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Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report

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Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the release of the 2023 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report from the Texas Music Office (TMO). Image Source: gov.texas.gov/music/page/economic-impact-study
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the release of the 2023 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report from the Texas Music Office (TMO). Image Source: gov.texas.gov/music/page/economic-impact-study

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AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the release of the 2023 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report from the Texas Music Office (TMO). The biennial report tracks the growth of the Texas music industry, including music businesses and music education, and its impact in terms of annual earnings, local job creation, and economic activity statewide.

“Music is key to the Texas brand—drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented and growing workforce across industries, and supporting continuing business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout our state,” said Governor Abbott. “With support from the Texas Music Office and employers across the state, the Texas music industry employed hundreds of thousands of Texans and generated more than $26 billion in economic activity statewide in last year. I thank the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry, and our communities for their collaboration and creating good-paying jobs for Texans. Working together, we will continue to create even greater opportunity across all regions of this great state.”

“The Texas Music Office is excited to today release the latest version of our biennial economic impact study,” said TMO Director Brendon Anthony. “Beyond the immeasurable positive impact on quality of life, this report serves to highlight the economic benefits of our strong, diverse, and vibrant Texas music industry. Founded more than 30 years ago, the Texas Music Office is the only standalone state music office in the United States, and when this report is released, it acts as a gauge of the state of the music business in the U.S. and how attractive our industry is on a global scale.”

“The story of Texas has long been told in music and song,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office Adriana Cruz. “Today, our state’s world-renowned and richly diverse music culture plays a substantial role in creating local jobs and growing the Texas economy. I am proud of the work done by the Texas Music Office to promote Texas and the Texas music industry across the country and around the world. Working together with local communities, TMO is creating a quantifiable impact in terms of jobs, earnings, and economic activity, helping to create an even brighter future for Texas.”  

2023 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report Findings

Per the 2023 Texas Music Industry Economic Impact Report, the music industry in Texas, including music businesses and music education, created an economic impact in 2022 comparable to pre-pandemic years, including:

  • Nearly 90,000 permanent jobs
  • $4.6 billion in annual earnings
  • Over $10.8 billion in annual economic activity

The ripple effects associated with the direct injection related to music businesses and music education brought the total direct and indirect economic impact in 2022 to:

  • More than 192,000 permanent jobs
  • $9.4 billion in earnings
  • $26.6 billion in annual economic activity

To read or download the full 2023 Texas Music Economic Impact Study, visit: gov.texas.gov/music/page/economic-impact-study

The Texas Music Office (TMO) in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism is the only state music office in the nation. For more than 30 years, TMO has fostered the economic development of Texas music businesses, Texas musicians, and Texas communities. TMO operates an extensive network of Music Friendly Texas Certified Community partners across the state, serves as a clearinghouse for Texas music industry information, acts as a liaison between music businesses and government offices, publicizes significant industry developments, and attracts essential music industry to the Lone Star State. A vibrant Texas music industry supports local job creation while drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented workforce across industries, and supporting business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout the state.

U.S. Marshals Capture Over 800 Fugitives in Operation North Star

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<strong>U.S. Marshals Capture Over 800 Fugitives in Operation North Star</strong>
The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded Operation North Star II (ONS II), a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative aimed at combating violent crime in 10 cities with a significant number of homicides and shootings. Image Source: Us. Marshal badge Facebook, Bgd: for illustration purposes.
The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded Operation North Star II (ONS II), a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative aimed at combating violent crime in 10 cities with a significant number of homicides and shootings. Image Source: Us. Marshal badge Facebook, Bgd: for illustration purposes.

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The U.S. Marshals Service has concluded Operation North Star II (ONS II), a high-impact fugitive apprehension initiative aimed at combating violent crime in 10 cities with a significant number of homicides and shootings.

This 30-day initiative resulted in the arrest of 833 fugitives, violent criminals, sex offenders, and self-identified gang members in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Buffalo, New York; Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Jackson, Mississippi; Kansas City, Missouri; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Oakland, California; and Puerto Rico.

