U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector, assisted by the Eagle Pass Fire Department, rescued a group of 140 migrants stranded on an island on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande River at approximately 3 p.m. on April 3. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector, assisted by the Eagle Pass Fire Department, rescued a group of 140 migrants stranded on an island on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande River at approximately 3 p.m. on April 3, after a large group of migrants illegally crossed the Rio Grande on a local ranch near Eagle Pass. The group consisted of one Cuban, four Nicaraguans, 66 Colombians, six Dominicans, 32 Peruvians, eight Ecuadorians, seven Hondurans, five Venezuelans, seven from China, and four from Sri Lanka. An extensive breakdown of the group revealed there were 45 single males, 25 single females, 64 family units, and six unaccompanied children. None of the rescued migrants required medical care.
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The U.S. Border Patrol categorizes groups of 100 or more as “large groups.” This fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, the Del Rio Sector accounts for over 80 percent of all large groups encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol nationwide.
All migrants were transported to the nearest processing center and processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued several individuals in three separate incidents that occurred in the Rio Grande, in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo Sector Marine Unit rescued several individuals in three separate incidents that occurred in the Rio Grande, in Laredo, Texas.
On March 30-31, agents encountered three individuals attempting to cross the Rio Grande near the south area of the city. The individuals appeared to be struggling with the current. Agents quickly responded and deployed the floatation devices that brought them to safety.
All the individuals did not require medical assistance. The individuals were taken into custody by Border Patrol agents for processing. Record checks revealed that the subjects were in the country illegally from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Laredo Sector Border Patrol while remaining anonymous at 1-800-343-1994.
More than 1,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, surrendered themselves to Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector, on Wednesday, after reports indicated that migrants may have been misinformed regarding current immigration policies and initiatives. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
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EL PASO, Texas – More than 1,000 migrants, mostly from Venezuela, surrendered themselves to Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector, on Wednesday, after reports indicated that migrants may have been misinformed regarding current immigration policies and initiatives.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 29, U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso Sector received reports of a large group of migrants walking eastbound, in Mexico, paralleling the international border from the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry. At approximately 4:00 p.m., agents from the El Paso Station began to encounter groups of migrants, 20-30 at a time, with more than 1,000 entering the U.S. illegally and surrendering to Border Patrol Agents at the border gate, near Barker Street and Cesar E. Chavez Border Highway.
The migrants encountered were primarily citizens from Venezuela, but were also from other various countries including Nicaragua, Colombia, and Ecuador. Throughout the night and into the early morning hours, agents continued to encounter groups attempting to make illegal entry into the United States.
All migrants were processed safely, efficiently, and effectively at the El Paso Sector’s processing centers. All migrants were expelled under Title 42 authority or processed for removal proceedings under Title 8.
Many of the migrants claimed that they received information regarding CBP immigration policies via various social media platforms. Migrants indicated social media posts stated that if they surrendered to agents in El Paso at a certain location, they would be allowed to remain in the United States. That information was not correct.
The U.S. Border Patrol continues to expel migrants under CDC’s Title 42 authority. Nationalities amenable to Title 42 include: México, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Haití. Those migrants that cannot be expelled under Title 42 and do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States, will be placed in removal proceedings under Title 8.
“U.S. Border Patrol in El Paso Sector will continue to fully enforce immigration laws at our border,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good. “People should not listen to the lies of smugglers, who often take advantage of vulnerable migrants by providing false information in order to profit from charging migrants to cross the border illegally.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635-2509.
Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Falfurrias station utilized their training to stabilize a child encountered in distress at the checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
FALFURRIAS, Texas – Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Falfurrias station utilized their training to stabilize a child encountered in distress at the checkpoint near Falfurrias, Texas.
On March 31, at approximately 10:20 pm, Falfurrias Agents observed a vehicle approach and then park near the entrance of the checkpoint. Agents were dispatched to investigate the stopped vehicle only to discover a child occupant of the vehicle experiencing a medical emergency. The fast-thinking agents requested Emergency Medical Technician assistance for the seizing child.
The child was non-responsive with respirations that were not only labored and sporadic, but who also displayed accessory muscle breathing. The child was removed from the vehicle and placed in a recovery position on her side to maintain a clear and patent airway.
Brooks County Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene shortly and advised that the best course of action was to airlift the child to Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Upon departure of the ambulance, all USBP personnel cleared the area after it was deemed safe.
“Extremely proud of our Falfurrias Station agents who jumped into action after encountering a young child experiencing a medical emergency, preventing any further injury or death” said Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
Bags, packages from a seizure of 13 pounds of fentanyl, nearly 19 pounds of heroin by CBP officers from a railcar at Laredo Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the Rail Bridge seized hard narcotics that totaled over $600,000 in street value.
“Synthetic drugs are extremely addictive, dangerous and harming our communities at alarming rates,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This drug bust was an exceptional operation that highlights CBP’s commitment in ensuring commercial entries are safe and free of contraband.”
