U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Anzalduas and Hidalgo International Bridges apprehended two U.S. citizen men wanted for sexual assault on children in two separate incidents. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Anzalduas and Hidalgo International Bridges apprehended two U.S. citizen men wanted for sexual assault on children in two separate incidents.
“Our vigilant CBP officers screen all travelers entering the United States and are committed to bringing people to face their charges. Especially those wanted for heinous crimes against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
On November 20, CBP officers at the Anzalduas International Bridge encountered 51-year-old Jorge Castillo as he arrived from Mexico and immediately secured him after discovering Castillo was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Upon investigation, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with an active arrest warrant from Dallas County Sheriff’s Office in Dallas, Texas. Castillo has been wanted stemming from allegations from an incident earlier this month and faces aggravated sexual assault of a child charges, a first-degree felony in the state of Texas.
A Hidalgo County deputy sheriff arrived to take custody of Castillo and transported him to the county jail to await extradition to Dallas, Texas.
On November 21, CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered 22-year-old Alfonso Rios Garcia as he arrived from Mexico and immediately secured him after discovering Rios was a possible match to an arrest warrant. During the secondary inspection, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with an active arrest warrant from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Rios has been wanted stemming from allegations from an incident in August of 2022 and faces sexual assault of a child charges, a second-degree felony in the state of Texas.
A Hidalgo County deputy sheriff arrived to take custody of Rios and transported him to the county jail.
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Monjaraz-Perez to serve 200 months in federal prison. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican citizen has been sent to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to transport over four thousand pounds of marijuana, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jorge Monjaraz-Perez pleaded guilty Jan. 13.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Monjaraz-Perez to serve 200 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Monjaraz-Perez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Monjaraz-Perez coordinated with a drug trafficking organization and was also manager in that organization, facilitating the trafficking of the drug loads in numerous different ways. Judge Rodriguez further noted that this wasn’t aberrant behavior and that Monjaraz-Perez trafficked a large amount of marijuana over several different events.
At the time of his plea, Monjaraz-Perez admitted he conspired with a drug trafficking organization to transport at least 1,886 kilograms of marijuana.
He also acknowledged running a marijuana stash house located in Brownsville and participating in at least 12 drug trafficking loads. Law enforcement seized marijuana from 7 different events in Brownsville near the Rio Grande River, each load ranging between 91 kilograms and 528 kilograms.
Monjaraz-Perez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Lindenmuth prosecuted the case.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South station collaborated efforts with law enforcement to close a stash house in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to Laredo South station collaborated efforts with law enforcement to close a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
On Nov. 18, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties, collaborated with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and Laredo Police Department (LPD), to close a stash house in South Laredo. A total of 13 individuals were apprehended.
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.
Governor Greg Abbott today greeted and served meals to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and Texas National Guard members stationed on the border over Thanksgiving for Operation Lone Star (OLS) in Edinburg. Photo: Office of the Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today greeted and served meals to Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and Texas National Guard members stationed on the border over Thanksgiving for Operation Lone Star (OLS) in Edinburg. Prior to visiting troopers and National Guard members at the DPS hanger in Edinburg, the Governor stopped by Delia’s to pick up tamales for the service members.
Governor Making a special trip to Edinburg for Operation Lone Star Prior to visiting troopers and National Guard members at the DPS hanger in Edinburg, the Governor stopped by Delia’s to pick up tamales for the service members. Photo: Office of the GovernorTexas DPS Troopers with the Governor. Photo: Office of the Governor
“Texas is thankful for the tireless commitment and selfless service of our brave DPS troopers and Texas National Guard members as they work around-the-clock to secure our southern border and keep Texans safe,” said Governor Abbott. “This Thanksgiving, I ask all Texans to join me in thanking the dedicated men and women stationed along the border for Operation Lone Star as they continue serving our state and ensuring the safety of our communities this holiday season.”
Texas National Guard Troops with the Governor. Photo: Office of the Governor
Governor Abbott was joined by DPS Director Steve McCraw, Texas Military Department Adjutant General Thomas Suelzer, and other state and local officials at the visit to thank DPS troopers and National Guard members for their service and sacrifice as part of the OLS mission to secure the border.
Data released by the Texas Workforce Commission indicates that upstream oil and gas employment in Texas continued to grow in October, with the sector adding 2,800 jobs. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Data released by the Texas Workforce Commission indicates that upstream oil and gas employment in Texas continued to grow in October, with the sector adding 2,800 jobs. Also notably, the job gain for September was revised upward to 2,200 from the original estimate of 900.
“Texas oil and natural gas producers are steadily adding jobs as our state’s economy continues to strengthen even amidst high inflation, a testament to our state’s free-market principles and the oil and natural gas industry’s commitment to producing the fuel and products that power modern life,” said Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association. “Even as global unrest persists, this industry’s focus on providing energy security and economic strength for our state and nation remains steadfast.”