ONS II focused on fugitives wanted for the most serious, violent, and harmful offenses including homicide, forcible sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated assault. ONS II investigators prioritized their efforts to include individuals using firearms in their crimes, or who exhibited risk factors associated with violence.

“The results of this operation should make clear that the Justice Department and our partners across the country will stop at nothing to find and bring to justice those responsible for violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The U.S. Marshals Service, and the entire Justice Department, will continue to work in partnership with community leaders and law enforcement professionals nationwide to protect our communities.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service remains steadfast in its commitment to assisting law enforcement and community leaders at all levels to combat violent crime,” said Director Ronald Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service. “The success of ONS II is based on its laser focus on the most significant drivers of violence. We are confident that apprehending these offenders will bring a level of justice to their victims and contribute to the overall violence reduction efforts in each city.”

Throughout the month of January, the U.S. Marshals Service used its broad arrest authority and network of task forces to arrest individuals wanted on charges including 95 for homicide and 68 for sexual assault. In addition, investigators seized 181 firearms, more than $229,000 in currency, and more than 160 kilograms of illegal narcotics.

Notable arrests included:

Walter Abbott was arrested on Jan. 18 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, by members of the Southwest Fugitive Task Force. Abbott was wanted in Sandoval County, New Mexico, for first-degree attempted homicide and aggravated burglary with a deadly weapon.

Paris Jackson was arrested on Jan. 31 in Buffalo, New York, by members of the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. Jackson was wanted in Buffalo for second-degree criminal in possession of a weapon and for shooting at a police officer.

Gregory Kalvitz and Jessica Downing were arrested on Jan. 20 in Cleveland by members of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force. They were wanted in Henry County, Ohio, for interference of a custody warrant after taking an 8-year-old girl and fleeing.

Jermaine Westbrook was arrested on Jan. 26 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, by personnel from the U.S. Marshals Service Southern District of West Virginia, with assistance from members of the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team. Westbrook was wanted in Franklin County, Ohio, for felony assault, murder, and parole violation.

Richard Nichols was arrested on Jan. 30 in Albion, Michigan, by members of the Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team. Nichols was wanted by the Michigan State Police for assault with intent to murder.

Gerard Parker was arrested on Jan. 26 in Harrison County, Mississippi, by members of the Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Parker was wanted in New Orleans for third-degree sexual assault and parole violations.

Aaron Payne was arrested on Jan. 18 in Kansas City, Missouri, by members of the Missouri Violent Fugitive Task Force. Payne was wanted in Tarrant County, Texas, for felony assault strangulation.

Antonio Jenkins was arrested on Jan. 13 in West Allis, Wisconsin, by members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. Jenkins was wanted in Milwaukee for numerous charges including first-degree reckless endangering safety, felon in possession of a firearm, battery, and sale/possess/use/transport of a machine gun.

Michael Nguyen was arrested on Jan. 11 in Oakland, California, by members of the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. Nguyen was wanted in Oakland for possession of illegal weapons, illegal manufacturing of weapons, and firing weapons.

Edwin Padilla-Lopez was arrested on Feb. 3 in Carolina, Puerto Rico, by members of the Puerto Rico Violent Offender Task Force and Puerto Rico Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Padilla-Lopez was wanted in the District of Puerto Rico for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipalities of Caguas, Cidra, and Aguas Buenas.

The concept behind interagency law enforcement operations such as ONS II evolved largely from regional and district task forces. Since the 1980s, the U.S. Marshals Service has combined their resources and expertise with local, state, and federal agencies to find and apprehend dangerous fugitives.

For more information, visit www.usmarshals.gov.

