Home Blog Page 1084

NGB Leadership Visits Texas National Guard Troops On The Border

TBB
-
0
NGB Leadership Visits Texas National Guard Troops On The Border
Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor for the Chief, National Guard Bureau, visits Texas Guardsmen, November 22-24, 2022, in Harlingen, Texas, to check the pulse of the soldiers and airmen during the Thanksgiving holiday. Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Peña
Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor for the Chief, National Guard Bureau, visits Texas Guardsmen, November 22-24, 2022, in Harlingen, Texas, to check the pulse of the soldiers and airmen during the Thanksgiving holiday. Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Peña

Texas Border Business

By Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth Peña 
Texas Military Department

HARLINGEN, Texas – Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor for the Chief, National Guard Bureau, visits Texas Guardsmen, November 22-24, 2022, in Harlingen, Texas, to check the pulse of the soldiers and airmen during the Thanksgiving holiday.

SEA Whitehead serves as the Chief’s principal military advisor on all enlisted matters affecting training, utilization, the health of the force, and enlisted professional development. As the highest enlisted level of National Guard leadership, he provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests.

“The purpose of the visit was to check on our soldiers and airmen working on Operation Lone Star,” said SEA Whitehead. “They’re Guardsmen, and I wanted to make sure that we had an opportunity to speak to them about their thoughts and ideas about the mission, how they were doing, how they felt about how the mission was going and any ideas that I needed to take back to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.”

Operation Lone Star is a state-led mission to respond to increased illegal immigration on the Texas-Mexico border. In May of 2021, Texas issued a disaster declaration covering 48 counties, primarily counties along or near the Texas – Mexico border. Currently, approximately 6,000 service members are deployed in support of Operation Lone Star.

During the visit, SEA Whitehead met with different units and components to get a full picture of the various mission sets of the state active-duty members, which included getting to ride on a Texas State Guard Center Console boat, used by Task Force East, known as the ‘river unit’ for the border mission. This unit uses TXSG flat-bottomed and center console boats in support of the border mission.

“Task Force East is responsible for four zones in the McAllen sector of the border. Our unit is specifically responsible for the river,” said Texas Army National Guard Capt. Mike Jones, commander of the TF East team. “Today, we were showcasing some of the highlights of both the Mexico and U.S. side such as landmarks, key areas the Cartel uses and Border Patrol use, you know, in the whole cat and mouse game of border security.”

Soldiers assigned to the river unit received recognition coins from SEA Whitehead for their outstanding work on the border. They had the opportunity to talk about their experiences on the mission with the highest enlisted leader in the National Guard.

“The Southwest Border Mission is a unique mission to the United States,” said SEA Whitehead. “For our soldiers and airmen doing the mission, this has been talked about a lot, and I think sometimes we forget that we’ve got people down there 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

As part of SEA Whitehead’s priority to seek opportunities for innovation and advancement within the ranks, SEA Whitehead asked service members to provide feedback to take back to the top [Pentagon].

“The visit was so great for my soldiers,” said Capt. Jones. “These guys [and gals] are all highly motivated, to begin with, but having leadership from NGB come down and see what they do on a day-to-day basis is a big deal.”

Some of the unit-level leadership also briefed SEA Whitehead on the morale of the Texas Guardsmen, stating there was an 86 percent volunteer rate for troops wishing to stay on the mission. These extension requests, leaders said, can be attributed to the pay incentives, time off to spend with family and the unique mission set the border mission provides. Through OLS, Texas Guardsmen can work in different units and alongside state partners like the Border Patrol Department of Public Safety, as well as the impact the mission has on the communities.

Reflecting on his visit, SEA Whitehead was incredibly impressed with the service members’ work and their commitment to serving the greater good.

“One of the best things I liked about what I heard was that they have been here long enough to see the difference they have made in what they’ve been doing. So, despite some of the things they’ve heard regarding the negative social media or negative press, they know that there’s been a positive difference in what they have been doing since they’ve been here.”

When asked why he chose to come during a Thanksgiving holiday, SEA Whitehead said he wanted to ensure our soldiers and airmen know military leaders in Washington, D.C., are mindful of their 24/7 commitment.