TXOGA Chart
Since the COVID-low point of September of 2020, months of increase in upstream oil and gas employment in Texas have outnumbered months of decrease by 22 to 3. Since the COVID-low point, industry has added 50,000 Texas upstream jobs, averaging growth of 2,000 jobs a month. At 207,000 upstream jobs, compared to the same month in the prior year, October 2022 jobs were up by 36,500, or 21.4%, over October of 2021. These jobs pay among the highest wages in Texas, with employers in oil and natural gas paying an average salary of approximately $109,000 in 2021.
TXOGA Chart
Oil and gas extraction is upstream activity, meaning that it excludes other sectors in the industry such as refining, petrochemicals, fuels wholesaling, oilfield equipment manufacturing, pipelines, and gas utilities. The employment shown also includes “Support Activities for Mining”, which is mostly oil and gas-related but includes some small amount of other types of mining, also.
Every year, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts prepares a document detailing the financial status of the State of Texas. The 2022 report (for the fiscal year ended August 31) was recently released. It paints an interesting picture that is well worth exploring. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
Every year, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts prepares a document detailing the financial status of the State of Texas. The 2022 report (for the fiscal year ended August 31) was recently released. It paints an interesting picture that is well worth exploring.
Net revenues increased by $12.8 billion (7.5%) over 2021 and totaled $183.3 billion. Net expenditures for all funds were up $15.2 billion (10.4%) to reach $161.8 billion. Texas ended fiscal 2022 with a cash balance in the State Treasury of $33.7 billion, which is well over double the prior year.
The primary reason for the increase in revenue was that tax collections (the largest revenue category) increased by $15.7 billion (25.6%) to reach $77.2 billion. Within that category, sales taxes – which represent 55.7% of total taxes and 23.4% of total revenue for the state – rose by 19.3%. Other important taxes were also higher, including motor vehicle sales and rental taxes (up 12.5%), oil production taxes (up a whopping 84.4%), franchise tax (up 25.2%), and natural gas production taxes (lurching upward by 185.0%). The energy sector also generates notable royalty income including almost $4.0 billion in 2022.
Federal income, the second largest revenue category, actually decreased $9.2 billion (11.2%) as the various COVID-19-related payments waned. Most of the federal money goes to medical aid and public assistance programs, education, and highways.
On the expenditure side, public assistance payments ranked as the largest category with 43.1% of the total; these outlays were $69.8 billion in fiscal 2022, up 18.6%. Looking at it by function, health and human services (which includes the public assistance payments and Medicaid) is the largest. Education is second largest, totaling $49.5 billion in fiscal 2022, a $4.6 billion (10.4%) increase over fiscal 2021. Other large expenditure categories include highway construction and maintenance, salaries and wages for state employees, employee benefits, and various goods and services.
The bottom line is quite simple. As the economy continued to recover from the pandemic, taxes increased. With the energy sector seeing a surge in response to higher global demand and events such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, oil and gas production taxes (and royalties) also rose dramatically. Federal income was down some as pandemic-related programs ended. The State spent more to help people with basic needs and boosted education funds.
There’s quite a bit of money in the bank for the legislature to divvy up next spring. Education and infrastructure need to be prioritized, as does spending for programs crucial to some of the state’s most vulnerable residents which even pay for themselves over time (food banks, indigent care, and home health to name but a few). The State is on solid financial ground. That’s good news! Stay safe!
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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.
The Pharr International Bridge held a luncheon workshop for the National Importers and Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM) on Thursday, November 17th at the Pharr Bridge Administration Building to discuss and promote growth and trade with Mexico. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The Pharr International Bridge held a luncheon workshop for the National Importers and Exporters Association of Mexico (ANIERM) on Thursday, November 17th at the Pharr Bridge Administration Building to discuss and promote growth and trade with Mexico. Elected officials, trade, export, produce, investors, and logistic personnel from both Mexico and the United States were in attendance including Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro.
As part of the workshop, the City of Pharr and ANIERM leaders agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a Global Entities Economic Partnership between the City of Pharr, Texas, and the ANIERM, México. The objective of the MOU is to formalize a bilateral relationship to promote growth and expand economic opportunities for both entities, through joint initiatives in trade, investment, innovation, and knowledge transfer.
Shown together after the signing of the historic MOU (L to R): Luiz Bazan, Pharr Bridge Director, Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro, and ANIERM representatives. Courtesy Image
“This partnership and agreement are important for The Pharr International Bridge because we are not only building the necessary infrastructure for the future, we are positioning ourselves strategically to capture in-demand trade, we invest in infrastructure, we invest in personnel, we invest in technology and process improvements, but we always keep in mind that it’s all about investing in business relationships to meet our objective of continuous improvement by listening to the voice of the customer.”