Manufacturer Proposes $116.5M Capital Investment In Brownsville

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Manufacturer Proposes $116.5M Capital Investment In Brownsville
Rich Products Corporation management pose outside their Brownsville 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility and distribution center.  Courtesy Image
Rich Products Corporation management pose outside their Brownsville 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility and distribution center.  Courtesy Image

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Local business, Rich Products Corporation, has proposed a $116.5M investment to expand its manufacturing capacity and warehousing space in Brownsville, located at 3555 E. 14th Street. Rich Products has been operating in the city since 1993 and their proposed investment could be the largest in Brownsville’s recent history. In support of its expansion, the Brownsville City Commission, at its February 7th City Commission meeting, approved a resolution nominating the corporation for Enterprise Zone Project designation under the Texas Enterprise Zone Act.

Rich Products Corporation has proposed a $116.5M investment to expand its manufacturing capacity and warehousing space in Brownsville, located at 3555 E. 14th Street. 

According to Rich Products Corporation, the project is anticipated to create approximately 58 production and warehouse job positions, thereby expanding its current workforce of 435 employees. In its expansion, Rich Products proposes to add 159,000 square feet of production, freezer, dry storage, office, and ancillary facility space. Its current Brownsville location boasts a 120,000 square foot manufacturing facility and distribution center. It currently manufactures Farm Rich Appetizers, Frozen Seafood Products, and SeaPak Frozen Seafood Products, which include frozen shrimp, fish burgers, salmon, and beer batter items. Their products can be found at our local Target and Walmart stores.

Employees from Rich Products Corporation in Brownsville pose for a photo to showcase their team effort and unity, working in unison to offer fresh edible products to consumers. Courtesy Image

“This is a major win for the City of Brownsville,” said Trey Mendez, Brownsville City Mayor. “The City is currently experiencing sustainability in jobs and job creation. Rich Products proposed investment is a testament to that. Their initiative to expand their plant, here in Brownsville, will help create more product, made in Brownsville, and more employment opportunities for members of our community. This is what City leaders work towards in our respective efforts to support our local businesses.”

“This is the type of large-scale economic investment that every city aims to achieve,” said Helen Ramirez, Brownsville City Manager. “The nomination of Rich Products for Enterprise Zone Project designation by our elected officials demonstrates their pro-business focus, as well as their commitment and support of local company expansion efforts in Brownsville.”

“Rich Products Corporation and the City of Brownsville have a strong history of partnership since we first established our manufacturing and distribution operations in the community in 1993,” said Virginia Hamby, Rich Products Brownsville Facility Controller. “We are honored to have been nominated by the City Commission to apply for a Texas Enterprise Zone Project Designation. The designation will help offset the significant upfront costs of the expansion as well as aid in achieving our job creation goals in a timely manner. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the City of Brownsville to support the growth of our local operations and the economic vitality of the community.”

Rich Products Corporation is known around the world as the founder of the non-dairy segment of the frozen food industry. It is a leading supplier and solutions provider to the foodservice, frozen seafood, in-store bakery, and retail marketplaces. It sells over 2,000 products in over 112 countries and employs more than 12,500 associates worldwide.

To learn more about Rich Products, please visit www.richs.com. To schedule a media interview, please contact the City Communications and Marketing Department at communications@brownsvilletx.gov or (956) 547-6505.

Offering Engineering Students A Quality Education With Major Cost Savings

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Offering Engineering Students A Quality Education With Major Cost Savings
STC and Texas A&M have launched the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College and will enroll the first cohort of students in fall 2023. Through this initiative, qualified Valley students accepted into this Engineering Academy will have the opportunity to gain guaranteed admission into one of the most competitive engineering colleges in the country. STC Image
STC and Texas A&M have launched the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College and will enroll the first cohort of students in fall 2023. Through this initiative, qualified Valley students accepted into this Engineering Academy will have the opportunity to gain guaranteed admission into one of the most competitive engineering colleges in the country. STC Image

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Texas A&M University and South Texas College have launched the Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College and will enroll the first cohort of students in fall 2023. This innovative co-enrollment partnership was developed to address the state’s growing need for engineers. Qualified students will be admitted to the Texas A&M College of Engineering, complete the first two years of coursework at South Texas College and finish their engineering degrees in College Station, Texas. The program will accept applications for the fall through June 15.

