On March 6, Falfurrias Border Patrol agents interdicted a human smuggling attempt near Encino, Texas, apprehending five migrants.USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
ENCINO, Texas – On March 6, Falfurrias Border Patrol agents interdicted a human smuggling attempt near Encino, Texas, apprehending five migrants.
Falfurrias agents observed a vehicle make an abrupt U-turn on U.S. Highway 281. Agents attempted to initiate a vehicle stop but the driver failed to yield and drove through a ranch fence before coming to a stop, where the occupants bailed out. With the assistance of a small, unmanned aircraft system, agents arrested five migrants after they were determined to be illegally present in the United States. No injuries were reported.
“Transnational Criminal Organizations operating in south Texas continue to disregard public safety placing human lives in danger only to further their profits. Everyday our Falfurrias Station agents target illicit activity in an effort to keep the community safe,” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez.
Texas Southmost College (TSC) was awarded its second Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations by the Texas Association of School Boards Officials (TASBO). TSC Image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Texas Southmost College (TSC) was awarded its second Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations by the Texas Association of School Boards Officials (TASBO). The Award of Merit was established in 2009 to recognize Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and education services centers that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services in accordance to State of Texas laws. Out of more than 1,000 school systems in the state, only 71 recipients met the award criteria for 2023. TSC remains the only community college to earn the award.
“These organizations have gone above and beyond to demonstrate transparency by meticulously documenting their districts’ policies and procedures,” said Tracy Ginsburg, TASBO Executive Director. “Not only have they showcased the ways they monitor spending, improve budgeting, implement controls, and enhance financial reporting, but they have shared their best practices with colleagues throughout Texas, helping even more educational organizations to better utilize taxpayer dollars.”
Members of the TSC Purchasing team were honored at an awards reception in San Antonio, Texas, on February 15 during the 2023 TASBO annual conference. Thank you to the Purchasing and Contract Management staff for their hard work, dedication, and commitment in reaching higher standards and taking on new challenges.
“We feel very proud to be recognized as one of the educational institutions and the only community college to receive this merit award for a second time,” said Patricia G. Saldivar, TSC Director of Purchasing. “This award represents the effort in following best practices in the area of purchasing operations, and it continues a tradition of efficiency and effectiveness at TSC.
“A warm thank you to our honorable board of trustees, college president, and department vice president for their leadership and guidance toward ethical practices and transparency for the community.”
Congressman Cuellar hosted the City of Laredo and the Laredo City Council for a meeting on our community’s priorities. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Congressman Cuellar hosted the City of Laredo and the Laredo City Council for a meeting on our community’s priorities. Border communities present unique challenges and opportunities, like homeland security and infrastructure, and I’m committed to ensuring Laredo receives the resources it needs to continue thriving.
Congressman Cuellar Speaking with an official. Courtesy ImageSpeaking with other officials. Courtesy ImageMeeting on Border Community Priorties. Courtesy Image
“Thank you to Congressman Rick Larsen for joining us and providing your insight into Transportation and Infrastructure. I look forward to working with you in Congress to deliver crucial investments to Laredo and South Texas.” Congressman Cuellar
Mission EDC has donated $18,000 over the last three years because like VAMOS, we believe in having an educated and highly skilled workforce. Mission EDC Image
Texas Border Business
The Board of Directors for the Mission Economic Development Corporation is a proud sponsor of the 27th Annual VAMOS Golf Tournament, which raises funds to make college education a reality for deserving Rio Grande Valley high school seniors.
Mission EDC has donated $18,000 over the last three years because like VAMOS, we believe in having an educated and highly skilled workforce.
Since 1996, VAMOS has awarded more than $24 million to over 1,100 students throughout the region.
Perhaps more importantly, VAMOS also connects students with mentors who follow them along their higher-ed journey. That’s probably why recipients have a 96% graduation rate. Phot Mission EDC
The South Texas College Art Department recently partnered with area high schools to present the Annual Emerging Artists High School Exhibition. Students and parents attended the opening reception recently, where they were also able to tour the art department studios and meet STC instructors. STC Image
Texas Border Business
By Clarissa Martinez
For many area high school students, the Emerging Artists Exhibit at South Texas College was the first time they ever saw their artwork displayed in a professional art gallery
The STC Art Department recently partnered with area high schools to present the annual exhibition. Students and parents attended the opening reception recently, where they were also able to tour the art department studios and meet STC instructors.
The exhibit featured works by students from eight schools, including Edinburg North High School, Jimmy Carter Early College High School in La Joya, Palmview High School, Juarez-Lincoln High School in Mission, La Joya High School, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA) North Early College High School, PSJA Southwest Early College High School, PSJA Thomas Jefferson T-STEM, Vanguard Academy Beethoven Secondary in Edinburg and Vanguard Academy Rembrandt Secondary in Pharr.
Luis Corpus, Visual Arts department chair, said it’s significant for high school students to see that their art can be celebrated and their talents acknowledged on a college-level.