“When the holidays come around, I don’t know if people have the impression that things are halted because of it or that they are just comforted that we have military members down there on the Texas-Mexico border. Some of our Guardsmen have families that they’re separated from, that’s not just those deployed overseas but those deployed right here in the U.S.,” said SEA Whitehead. “So, it’s important for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, myself, and the rest of the leadership team to go down and tell them ‘Thank you’ for what they’re doing. We appreciate what they’re doing, and we must let them know they’re standing in a gap that’s extremely important to our nation’s security.”

Laredo CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Sought for Sexual Offense

TBB
-
0
Laredo CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Sought for Sexual Offense
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), officers at the Laredo Port of Entry, detained one male U.S. citizen wanted for a sexual offense against a child. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), officers at the Laredo Port of Entry, detained one male U.S. citizen wanted for a sexual offense against a child. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), officers at the Laredo Port of Entry, detained one male U.S. citizen wanted for a sexual offense against a child.

“Child sexual abuse is a serious violation of human well-being and of the law,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP collaborates with other law enforcement agencies to bring alleged offenders to justice.”

The fugitive apprehension occurred on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. A CBP officer inspecting vehicle traffic arriving from Mexico, referred Isaul Salinas, a 51-year-old male United States citizen, for a secondary inspection.  After escorting the passenger to secondary, subsequent biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed that the subject had an outstanding felony warrant for a sexual offense- fondling of a child, out of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, in Dallas, Texas. The warrant was confirmed to be active. The subject was turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to await criminal proceedings. 

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Two Stash Houses in Laredo Sector Closed

TBB
-
0
Two Stash Houses in Laredo Sector Closed
Record checks revealed all subjects were illegally present in the U.S. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Record checks revealed all subjects were illegally present in the U.S. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South Station closed two stash houses in Laredo, Texas.

On Nov. 30, Border Patrol agents working together with Webb County Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Laredo Police Department (LPD) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) closed two stash houses in South Laredo. After arriving at each residence, Border Patrol agents removed a total of seven individuals from both residences.  

Record checks revealed all subjects were illegally present in the U.S. They were from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and processed accordingly.

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 1-800-343-1994.

Officers Seize $8.3 Million in Meth at Laredo Port of Entry

TBB
-
0
Officers Seize $8.3 Million in Meth at Laredo Port of Entry
Buckets containing 913 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. USCBP Image
Buckets containing 913 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Colombia-Solidarity Bridge. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge seized methamphetamine that totaled over $8,300,000 in street value.

“Methamphetamine is a controlling and highly addictive chemical substance that gravely affects its consumers,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Officers at the Laredo Port of Entry utilize their enforcement strategies to target high-risk commodities and intercept these deadly narcotics at the border.”

The seizure occurred on Monday, Nov. 28, at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 34-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2005 International tractor hauling an empty trailer for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 913.50 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the tractor.

The narcotics had a combined street value of $8,399,905.

CBP seized the narcotics, the tractor and trailer. Both the driver and passenger were arrested. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents are investigating the seizure.

Annual Christmas for Kids Toy Giveaway, Dec.17th

TBB
-
0
Annual Christmas for Kids Toy Giveaway, Dec.17th
The Annual Christmas for Kids Event will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. at McAllen Municipal Park 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd McAllen, Texas. Image for illustration purposes
The Annual Christmas for Kids Event will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. at McAllen Municipal Park 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd McAllen, Texas. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Mayor Javier Villalobos and the City Commission invite you to register your children for the annual Christmas for Kids Toy Give Away.

The Annual Christmas for Kids Event will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:30 A.M. at McAllen Municipal Park 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd McAllen, Texas

Registration Schedule:  

December 5, 2022 through December 9, 2022 (Monday-Friday)

December 12, 2022 through December 14, 2022 (Monday-Wednesday)

Times: 12:00 p.m. (noon) to 6:00 pm

 Registration Requirements:

Children 12 years of age and under,

Bring proof of the child’s age,

The child must be present on the day of the event to receive a toy, snack, 

and drink.

Delay in Passing Defense Bill Jeopardizes National Security

TBB
-
0
Delay in Passing Defense Bill Jeopardizes National Security
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the critical need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and urged Leader Schumer to bring it to the floor for a vote before the end of the year. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the critical need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and urged Leader Schumer to bring it to the floor for a vote before the end of the year. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) discussed the critical need to pass the National Defense Authorization Act and urged Leader Schumer to bring it to the floor for a vote before the end of the year. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here. 