The seizure occurred on Friday, Mar. 31 at the Rail Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a railcar for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 13.13 pounds of alleged fentanyl and 18.82 pounds of alleged heroin within the railcar. The narcotics had a street value of $623,244.
CBP seized the narcotics. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.
On March 7, 2023, the Pharr International Bridge hosted in collaboration with its federal working partners in Mexico a historic Binational Forum and Groundbreaking Ceremony to kick-off the highly anticipated Bridge Expansion, or Twin Bridge. Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge
Texas Border Business
On March 7, 2023, the Pharr International Bridge hosted in collaboration with its federal working partners in Mexico a historic Binational Forum and Groundbreaking Ceremony to kick-off the highly anticipated Bridge Expansion, or Twin Bridge. Mexico is gearing up for construction of their side of the bridge after investing $90 million to modernize the Mexican Port of Entry in 2018 to expedite commercial truck crossings and cross-border trade. Prioritizing the Pharr International Bridge Expansion project to strategically position the Texas-Mexico border region for future growth will give both countries the competitive advantage to trade on the global stage.
Officially breaking ground at the ceremony. Photo Courtesy of Pharr International BridgeCommemorative plaques for the occasion. Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge
“The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge have collaborated strategically with our binational partners to enhance our port of entry and invested significantly to modernize our bridge infrastructure,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are proud to host this Binational Forum and Groundbreaking Ceremony as we plan for the future and forge strong partnerships to continue to make the Pharr International Bridge among the best in the nation,” added Hernandez.
Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge
Pharr city officials, as well as special guests, Mexican dignitaries, other notable representatives, and stakeholders from diverse industries on both sides of the border, were in attendance.
Photo Courtesy of Pharr International Bridge
The Pharr International Bridge ranks 2nd in the customs district, 3rd in the state, and 7th in the nation for border crossings by value of imports and exports. It is ranked 29th in the nation for all gateways, which includes over 450 airports, seaports, and land ports. In 2022, trade through this fast-growing bridge in Pharr, Texas was valued at $46.44 billion. Exports totaled $18.74 billion while imports were valued at $27.7 billion.
The relocation of county departments into the new Precinct 4 Justice Center has begun. Image Source: Facebook. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG – The relocation of county departments into the new Precinct 4 Justice Center has begun. The center is located at 1212 S. 25th Avenue in Edinburg, Texas. Once fully open it will house the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, and both Precinct 4 Justice of Peace Office’s.
Outside the new Justice Center during the key hand off ceremony. Image courtesy of Hidalgo County.
Beginning Tuesday, April 4, the first department will move into the new building. Justice of the Peace Pct. 4, Place 2 Andre Maldonado and his staff will open their doors at their new address: 1212 S. 25th Avenue in Edinburg, Texas. They will be open on Tuesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 5 and be closed on Thursday, April 6 to finalize their move in.
In the coming weeks, the rest of the departments will relocate their offices into the new Justice Center. As each department moves in, an update will be sent to the public.
Distracted driving is on the rise in Texas, and TxDOT is urging all Texans to pay attention on the road. Image for illustration purposes
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TxDOT – Distracted driving crashes have increased year-over-year for the past three years.
○ Compared to 2021, there was a 10% increase in distracted driving deaths in 2022.
○ Around one of every six crashes on Texas roadways in 2022 was attributed to distracted driving.
Locally:
The number of motor vehicle traffic crashes in the *TxDOT Pharr district in 2022 that involved distracted driving (distraction, driver inattention, or cellphone use) totaled 2,435. These crashes resulted in 6 deaths and 59 serious injuries.
*The TxDOT Pharr District includes 8 south Texas counties: Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, and Brooks.
AUSTIN – Distracted driving is on the rise in Texas, and TxDOT is urging all Texans to pay attention on the road.
In an instant, Karin Zaltsman lost her teenaged daughter when a driver made the decision to take their eyes off the road to text while driving. In recognition of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, TxDOT is sharing the Zaltsman’s story of losing 13-year-old Emily, to remind Texans to keep their eyes up and phones down while driving. Described as kind, funny, smart and driven, Emily had her whole life ahead of her, but one driver’s decision to text and drive cut her life short.
“Emily didn’t die in an accident,” said Karin Zaltsman of her late daughter. “Emily died in a crash that could have been prevented.”
Emily is one of more than 2,000 people killed due to distracted drivers since 2017. Disturbingly, distracted driving deaths increased by 10% in 2022. Approximately one of every six crashes on Texas roadways last year was attributed to distracted driving.
“Distracted driving is a choice, and it has devastating consequences for communities,” said TxDOT ExecutiveDirector Marc Williams. “Texting, adjusting audio or navigation systems, or scrolling on a social media site can wait until you’re safely parked. We’re urging Texans to make the right choice and put the phone away.”
Texting while driving is not only incredibly dangerous, it’s a crime. Since Sept. 1, 2017, it has been illegal to read, write or send a text while driving in Texas, and violators can face a fine of up to $200.
