Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Laredo, Texas.
On April 12, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station were working their assigned duties when they apprehended an individual in south Laredo. After transporting the subject to the Laredo South Station for processing, agents identified the individual as Miguel Angel Valdez-Saldana, a 37-year-old Mexican citizen. Valdez-Saldana had a prior felony conviction for Lewd Conduct with a child under 16 years old in Idaho. He was taken into custody and was processed for Felony Re-Entry.
The new officers are (L to R): Officer David Campos, Officer Alexis Canchola, Officer Eduardo Garcia, Officer Christian Rodriguez. Image Courtesy of the City of Edinburg
Texas Border Business
Edinburg, TX-The Edinburg Police Department is proud to announce the swearing in of 4 new officers and the promotion of 5 officers that took place at a ceremony held yesterday in City Council Chambers.
The employees and their new ranks are as follows (L to R): Lieutenant Reynaldo Reyes, Lieutenant Primitivo Rodriguez Jr., Sergeant Juan Gerardo Gonzalez, Sergeant Alex Cruz, Sergeant Oscar Tijerina. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg
The men and women of the Edinburg Police Department congratulate all the newly promoted employees and wish them continued success in their new assignments.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized over 3.1 million lethal doses of fentanyl, or about 14 pounds, during a single Operation Lone Star (OLS) traffic stop in Mission. Photo: Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized over 3.1 million lethal doses of fentanyl, or about 14 pounds, during a single Operation Lone Star (OLS) traffic stop in Mission. This seizure marks one of the largest single fentanyl seizures by OLS to date.
“Fentanyl is the single greatest drug threat our state and country has ever known, and this record amount of fentanyl seized would have otherwise made its way into communities across Texas and the nation because of President Joe Biden’s open border policies,” said Governor Abbott. “Through Texas’ historic Operation Lone Star mission, a DPS trooper prevented 3.1 million lethal doses of fentanyl—enough to kill every Texan in Austin, Dallas, and El Paso combined—from taking more innocent lives during a single traffic stop. I thank our brave DPS troopers, and all Operation Lone Star mission personnel, for their work to secure our border and keep Texans safe.”
“Because of this single seizure, millions of lethal doses of fentanyl will not make their way into communities across our state, and really our country, and millions of lives are potentially saved,” said DPS Director Steve McCraw. “This seizure clearly shows the important work that is happening along our border through the Operation Lone Star mission, and I want to thank Governor Abbott for his continued leadership in the fight against fentanyl.”
On April 10, a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper stopped a black Cadillac SUV for a traffic violation at the intersection of 43 Street and Gumwood Avenue in Mission and discovered five tape-wrapped bundles containing a white powdery substance. The substance tested positive for fentanyl both in the field and at a DPS crime laboratory. The fentanyl has an estimated street value of around $312,000.
The driver, Mario Reyna Cantu, 39, of Mexico, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and taken to the Hidalgo County Jail.
Stacks totaling $198,902 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge during an outbound examination. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge intercepted $198,902 in undeclared currency from a traveler heading to Mexico.
“CBP officers conduct outbound enforcement operations to protect against unreported exportations of bulk U.S. currency, which often can be proceeds from alleged illicit activity, or currency that funds transnational criminal organizations,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On April 4, 2023, CBP officers conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Pharr International Bridge encountered a white Jeep driving southbound to Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection which included screening by a (canine team). After physically inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered nine bundles of currency totaling $198,902 in various denominations concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO arrested the driver, seized the currency and vehicle, and the case remains under investigation by special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Packages containing 14 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Gateway to the Americas Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo Port of Entry this week uncovered two cocaine seizures occurring in the SENTRI lane at Gateway to the Americas Bridge.
“Our frontline officers continue to maintain vigilance while examining trusted traveler traffic, adhering to the adage “trust, but verify,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Their use of inspections experience, skills and technology led to these two back-to-back seizures.”
The seizures occurred on Thursday, April 6 at Gateway to the Americas Bridge when CBP officers referred a passenger vehicle for secondary inspection. Upon further examination, including the use of non-intrusive inspection systems, CBP officers discovered six packages containing a total of 13.84 pounds of cocaine hidden within Easter boxes in the vehicle.
A few hours later, CBP officers at the same bridge referred another passenger vehicle for secondary examination. A closer examination revealed six packages hidden within the vehicle containing 14 pounds of cocaine also hidden within Easter boxes in the vehicle.
