of another coconspirator. Later, when confronted by the FBI about these conversations, Lu denied that they occurred.
In October 2022, the FBI conducted a judicially authorized search of the illegal police station. In connection with the search, FBI agents interviewed both Lu and Chen and seized their phones. In reviewing the contents of these phones, FBI agents observed that communications between Lu and Chen, on the one hand, and the MPS Official, on the other, appeared to have been deleted. In subsequent consensual interviews, Lu and Chen admitted to the FBI that they had deleted their communications with the MPS Official after learning about the ongoing FBI investigation, thus preventing the FBI from learning the full extent of the MPS’s directions for the overseas police station.
If convicted of conspiring to act as agents of the PRC, the defendants face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The FBI New York Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander A. Solomon and Antoinette N. Rangel for the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit: www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/transnational-repression.
The charges in the complaint are merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Imfrormation Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today honored the brave men and women serving as sheriffs along the southern border at the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition Annual Spring Cooperative Meeting with the Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition in McAllen. During his remarks, the Governor thanked the border sheriffs for their many contributions to Texans’ public safety, including stepping up in the Biden Administration’s absence to protect the nation from the record number of deadly drugs like fentanyl, lethal weapons, and illegal immigrants flooding across the border.
“To serve as a sheriff is to answer a higher calling, and each of you show true courage, dedication, and a strong desire to protect your fellow man,” said Governor Abbott. “I am proud of the work we have done together to secure our border in this bipartisan coalition. The Biden Administration may not believe our border is in crisis right now, but we set aside political differences to help our border communities and Texans. Thank you for your hard work securing the border and battling the deadly scourge of fentanyl gripping our state and nation.”
PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 4/17/2023
Speaking to the Texas Border Sheriff’s Coalition and the Southwestern Border Sheriff’s Coalition, Governor Abbott highlighted proposed legislation this session that would provide $350 million to help fund rural sheriff operations and bolster funding for public safety grants to counties participating in Operation Lone Star.
PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 4/17/2023
The Governor also pointed out recent statewide efforts to combat the growing fentanyl crisis impacting Texas and the United States resulting from President Joe Biden’s open border policies. In addition to designating border security and combatting the fentanyl crisis as emergency items for the 88th Legislative Session, Governor Abbott mentioned his One Pill Kills Summit in Austin earlier this month, where he announced a new $10 million public awareness initiative to educate Texans on the dangers of fentanyl and a statewide distribution of life-saving Narcan to each of Texas’ 254 county sheriffs.
Securing $4 billion in funding for Texas’ border security efforts
Launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers
Hiring Texas’ first-ever Border Czar to oversee border security
Taking aggressive action to aid border communities, including busing thousands of migrants to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia
Designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations to keep Texans safe amid the growing national fentanyl crisis
Arresting and jailing criminals trespassing or committing other state crimes along the southern border
Issuing an executive order authorizing the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to return illegal immigrants to the border at ports of entry
Allocating resources to acquire 1,700 unused steel panels to build the border wall in Texas
Signing a law to make it easier to prosecute smugglers bringing people into Texas
Signing 15 laws cracking down on human trafficking in Texas
Signing a law enhancing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl
Issuing a disaster declaration for the border crisis
Issuing an executive order preventing non-governmental entities from transporting illegal immigrants
Signing memoranda of understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to enhance border security measures in their states that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas
Activating the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directing the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Military Department, and Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border
The Senate Nominations Committee recently reviewed Governor Greg Abbott’s nomination of Alex Meade for a position on the Texas Transportation Commission. Courtesy Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
AUSTIN, Texas – The Senate Nominations Committee recently reviewed Governor Greg Abbott’s nomination of Alex Meade for a position on the Texas Transportation Commission. On March 21, 2023, Governor Abbott appointed Meade, a Mission resident, to serve as one of the five Commissioners overseeing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The Commissioners’ responsibilities include crafting policies for the state’s highway system, creating a statewide transportation plan, supporting public transportation development, and establishing rules for TxDOT’s operations.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who represents Meade’s hometown, had to agree with Governor Abbott’s recommendation before introducing Meade at the Senate Confirmation hearing. Over the past three weeks, Meade has been meeting with Nominations Committee members and other Senators and Representatives responsible for overseeing TxDOT to gain support for his confirmation.
Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:
Senator Hinojosa, Courtesy Image
“It was an honor to introduce Alex Meade to the Senate Nominations Committee today. In the past three weeks, Alex has met with my Senate colleagues, and the feedback regarding his appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission has been overwhelmingly positive. There’s no doubt that his experience in both public and private sectors has prepared him well for this role. Today’s hearing marks another step toward final confirmation from the full Senate. I am confident that Alex will be fully confirmed before the Texas Transportation Commission’s next meeting on April 27th.”
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Contreras to serve a 45-month sentence to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. Image for Illustration Purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas ‐ An owner of a Rio Grande Valley area home health company has been ordered to prison for his conviction of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Miguel Angel Contreras, 44, McAllen, pleaded guilty April 14, 2016.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Contreras to serve a 45-month sentence to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. Contreras was also ordered to pay $1,037,353.78 in restitution. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted the lengthy duration of the fraud and the multiple ways in which the fraud was committed.
Contreras was an owner and administrator for Sambritt Home Health LLC. As part of his plea, he admitted he submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for reimbursement of home health services that were not provided, that a physician had not authorized and/or were not medically necessary.
The false and fraudulent claims Contreras submitted to Medicare totaled $724,056.02. As a result of the false and fraudulent claims, Medicare paid approximately $1,037,353.78.
Contreras further admitted he paid illegal kickbacks in exchange for patient information, including patient Medicare numbers. He and/or his co-conspirators would then use the fraudulently obtained Medicare numbers to submit claims to Medicare in order to receive reimbursements.
As part of his plea, Contreras admitted he forged and/or caused others to forge the signatures of physicians on the referral forms or 485 forms, knowing the physicians did not authorize the need for home health services and/or that the beneficiaries did not need or qualify for home health services. Contreras directed employees to create “ghost notes” for patient files which were intended and calculated to make the fraudulent claims submitted to Medicare appear legitimate. Contreras also admitted he directed employees and/or co-conspirators to bill Medicare for home health services with 485 forms which were missing physician signatures.
Contreras was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General, the FBI, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the case.
$231,693 in unreported currency seized by CBP at the Paso Del Norte crossing. CBP officers seized the currency along with the vehicles and both individuals were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations for further investigation. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas and Paso Del Norte border crossings seized a combined $320,841 in unreported U.S. currency in two separate incidents.
“There is no limit to how much currency or other monetary instruments travelers may bring to or take out of the United States and if it is more than $10,000 it must be reported,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “However, it is a federal offense when monetary instruments are concealed with intent to evade reporting requirements.”
The first interception occurred April 11 at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing. CBP officers conducting outbound enforcement operations selected a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old female, U.S. citizen for a routine inspection. During a secondary inspection with the aid of a CBP currency detector canine, CBP officers located multiple packages hidden within the vehicle. The packages contained a total of $89,148 in unreported currency.
The second interception occurred on April 13 at the Paso Del Norte border crossing. CBP officers encountered a 24-year-old female U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. Upon a primary inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers located several packages concealed in the trunk area. Further search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of $231,693 in unreported currency.