“From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the Chinese Communist Party’s growing hostility to the West, to North Korea and Iran’s nuclear aspirations, to a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, the threats we face today are as diverse as they are significant.”

“We’re now in a position where we can’t choose between a large force and an advanced one. We need both.” 

“Another short-term funding bill would hamstring the procurement of those needed weapons and other military assets. It would lead to delays in all three legs of the nuclear triad, stall our research and development efforts, delay critical investments in barracks, child care centers, and other infrastructure projects. It would disrupt the training schedule for our brave service members. It would cause unnecessary disruptions of military families who already are sacrificing a lot, and it would hamper our recruitment efforts in an all-volunteer military.”

“Stopgap funding bills should only be used as a last resort. They are not a responsible way for Congress to operate or for the U.S. government to govern.”

“Our Democratic colleagues have had a majority in both the Senate and the House and despite having ample time, they failed to advance any appropriations bills so far this year.” 

“This is a miserable way and, frankly, an embarrassing way for Congress to do business, and it is potentially dangerous, too.”

“Our colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee, led by Senator Reed, a Democrat, Senator Inhofe, a Republican, completed their work on the national defense authorization bill last summer. This year’s national defense authorization bill was filed on July 18, four and a half months ago.”

“Now we’re at the end of November, and the national defense authorization bill hasn’t even hit the Senate floor. So not only are we talking about not appropriating the money so that our national security leaders can plan and implement the sort of needed investments that are critical in a great power competition – we don’t even have the authorization bill on the floor.” 

“There’s no question that we have to get this done before the end of the year.”

“Our adversaries are watching us, and when they see us inflicting self-inflicted damage to our credibility and our commitment to national security, they don’t fail to notice. By failing to pass the national defense authorization bill and the appropriations bill, we will be stealing time that the Defense Department does not have.”

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.

One Million and Counting

TBB
-
0
One Million and Counting
Job openings in Texas as of September reached an all-time high at 1,026,000. Image for illustration purposes
Job openings in Texas as of September reached an all-time high at 1,026,000. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President
Chief Executive Officer
of The Perryman Group

Job openings in Texas as of September reached an all-time high at 1,026,000. According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the state has once again topped one million openings after a few months below that level (initially reached in June). 

Last September, there were 855,000 openings in Texas; the current number represents a sizable gain. For the United States, the increase was much smaller (from 10,673,000 in September 2021 to 10,717,000 this year). Stated differently, the overall growth in openings in Texas over the past year is almost four times the number for the entire country.  

Nationally, the number of job openings increased from August to September by 437,000. Texas accounted for the largest increase of any state (+96,000). Michigan (+58,000) and Virginia (+40,000) also saw significant escalation. Note that these estimates are seasonally adjusted, thus accounting for typical variations. 

BLS also tracks the job openings rate, which is the number of job openings as a percentage of the sum of employment and job openings. The US level is 6.5%, and Texas is 7.0%. There are 16 states with rates above 7.0%. Among the highest are Alaska, Wyoming, and Virginia. Among other large states, California is 6.1% and Florida is 6.0%. 

It’s not necessarily a “win” to be high on the job opening roster. While plentiful open positions are beneficial to individuals looking for employment (assuming they have the needed skills), it’s a problem for businesses. Not only are expansion plans jeopardized, but so are normal operations. They are generally a sign of strength, but also a harbinger of capacity limits going forward. Texas is blessed with an expanding pool of current and potential future workers but must invest in education and training to transform this resource into reality. 

In Texas, there are almost twice as many job openings as there are unemployed persons. The Texas unemployment rate in September was 3.8%. In some metropolitan areas, it was below 3.0% (such as Amarillo (2.8%), Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown (2.8%), and Midland (2.9%)). 

Economists generally consider 4.0% to be “full employment,” which is the level of maximum jobs with the economy still able to function efficiently. When it goes much below that, issues arise such as not being able to fill jobs promptly. 

A million open jobs across the state is a two-edged achievement. It’s no doubt a sign of economic vitality and dynamism, but also of the potential for worker shortages. Having a large cadre of available jobs is far better than rampant unemployment, but can become problematic. Thus far, Texas has successfully navigated the tight labor market conditions and continued to add jobs at a notable pace. To sustain this pattern will require concerted action. Stay safe!  

___________________________

Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of more than 3,000 clients over the past four decades.