The Texas A&M Engineering Academy at South Texas College allows students to pursue one of 22 majors within the College of Engineering at Texas A&M.

“We continue to work with our outstanding community college partners across Texas to offer students a unique path to earn an engineering degree,” said Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp. “Now students in South Texas have the opportunity to start their college career closer to home for the first couple of years while being part of one of the best engineering schools in the country.”  


“I’m excited about the creation of our newest Engineering Academy and the opportunities it provides for students in South Texas,” said Dr. John E. Hurtado, interim vice chancellor and dean of engineering at Texas A&M. “It is always important to offer students an affordable premier education. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort to the Aggie family this fall.”

South Texas College President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said this evolving partnership with Texas A&M means greater opportunities for students in the Rio Grande Valley.

“We have great talent in our region; talent that is being recognized state and nationwide,” said Dr. Solis. “Our job is to ensure that this talent is fostered and students given opportunities to excel through partnerships like this one with Texas A&M. Through this initiative, qualified Valley students accepted into this Engineering Academy will have the opportunity to gain guaranteed admission into one of the most competitive engineering colleges in the country. We’re excited about this partnership and what it means for our students and our communities.” 

By offering opportunities like the engineering academies, Texas A&M is able to better serve Texans. Students will save an estimated $4,600 in tuition and fees each semester they are enrolled in an Engineering Academy before transitioning to Texas A&M to complete their degree.

In Texas, the projected need for engineers in the workforce is 51,000 by 2028. To meet this need, universities and two-year colleges must work together to bridge the gap and attract and retain students who are interested in STEM fields. Students in the Engineering Academy enroll in math, science and core curriculum courses through South Texas College and have the unique opportunity to enroll in engineering courses taught by Texas A&M faculty on the South Texas College campus.

Visit engineering.tamu.edu/academies for more information about how to apply and other details about the Engineering Academy. 

Human Smuggling Attempts Disrupted In El Paso

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Human Smuggling Attempts Disrupted In El Paso
El Paso Sector U.S. Border Patrol Agents disrupt numerous human smuggling schemes this week including stash houses. USCBP Image
El Paso Sector U.S. Border Patrol Agents disrupt numerous human smuggling schemes this week including stash houses. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Sector U.S. Border Patrol Agents disrupt numerous human smuggling schemes this week including stash houses.

El Paso Sector agents have disrupted 56 human smuggling events within the last seven days alone leading to more than 300 smuggled migrants. In addition, since FY2023 began, agents have discovered 67 stash houses with over 874 migrants intercepted. 

 On Feb. 5, agents assigned to the Santa Teresa Station Anti-Smuggling Unit (ASU) disrupted a smuggling scheme encountering 26 smuggled migrants crammed inside two SUV’s. Agents observed multiple individuals jumping into the vehicles on New Mexico Highway 9.  Agents subsequently performed an immigration stop on both vehicles locating 12 migrants inside a Chevrolet Avalanche and 14 inside a Chevrolet Uplander. All migrants from Mexico and El Salvador including five unaccompanied juveniles from Mexico were medically evaluated and process accordingly. The two U.S. Citizen drivers will face prosecution under 8 USC 1324 (Conspiracy to Transport).

 On Feb. 7, agents assigned to the Las Cruces Border Patrol Station ASU along with Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Agents encountered 52 smuggled migrants inside two mobile homes. Agents initially received information about a possible stash located in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Agents subsequently located 52 migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Ecuador inside the small homes. All migrants were found in good health despite being housed in deplorable conditions. All migrants were adults and processed accordingly while two individuals from Mexico and Venezuela will face prosecution under 8 USC 1324 (Conspiracy to Transport).

On Feb. 8, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Las Cruces Station ASU along with New Mexico State Police encountered 17 smuggled migrants inside a local motel being utilized as a stash house. Agents received information from a previous smuggling event that led them to the motel in question. When agents arrived, they encountered seven migrants in one room and 10 additional migrants in a second room on the property. All migrants from Mexico and El Salvador including an unaccompanied juvenile from Mexico were found in good health and transported to the station for processing.