“It’s important for them to understand what their art can become and their potential beyond the classroom,” Corpus said. “To display their art in public spaces is often times a very vulnerable feeling. But, I think it’s important for the artist to do that because displaying it publicly is the first step toward a professional outlook on the world of art.”
STC Art Instructor Tom Matthews said the exhibit and reception is also a way for high school students to be introduced to the department.
“It’s a great recruiting effort for STC that allows local high school students and parents to visit the campus and the art department,” Matthews said. “They have a chance to go inside the studios and see what our current students are making. They get to see what might be a possibility for them if they were to attend STC.”
Matthews said some students come to the event with an idea of what they want to study, while others haven’t quite found their way. STC can help guide them and turn their talents into future careers.
“That’s one thing that we’re here for, as professors,” Matthews said. “We can help guide them on their path to their future art career. Since we are a community college, we teach foundational-level art courses. We hope they go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, or even a master’s or a doctorate. And even if they don’t, we try to set them on their own path. If they want to start a business or get a job in the community, they’re prepared.”
Jewelya Villalobos, a senior at Thomas Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School in Pharr, said she has been involved with art since the sixth grade.
Although Villalobos wants to study Social Work in college and focus on helping children with autism, she said she enjoys expressing herself creatively.
“I want to pursue something other than art, but I really enjoy it and it’s an outlet for me,” Villalobos said. “I believe students have their own creativity and can create whatever they truly believe in. I believe that they want to share their art with people.”
Saydi Fragoso, a student at Vanguard Academy Rembrandt Secondary, said she never thought she would be given the opportunity to be part of an art exhibit this size, and enjoyed seeing how other high school artists expressed themselves.
“Honestly, all the artwork here is really nice and I feel very inspired for my next piece,” Fragoso said. “It’s pretty cool to have my art in such a professional setting and where everyone can see it. I never really imagined myself showing art in a gallery before.”
Fragoso said she was proud to be part of the exhibit, and it gave her a new outlook on what she can accomplish.
“Just by looking at other people’s artwork, it feels like you could do even more,” Fragoso said. “It gives you the feeling that you can keep improving and growing.”
Manny Saenz, an art teacher at Edinburg North High School, said about 18 of his art students were invited to display their artwork. He brought over a dozen students to the reception to see the exhibit, but also to give them a chance to visit the department in a relaxed setting.
“They need exposure to art events and also exposure to STC,” Saenz said. “Some of these students are juniors and seniors in high school, and this is the first time they step on campus. I think it’s essential for the college to create opportunities like this so the high school students can come and experience the college life here. Some of these kids will end up at STC.”
The first step in Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project is underway as the Port of Brownsville’s dredged material placement area improvement project began in early February. Image courtesy of the Port of Brownsville
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The first step in Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project is underway as the Port of Brownsville’s dredged material placement area improvement project began in early February. The historic BIH Channel Improvement project will deepen the 17-mile-long Brownsville ship channel from 42 to 52 feet.
The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners at a regular board meeting held Feb. 1, unanimously voted to award a $13.6 million contract for the channel improvements to RLB Contracting, Inc., for Placement Areas 5B, 7 and 8. A placement area is a federally authorized disposal site for dredged material.
As part of the dredging process, materials collected are placed in approved disposal sites or for beneficial use purposes. Dredging for Phase 2 is estimated to remove 12 to 16 million cubic yards of material from the ship channel and distributed to the placement areas.
Image Courtesy of the Port of Brownsville
Deepening the channel will result in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas. The project will further increase the port’s capabilities, allowing existing industries in the Rio Grande Valley to continue expanding while also attracting new economic opportunities for the region.
“We are building on the continued success at the Port of Brownsville by advancing infrastructure to benefit existing and future businesses,” said Port Director and CEO Eduardo A. Campirano. “The dredged material placement area improvements are a vital step in the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project to deepen the Brownsville ship channel to remain competitive in the growing global market.”
The BIH Channel Improvement Project is funded through the USACE’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) with the Port of Brownsville and NextDecade, owner of the proposed Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction plant at the port.
The BIH project is comprised of two phases:
Phase 1: In 2019, NextDecade announced a landmark agreement with the port to pay 100 percent of Phase 1 of the deepening project from the western boundary of its lease site along the ship channel to the entrance of the channel.
Phase 2: The Port of Brownsville and the USACE will execute the project from the turning basin area to Rio Grande LNG’s proposed site.
In 2007, the BND Commission authorized port staff to develop a channel deepening strategy to deepen the ship channel. The USACE completed the feasibility study in 2014 recommending deepening the channel to 52 feet.
In December 2016, the U.S. Congress authorized the channel deepening project, making the BIH eligible to receive federal funding.
The port received the permit from the USACE to advance the project to its construction phase in 2019.