Attempted Smuggling of Cocaine Through SENTRI Lane 

TBB
-
0
Attempted Smuggling of Cocaine Through SENTRI Lane 
 
SENTRI cocaine seizure. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Stanton Street dedicated commuter lane border crossing seized 19.78 pounds of cocaine from a traveler enrolled in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane.

“The use of SENTRI is a privilege but participants are not exempt from inspection,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “Although the program allows expedited screening for pre-approved, low risk travelers, our officers maintain their vigilance and trust but verify that users are not violating the law and the rules of the SENTRI program.”

The seizure occurred shortly after 11:30 a.m. Nov. 28, when a minivan arrived at the Stanton Street dedicated commuter lane from Mexico. A CBP officer conducting primary inspections selected and referred the vehicle for a secondary inspection. A non-intrusive x-ray scan and physical inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of multiple cocaine filled bundles hidden within the dashboard area. The driver was a 71-year-old male Mexican citizen.

The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP, and the driver was turned over to the El Paso Sheriff’s Office to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.

SENTRI is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports. Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.

52 Individuals Arrested at Laredo Sector

TBB
-
0
52 Individuals Arrested at Laredo Sector
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station working collaborative efforts with DPS yielded 52 individuals in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station working collaborative efforts with DPS yielded 52 individuals in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station working collaborative efforts with DPS yielded 52 individuals in Laredo, Texas.

On Nov. 28, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties received an assistance call by DPS at Enlace Road in south Laredo. DPS had discovered a total of 52 individuals in a tractor-trailer and a nearby storage container. All the people were turned over to Border Patrol where record checks were conducted. 

All the people found were in the country illegally.  They were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. All were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol and were processed accordingly.

DPS took possession of the tractor-trailer as it was reported as stolen by Laredo Police Department.

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 1-800-343-1994.

Student Recruitment Team Makes Impact on Prospective Students

TBB
-
0
Student Recruitment Team Makes Impact on Prospective Students
Jose Vasquez, TSTC’s Auto Collision and Management Technology program director in Harlingen, explains how to operate the paint spray booth’s control panel to Porter Early College High School students during a recent recruitment tour. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas – November has been a busy time for the Student Recruitment department at Texas State Technical College, and prospective students from area high schools are learning what makes TSTC an exceptional institution.

One recent visit was by Porter Early College High School in Brownsville. Some 150 seniors were greeted by six TSTC recruiters and other team members to visit with program instructors to learn more about the curricula.

Students visited programs such as Auto Collision and Management Technology, Automotive Technology, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Dental Hygiene, HVAC Technology, Nursing, and Surgical Technology, as well as some of the college’s online options, including Cybersecurity, Drafting and Design, and Health Information Technology.

Additionally, presentations by TSTC’s Advocacy and Resource Center, Career Services, Enrollment Services, and Student Housing reflected important resources that are available to those who decide to enroll.

Augustin Cardenas, one of the high school students, was excited to tour the Nursing and Surgical Technology programs.

“I enjoyed observing the instruments that both programs showed us,” he said. “Each program also explained what to expect in those work environments. I appreciated that they treated us nicely as well.”

Lesly Valles, another student, said TSTC’s Dental Hygiene program caught her interest.

“I have always wanted to be a dentist,” she said. “If I chose this pathway, it would be a great starting point to get there. I was introduced to the health care field through the dual enrollment pathway at my high school.”

Daniel Martinez, a Porter Early College High School auto collision teacher, said TSTC is a great option because the technical programs are offered locally.

“I enjoyed seeing the college students perform many of the hands-on activities,” he said. “The lab time and the training equipment in each of the programs also intrigued me.”

Marivela Vela, a counselor at the high school, said she was fascinated by the presentations in each program.

“The students were amazed when they learned about the job duties for each program,” she said. “The program directors explained their respective profession is rewarding for those who it appeals to. There is a high demand, with a great-paying salary, and you work your way up the career ladder.”

Janet Alfaro, coordinator of Student Recruitment for TSTC’s Harlingen campus, said the increase in recruitment tours demonstrates that secondary schools are noticing the importance of the industry-relevant technical programs offered at TSTC.

“TSTC is the first college that many of the students have applied to,” she said. “Although they have other institutions to review, we set the bar high through our program visits and perspectives from current students who shared their insight.”

Registration for TSTC’s spring semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

1...1,0831,0841,085...2,441Page 1,084 of 2,441