Later that same day, agents assigned to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station ASU encountered 25 migrants inside a stash house along with narcotics. Agents initially received information from HSI regarding a possible stash house near North Loop Dr and Hawkins Blvd. When agents arrived at the property, they observed 13 migrants on the premises with another 12 migrants located inside the house. Agents discovered 145.6 grams of fentanyl pills (30 pills), 25.9 grams of crystal meth, 26.7 grams of cocaine, 82.3 grams of an unknown substance, and other paraphernalia. All migrants from Guatemala and Mexico including an unaccompanied juvenile from Mexico, were found in good health, and transported for processing.    

“El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents continue to successfully disrupt human smuggling schemes and the illicit operations of Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said El Paso Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez. “I am grateful for our law enforcement partnerships at the state, local and federal level. This alliance of law enforcement partners is vital in combating these dangerous criminal organizations.”

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.

McAllen City Administrators Recognized for Lifetime, Mentoring Awards

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McAllen City Administrators Recognized for Lifetime, Mentoring Awards
The Texas City Managers Association (TCMA) is proud to announce not one, but two City of McAllen administrators as recipients of two 2023 TCMA Professional Awards. Courtesy Images. Bgd Image Source visitmcallen.com
The Texas City Managers Association (TCMA) is proud to announce not one, but two City of McAllen administrators as recipients of two 2023 TCMA Professional Awards. Courtesy Images. Bgd Image Source visitmcallen.com

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The Texas City Managers Association (TCMA) is proud to announce not one, but two City of McAllen administrators as recipients of two 2023 TCMA Professional Awards. McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award of the 2023 TCMA Professional Awards, which recognizes city management professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of local government management for more than 20 years.  Assistant City Manager Joe Vera is being honored with the Mentoring Award in Memory of Gary Gwyn which recognizes a city management professional who has made significant contributions in the development of new talent and who has designed and implemented outstanding career development programs for local government employees.   

“McAllen City Manager Rodriguez was selected for the vast accomplishments the City of McAllen has made under his leadership for the benefit of its residents, businesses as well as its own employees; for the strides he made in other communities he worked in; and for serving as an example and a leader, including providing support, to neighboring cities in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond,” said Jay Stokes, president of TCMA and City Manager for the City of Deer Park. 

“Equally deserving is McAllen Assistant City Manager Vera,” Stokes continued. “Throughout his career, whether it was in municipal leadership roles or the countless industry and community organizations he served, his leadership philosophy is his commitment to developing new talent and building top level performing teams, with a strategic mentorship approach.”  

These sentiments are echoed in the words of McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, who said, “What has impressed me most about both City Manager Rodriguez and Assistant City Manager Vera are that their management and mentorship style is how they help make everyone around them better because they believe in their talent and skills.  They are able to motivate employees and commissioners alike to help make the entire City of McAllen the example by which other municipalities measure themselves against.”

With a state and municipal government career that spans over 30 years, Rodriguez has consistently embodied the highest standards of governance, service, leadership and ethics. Equally important, throughout his career, he has led with a spirit of inclusivity and diversity. He is highly regarded for his visionary leadership and enthusiasm for building strong teams. This is especially evident whenever Rodriguez reaches out to other communities to offer support, share ideas and promote the profession of city management. 

Vera, with an equally long and impressive career in municipal, economic development, event management, has always served the community in ways that created an impact for both residents and most especially, those he worked with by developing talents, partnerships and opportunities for professional growth for employees and staff, ensuring that his leadership, experience and institutional knowledge was shared.  

Both Rodriguez and Vera were nominated by TCMA Region 10, the region to which the City of McAllen is a part of through the Texas Municipal League (TML).

The presentation of awards will be held at the TCMA Annual Conference Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 9 at Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas.

Laredo Sector BP Halts Human Smuggling Attempt

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Laredo Sector BP Halts Human Smuggling Attempt
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station halted a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station halted a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station halted a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas.