The narcotics from both seizures had a combined estimated street value of $372,659.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents initiated criminal investigations into both seizures.
This summer, Marisa Zepeda will be one step closer to becoming a police officer when she graduates from the South Texas College Police Academy, a career she has always had the passion to pursue. STC Image
Texas Border Business
By Selene Rodriguez
This summer, Marisa Zepeda will be one step closer to becoming a police officer when she graduates from the South Texas College Police Academy, a career she has always had the passion to pursue.
The 29-year-old said this has been a long time coming, when after high school she decided to push school aside to dedicate her time to her growing family.
But after her mother’s passing in 2020 due to COVID-19, Zepeda, by then a mother of five, was inspired to return to school.
“My mom set an example for us to follow our dreams and I wanted my children to see that it is possible,” said Zepeda. “I’ve wanted to be a police officer ever since I was kid, it’s just a dream that I could never let go.”
Born in Mission to immigrant parents and with 10 siblings, Zepeda’s passion for law enforcement stayed consistent throughout her life, even beginning a journey toward a degree in Criminal Justice before her second child was born but eventually she dropped out.
In 2017 she decided to keep pursuing her dream by applying to the Alton Police Department. After failing to meet their requirements, she followed their advice to try the fire service, so she attended and completed the city’s Fire Academy.
“Both fire service and law enforcement are all about helping our community, which ultimately was my goal, but I didn’t see myself as a firefighter, so I didn’t pursue it,” she said. “I then ended up having three more kids and just decided to be a stay-at-home mom. After everything that happened with COVID though, I decided it was my time and looked into STC.”
Zepeda said her day-to-day juggling classes and mom duties has been tough, but it’s a sacrifice she’s glad to be making, at least while she finishes the 22-week academy.
Every day she wakes up at 6 a.m. to get her son, 12, her three daughters (7,9 and 4) and herself to school while her husband cares for her youngest, 3, in San Antonio, where he works during the week. Her sisters not only help her pick her children up from school, but also take them to their extracurricular activities such as soccer and cheerleading.
“Both my husband and I come from big families so it’s been easy to find someone that can help, but when it comes to my youngest, it’s so much harder,” she said. “He had a hard time adjusting to daycare, so my husband takes him with him to San Antonio and I don’t get to see him until the weekend. It breaks my heart every time he calls me to say he misses me.”
But still, after spending the day studying and training at STC’s Police Academy, she goes home to her other children to cook dinner, help with homework and finish hers late at night.
“I still don’t know how I’m doing it, but I’m almost there. My children and my siblings have already told everybody that I’m going to be a police officer and they tell me they’re proud of me all the time. It feels amazing,” said Zepeda. “This is a career that requires everything of me and I’m willing to make the sacrifice to have a better life for my children. It takes a lot of time and effort to be away from them, but this is an investment for our future together.”
STC Law Enforcement Instructor Jennifer Rosillo, praised Zepeda’s dedication and the bright future that awaits her in law enforcement.
“It’s clear that she has her heart set on becoming a Peace Officer and I’m certain she’s going to succeed,” said Rosillo. “Her dedication and commitment are exceptional; I can’t wait to see her put that badge over her heart and wear that uniform with pride.”
Zepeda’s goal after graduation is to work as a school police officer to continue caring for her children while fulfilling her dream and to become a homeowner; she will also only be a couple of classes shy to get an associate degree in Law Enforcement.
“It’s been amazing to see that all my sacrifice has been worth it. STC’s Police Academy has been an amazing opportunity for me to reach my lifelong dream,” she said.
For more information on STC’s Police Academy and the other programs and trainings at the STC Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit
This is the fifth of 11 projects within Precinct 4 funded by the County’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program allocation. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County Precinct 4 hosted a groundbreaking for the newest stormwater improvement project located at Encore Ranches Subdivision in Edinburg with a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m. This is the fifth of 11 projects within Precinct 4 funded by the County’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program allocation. This newest project supports the County’s goal of reducing flooding by making generational investments in Hidalgo County stormwater management systems. The project is part of the SLFRF program, a part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), provides state and local governments across the nation with federal relief funds to support an equitable, efficient and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Pct. 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres and others at the ceremony. Courtesy Image
“Long-standing flooding issues in this subdivision will be addressed to reduce stormwater for the project area. I visited with residents and LUPE advocates to discuss their concerns and after assessment and review, I felt this was a project that was greatly needed for this area,” said Commissioner Ellie Torres.