The federal government announced in March 2022, the allocation of $68 million to the project. The funds, to be utilized for Phase 2, are provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Appropriations Law. The BIH project was identified as part of the IIJA to strengthen port and waterway supply chains and climate resilience. Once the project is complete the Brownsville Ship Channel will be one of the deepest in the Gulf of Mexico.
Rio Grande Valley FC announced today the acquisition of forward Wilmer Andres Cabrera on loan from Colombian club Real Cartagena for the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC announced today the acquisition of forward Wilmer Andres Cabrera on loan from Colombian club Real Cartagena for the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Cabrera completed a successful four-year collegiate career at Butler University last November. The Colombian forward appeared in 69 matches for the Big East side, tallying 23 goals and 12 assists.
In December, Cabrera was selected with the 76th overall pick of the 2023 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Chicago Fire FC. However, he elected to sign with Real Cartagena in late February 2023 and was subsequently loaned to the Toros.
Prior to entering the collegiate ranks, Cabrera made 30 appearances and scored four goals for the Toros as a USL Academy signing in 2018 and 2019 under the direction of Gerson Echeverry. He makes his return to Rio Grande Valley FC, now under the direction of both current Toros Director of Scouting and Assistant Coach Echeverry and Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera.
Cabrera has acclimated to the Toros system and has been actively competing in preseason action in preparation for the upcoming regular season.
The crafty striker landed a lengthy list of accolades while at Butler; He was a three-time All-Big East First Team selection (2020-21, 2021, 2022) while being named to the All-Big East Second Team in his freshman season in 2019. He was also voted to the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region First Team in 2021, and earned academic honors including the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District (2022). His first-year success saw him named as the 2019 Big East Freshman of the Year.
TRANSACTION: Rio Grande Valley FC acquire forward Wilmer Andres Cabrera on loan
PLAYER PROFILE
FULL NAME:
Wilmer Andres Cabrera
DATE OF BIRTH:
July 29, 2000
BIRTHPLACE:
Bogota, Colombia
NATIONALITY:
Colombia
ABOUT RIO GRANDE VALLEY FC The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros (RGV FC) enter their eighth season in the United Soccer League (USL) Championship in 2023. The club plays at H-E-B Park, a state-of-the-art soccer specific stadium that holds 9,700 people, the club trains in H-E-B Park’s world class training facility adjacent to the stadium. RGV FC is the only professional soccer team located within the Rio Grande Valley. For more information, please visit www.RGVFC.com.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo Port of Entry uncovered an alleged human smuggling attempt involving two noncitizens hidden within a vehicle. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Laredo Port of Entry uncovered an alleged human smuggling attempt involving two noncitizens hidden within a vehicle.
“Port of Laredo CBP officers continue to maintain their vigilance while processing incoming traffic and in this particular instance discovered two undocumented noncitizens hidden within a vehicle,” said Port Director Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This enforcement action underscores the criminal consequences for alleged violations of immigration law and our officers’ continued dedication to the CBP border security mission.”
On Thursday, March 2, CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge encountered a 2017 GMC Yukon with two adults and multiple child passengers and referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection. During the examination, CBP officers discovered two male Mexican citizens, ages 48 and 18, with no valid entry documents hidden within the cargo area of the vehicle.
CBP officers arrested the adult female driver, age 33 and female passenger, age 27, both U.S. citizens, for alleged violations of U.S. immigration law.
Buckets containing 268 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry seized more than $2.4 million in alleged methamphetamine in a single enforcement action.
“This impressive seizure of methamphetamine underscores the reality of the drug threat we face at the port of entry and the determination of our frontline officers to apply officer experience to keep our border secure,” said Acting Port Director Michael Martinez, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.
The seizure occurred on March 1st. CBP officers assigned to the Eagle Pass International Bridge I encountered a 53-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2004 Ford Excursion arriving from Mexico. The vehicle was referred for a secondary inspection, resulting in the discovery of 268 pounds of alleged liquid methamphetamine within the gas tank of the vehicle. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $2,465,075.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers. Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) special agents arrested the driver and have initiated a criminal investigation.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted child sex offenders, shortly after they illegally entered the United States. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted child sex offenders, shortly after they illegally entered the United States.
Feb. 24, while conducting line watch operations, Comstock Station agents encountered 11 subjects attempting to avoid detection on a local ranch. All subjects were apprehended and transported to a processing center. Record checks revealed that Manuel Gamez-Bustos, 40, a Mexican national, was convicted of sexual assault, and sexual battery of a child, in Florida, in 2018. He was sentenced to five years and six months confinement and seven years probation. Gamez-Bustos was most recently deported in 2022.
Feb. 27, Eagle Pass Station agents encountered six subjects attempting to avoid detection and determined they were illegally present in the United States. All subjects were apprehended and transported to a processing center. Record checks revealed that Henry Bonilla-Maldonado, 27, a Honduran national, was convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, in New York, in 2016. He was sentenced to seven months confinement and was most recently deported in 2017.
As convicted felons, they face a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.