Distracted driving crashes are 100% preventable. TxDOT offers these tips to help drivers steer clear of a potentially deadly situation:
Always give driving your full attention—any distraction is dangerous.
Put your phone away, turn it off or use an app or phone settings to block texts and calls while driving.
Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you use your phone.
Tell friends, family and coworkers you won’t respond to texts or calls while driving.
Avoid eating or drinking until you are parked.
TxDOT’s “Talk. Text. Crash.” distracted driving awareness campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, abroader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind thewheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
The Port of Brownsville, in partnership with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), and its entire hemispheric membership will commemorate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on April 5. Image courtesy of the Port of Brownsville
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Port of Brownsville, in partnership with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), and its entire hemispheric membership will commemorate Western Hemisphere Ports Day on April 5. The annual event recognizes the port industry’s role in efficient goods movement, job creation and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas.
This year’s Ports Day theme, Resiliency & Building a Sustainable Future, explores the willpower, adaptability, and drive of the port industry, and how these qualities have continuously navigated this industry through challenging times.
Since 1936, the Port of Brownsville has demonstrated its power as the leading business developer in the region and a thriving economic engine for the Rio Grande Valley. Currently, the port is undertaking the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project to deepen the 17-mile-long Brownsville ship channel from 42 to 52 feet. Deepening the channel will provide increased navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas and supports the expansion of industries and while attracting new economic opportunities.
American seaports are propelling job-creation and economic growth at a blistering speed. According to the AAPA, ports sustain 31 million jobs and generate economic activity representing 26 percent of the U.S. economy. Each year, $2.2 trillion in freight moves through U.S. ports; ports drive $378.1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue; and consumers spend $139.2 billion on products that move through ports.
The Port of Brownsville is transforming the Rio Grande Valley by creating positive investment opportunities and jobs. Activity at the port is responsible for adding more than $2.6 billion to the regional economy and $3 billion to the Texas economy, The port supports more than 9,000 throughout the region and more than 51,000 jobs statewide.
TSTC Mechatronics Technology student Daniel Flores (right) visits with John Sherman, talent pipeline development manager for Altec, at the recent Industry Job Fair held at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
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HARLINGEN, Texas – Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus opened the doors to its annual Industry Job Fair, where more than 250 students and alumni presented their resumes and credentials to business and industry representatives, on Thursday, March 30.
Representatives of around 75 companies from across Texas and the United States provided information on job opportunities and described their company culture, job benefits, and the qualifications they are looking for in potential candidates for employment.
The TSTC Career Services team was delighted to see students utilizing their networking skills.
“The event continues to be a success because TSTC is excellent in growing a network with our industry partners,” said Kelly Guajardo, the event’s project manager. “Sixteen new employers signed up for the Harlingen campus’ Industry Job Fair. It shows that our college’s hospitality and culture has made its mark across the state. Then our students take it to the next level by networking, discussing their qualifications and demonstrating their professionalism.”
Abigail Martinez, talent acquisition specialist for Harlingen Medical Center, said the event’s sense of community was impressive.
“Our representatives have seen many students and instructors visit with us to ask about available job opportunities,” she said. “Our company does a great job to partner with new talent.
Students are able to apply for a per diem job that allows them to get experience while they are still in a program. Our hospital has around 600 to 700 employees. Our employees enjoy the family-oriented culture and the company benefits.”
Angel Arrazola, senior air operations recruiter for Envoy Air, said the company is the largest regional carrier for American Airlines.
“Our airline is looking to hire airframe and powerplant technicians,” he said. “The company provides training for graduates after they earn an airframe and a powerplant certificate. Thereafter, they will go through a six-week training period, which will transition them into being an expert with our aircraft. Envoy Air’s experience with TSTC students continues to be excellent because they are prepared, polite, dressed to impress, and care about aircraft maintenance.”
Jeremy Donahue, area recruiter for Penske, said the company is looking to fill entry-level diesel technician jobs, as well as positions in sales and operations.
“Penske does a great job at training an individual for success and promoting from within,” he said. “An example of how our company flourishes is what happened during the pandemic. Many businesses struggled, but we were busy nonstop with services such as our vehicle rentals. We know that TSTC has great candidates, and we want to hire those who are interested.”
Arlet Lara, of Santa Rosa, is studying for a certificate of completion in Vocational Nursing. She expressed interest in working at a local hospital.
“I spoke with a representative of that medical company to learn more about jobs because I’m doing my clinicals in the facility’s nursery and it has been a great experience,” she said. “Overall, it’s admirable that all of these representatives go out of their way to recruit at our college.”
Jessica Shelden, of Harlingen, is studying for an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aircraft Powerplant Technology.
“I enjoyed how the event was set up, and that made it easy to converse with each company,” she said. “Envoy Air, Performance and Altec caught my interest because they offer excellent pay, relocation assistance, tuition reimbursement, and each company offers flexibility while a student is in the process of obtaining an A&P (airframe and powerplant) license.”
TSTC plans to have another Industry Job Fair for students and alumni next fall.