The project is located at the northeast corner of Curry Road and 83rd Street. The Project consists of a pipe network with inlets improvements and swale grading with an ultimate outfall into the Tex-Mex/Schunior Drain system. Inlets will be placed throughout the project limits along with swale grading to manage stormwater during and after rain events. The project was engineered and designed by the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 and will be constructed by Blue Dot. This project will take 120 days for completion.
Commissioner Torres discusses the plans for the project. Courtesy Image
Hidalgo County Precinct 4 invited the residents and LUPE organizers to the groundbreaking ceremony in celebration of the flooding improvements coming to the area.
The improvements to Encore Ranches stormwater management system are a part of the Hidalgo County ARPA Program’s mission to address flooding and water inequities. For more information about the County’s ARPA Program, visit hidalgocountyarpa.com.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station rescue nine individuals hiding inside a manhole. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station rescue nine individuals hiding inside a manhole in Laredo, Texas.
On April 10, at approximately 10:00 p.m., agents were alerted to several individuals crossing the Rio Grande near Riverside Drive in Laredo, Texas. The individuals were seen going into the sewer tunnel near the river. Agents proceeded to check several manholes and after an exhaustive search they were able to locate the subjects hiding inside a manhole on Santa Maria Avenue and Mann Road.
Agents successfully extracted all nine subjects including two juveniles. After record checks were conducted on the individuals it revealed that they were in the country illegally from Mexico. The individuals were taken into custody for processing.
TSTC Mechatronics Technology student Jeremy Gaytan creates a programmable logic controller (PLC) program on an Amatrol troubleshooting system during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Jeremy Gaytan, who is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, recently accepted an internship opportunity at Oncor Electric Delivery in Dallast hat he will start in May. He had met some Oncor company representatives during a recent employer spotlight held at TSTC.
“During the employer spotlight, they discussed some of the job duties their workers perform,” he said. “I performed an online search to read their employee feedback reviews. The positive comments, ranging from work culture, compensation, job benefits and employee stability, were definitely an influence. And some of the (TSTC) program’s graduates shared their experiences with me because they work at Oncor.”
Gaytan said his choice was also based on a bigger picture.
“Besides family and friends, Oncor’s purpose influenced me,” he said. “They help power hospitals to assist with patient care, power schools for future generations, and other components.”
This is not Gaytan’s first time pursuing a degree at the college.
Years ago he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene at TSTC’s Harlingen campus.
“I’ve been working as a dental hygienist in nursing homes for 12 years,” he said. “I enjoy the profession, but during the pandemic I would tinker with home projects such as automotive and electrical items. I opened them to learn how they work. If something malfunctioned, I learned how to repair it. For me, it was the greatest sense of gratification. That gave me time to reevaluate my true passion, which is working with complex solutions. I enrolled in TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program in 2021 and transitioned to a part-time dental hygienist.”
He credits getting the internship at Oncor to his education at TSTC.
“I enjoy the hands-on training assignments,” he said. “The instructors do their best to ensure we succeed. The curriculum allows students to understand the material.”
Carlos Reyes, TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program director, said Gaytan is a focused and disciplined student.
“Jeremy is willing to attempt different options during lab sessions,” he said. “His willingness to help other classmates who need assistance or explanations demonstrates his leadership. That is a great value when interviewing with potential employers.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians can earn around $63,260 a year. Onetonline.org projected that there would be a 14% increase in the number of such jobs in the state from 2020 to 2030.
TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or a Basic Electromechanical Automation (PLC) occupational skills achievement award.
Packages containing 101 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted alleged methamphetamine with a value of $906,900 concealed within a vehicle.
“These harmful narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our CBP officers who used all of our available tools and resources to stop this smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On April 10, 2023, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a white Chevrolet SUV arriving from Mexico driven by a 21 year-old female U.S. citizen. A CBP officer referred the vehicle for further inspection which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII)equipment and screening by a (canine team). Physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in officers extracting 55 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing a total of 101.45 pounds (46.02 kg) of alleged methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO arrested the driver, seized the narcotics and vehicle. Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) initiated a criminal investigation.