Human Smuggling. USCBP Image
Human Smuggling. USCBP Image

On Feb. 7, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties, observed several individuals getting into two vehicles near downtown Laredo.  Border Patrol agents successfully deployed a vehicle immobilization device to attempt to stop both vehicles.

Moments later, agents were able to apprehend 14 individuals from both vehicles. The individuals were transported to the Laredo South Station where record checks revealed that 10 individuals were in the country illegally. Everyone including the drivers were taken into custody to be processed accordingly.

Vipers Fall to Sao Paulo at FIBA Intercontinental Cup  

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Vipers Fall to Sao Paulo at FIBA Intercontinental Cup  
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo on Friday night during the first semi-final game of the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Santiago Martin Arena in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain). Image for illustration purposes
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo on Friday night during the first semi-final game of the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Santiago Martin Arena in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain). Image for illustration purposes

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TENERIFE, Spain – The Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the NBA G League affiliate of the Houston Rockets, fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo on Friday night during the first semi-final game of the 2023 FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Santiago Martin Arena in San Cristobal de La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain).

Jalen Lecque scored the first basket of the game, but after that it was a tight race between both teams. At one point the game was tied 16-16. Sao Paulo then pulled away on a 4-0 run which gave the team a 20-16 lead over the Vipers. Sao Paulo then went on to score four more points while only allowing the Vipers to score two points which sent the game into the second quarter with a 24-18 lead for Sao Paulo. 

Sao Paulo opened up the second half by going on a 9-0 run which gave the team a 33-18 lead with less than six minutes to go. Sao Paulo continued to extend its lead throughout the quarter as the team scored 13 more points and only allowed the Vipers to score 12 points which allowed the team to walk away with a 46-30 lead at the half. 

Despite the Vipers efforts to come back in the third and fourth quarter, the team was unable to come back and fell 70-91 to Sao Paulo.

Shawn Occeus led the Vipers with 17 points. Cassius Stanley put up 13 points. Jarrett Culver reached a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Jalen Lecque scored 10 points. 

The Vipers continue its run in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup on Sunday, Feb. 12 as the team looks to capture a third-place finish against the winner between Lenovo Tenerife and US Monastir. Tip-off time is to be determined. For more information visit www.rgvipers.com. 

About the RGV Vipers and NBA G League

The four-time champion Rio Grande Valley Vipers are the NBA G League affiliate of the NBA Houston Rockets. The Vipers won the NBA G League Championship in 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2022. In 2013, the Vipers were also named the NBA G League Development Champions, which recognized the team that best embodies the NBA G League’s goals of developing NBA-caliber basketball talent via call-ups and assignments. The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, training and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory.  Featuring 30 teams, 28 with direct affiliations to NBA franchises for 2023-23, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.  A record 47 percent of all players on 2022-23 NBA opening night rosters boasted NBA G League experience.  In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.

Operation Lone Star Busts Mexican Drug Cartels’ Expanding Reach

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Operation Lone Star Busts Mexican Drug Cartels’ Expanding Reach
The Texas National Guard installed the newest border barrier on the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass made of razor wire along the tops of CONEX shipping containers. The location was chosen because of its previous popularity for illegal crossings due to limited obstacles. Photo:US Military Department
The Texas National Guard installed the newest border barrier on the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass made of razor wire along the tops of CONEX shipping containers. The location was chosen because of its previous popularity for illegal crossings due to limited obstacles. Photo:US Military Department

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 348,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 24,000 criminal arrests, with more than 22,000 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 361 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.

Texas has also bused more than 9,100 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 5,200 migrants to New York City since August 5, more than 1,500 migrants to Chicago since August 31, and more than 890 migrants to Philadelphia since November 15.

Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s open border policies.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:

WATCH: Governor Abbott Discusses New Border Czar’s Role In Protecting Texans

Governor Abbott joined Austin’s KEYE this week to highlight the significant responsibilities Texas’ new Border Czar is undertaking to fill the dangerous gaps created by the President Biden’s open border policies. Additionally, the Governor points out President Biden has failed to respond to any one of his eight letters on how to enforce U.S. immigration laws and secure the border, including the letter Governor Abbott hand-delivered to President Biden during his first and only visit to the southern border last month.

“[The Biden Administration] has left Texas as a frontier outpost, leaving us to our own devices to have to secure our own border,” said Governor Abbott. “That’s why I hired someone who served in Border Patrol for more than 20 years in leadership positions, including the Border Patrol headquarters in Washington, D.C., to be the first Border Czar in the history of Texas to help lead our efforts on the border.”

Texas National Guard Installs Shipping Containers, Razor Wire

The Texas National Guard installed the newest border barrier on the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass made of razor wire along the tops of CONEX shipping containers. The location was chosen because of its previous popularity for illegal crossings due to limited obstacles.

WATCH: DPS Busts Fentanyl Lab In Houston Disguised As Car Rental Business

Earlier this week, Fox News’ Bill Melugin reported on DPS busting a fentanyl pill lab in Houston disguised as a car rental business. 

On January 30, DPS raided the facility and discovered pill press machines, more than 17 lbs of possible fentanyl precursors from China, suspected counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl, and fentanyl-laced Oxycodone. Authorities also found cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine pills, a stolen vehicle, three pistols, and a rifle.

WATCH: DPS Chases Human Smuggler On High-Speed Pursuit In La Salle County

A human smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed vehicle pursuit on I-35 in La Salle County. The driver, from California, eventually drove off the road before bailing out. Troopers and local police arrested and charged the driver with human smuggling and evading arrest. Several illegal immigrants jumped from the vehicle when it stopped, hopped a private ranch fence, and ran toward the brush. Eight illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.

DPS Special Agents Locate Semi-Truck With 17 Illegal Immigrants In Laredo

Photo: Texas DPS

On Sunday, special agents from the DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) found 17 illegal immigrants inside a semi-truck trailer in Northwest Laredo. The driver, Hugo Cesar Saavedra, 55, of Zapata, was charged with smuggling of persons. Saavedra also had an active warrant out of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office for DWI. The illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol. CID special agents are investigating the case further.

WATCH: DPS Troopers Rescue Infant From Human Smuggling Attempt

During a traffic stop along Highway 377 in Edwards County, a DPS trooper noticed an unrestrained infant in a car seat. The driver and passenger, both from Dallas, admitted to picking up illegal immigrants to smuggle them. Both the driver and passenger were arrested and charged with human smuggling of persons under the age of 18. The illegal immigrants, including the infant from Honduras, were referred to Border Patrol.

WATCH: DPS RGV Brush Team Makes 129 Apprehensions In Specialized Operation

During a specialized brush and human smuggling operation, the DPS Rio Grande Valley Brush Team made 129 apprehensions, identified eight and arrested three human smuggling guides, and apprehended three special interest immigrants from China.

Del Rio Sector Agents Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders 

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<strong>Del Rio Sector Agents Arrest Two Child Sex Offenders </strong>
 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 for illustration purposes
 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 for illustration purposes

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. 6, while conducting line watch operations, Eagle Pass Station agents encountered nine subjects attempting to avoid detection. All subjects were apprehended and transported to a processing center. Record checks revealed that Alex Alvarado-Benites, 31, a Honduran national, was convicted of endangering the welfare of a child, and sexual assault of a child, in Delaware, in 2010. Alvarado-Benites was sentenced to two years confinement and was most recently deported in 2010.

Feb. 8, Eagle Pass South Station agents encountered two subjects attempting to avoid detection and determined they were illegally present in the United States. Both subjects were apprehended and transported to a processing center. Record checks revealed that Celso Antonio Orellana-Lopez, 36, a Salvadoran national, was convicted of assault with intent to rape, in California, in 2016. He was sentenced to 364 days confinement and 60 months probation. Orellana-Lopez was most recently deported in 2016.

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.

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