These initiatives will be conducted to increase business opportunities and strengthen the cultural, historic, and economic ties between the entities. This will help develop a strong infrastructure, partnerships, and long-term goals on both sides of the border which will benefit the binational partnership.
(L to R): Ricardo Medina, Pharr City Commissioner, and ANIERM President Dr. José Gerardo Tajonar Castro. Courtesy Image
“We look forward to working together through our MOU to promote growth and expand economic opportunities on both sides of the border through joint initiatives at our port of entry,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is a historic step forward for both our countries and will help to solidify our binational relationship and presence as we collaborate to expand our international trading capacity,” he added. “There is so much to be done and we have already hit the ground running,” Hernandez said.
Attendees participated in a round table discussion focused on binational commerce, witnessed both Pharr and ANIERM leaders sign the MOU, learned about the City of Pharr’s role as the leader in the region for cross-border trade, the 3rd fastest growing land port in the state and the 7th ranked in the nation by value of goods crossed, networked with authorities and companies from both the United States and Mexico, and ended the meeting with a tour of the Pharr International Bridge projects under construction, local warehousing, and distribution facilities and trade routes. This will mark the first of many future forums and special meetings held between the two entities.
Answering questions after the meeting. Courtesy Image
Pictured (L-R) Mario Lizcano, Estella Lopez, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Michael J. Williamson, and Ronnie Larralde at Edinburg Chamber “Casino Night” Installation & Awards Banquet. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce held its 90th annual awards banquet on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The Edinburg Chamber recognized many leaders including the 2022 Man and Woman of the Year Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Estella Lopez of Sierra Title Co.
Senator Hinojosa was recognized as Man of the Year for being a champion for the City of Edinburg. One of his proudest achievements is the landmark legislation, Senate Bill 24 from 2013, which created UTRGV and the region’s first medical school. Both the university and the School of Medicine continue to transform the City of Edinburg and the Rio Grande Valley. With less than ten years since the passage of this legislation, the progress and success has already far exceeded the goals and expectations. The School of Medicine currently enrolls more than 200 medical school students, oversees 259 medical residents in the region, manages 31 UT Health RGV sites, and generates $154 million in annual revenue for the UTRGV School of Medicine alone.
Senator Hinojosa’s leadership and strong support for public education also has resulted in historic funding for our students and teachers. With the passage of House Bill 3 in 2019, a bill co-authored by Senator Hinojosa, Edinburg CISD received an increase in state funding of $22.2 million per year. This funding also allowed for teachers to receive an average salary increase of more than $3,000 per year. In January 2023, Senator Hinojosa will complete 20 years in the Texas Senate and 36 years of service to the State of Texas.
Lifetime Edinburg resident, Estella G. Lopez has been named the Edinburg Chamber’s 2022 Woman of the Year. Lopez was recognized at the Instillation banquet for paving the way for women in business. Throughout Lopez’s long career she has inspired women with her exemplary work ethic and commitment to serving her community.
In September 1945, Lopez completed her training at the McAllen Business College. Lopez first began her career at Fidelity Abstract in Edinburg, where she started out as a typist clerk for the abstractors on a manual typewriter. She quickly moved up the ranks as a secretary, then a closer, and eventually became the Fidelity Abstract Branch Manager. Lopez has been employed at Sierra Title Company for over 76 years and is still currently employed at the age of 94.
The Edinburg Chamber also recognized outgoing and incoming presidents of the board and directors who serve the organization with dedication and enthusiasm. Among them was the 2021-2022 President of the Board, Micheal J. Williamson of Texas National Bank. Williamson noted the chamber’s accomplishments which include an increase in membership by 28%, hosting over 60 ribbon cutting events, and delivering quality-of-life events such as Texas Cook’Em: High Steaks in Edinburg, Fiesta Edinburg, and the new South Texas Builders Expo.
Also honored that evening was the incoming Chairman of the Board, Mario Lizcano of DHR Health. Lizcano addressed the attendees with the organization’s goals for the upcoming year. Which includes continuing to promote tourism initiatives through the Explore Edinburg campaign. Establish a Downtown Association to help with the city’s revitalization efforts to Edinburg’s historic downtown square. Lizcano also wants to dedicate some efforts on the city’s youth in hopes of launching a junior ambassador program. The purpose of the Junior Ambassador Program is to encourage High School students to become active in the Edinburg community.
This is a just a few of the initiatives he plans for the upcoming
This year Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes:
Mario Lizcano – President
Michael J Williamson- Immediate Past President
Kelly Salazar – Incoming President
Carlos Guajardo – Treasurer
Marsha Green – Vice President of Special Events
Dipa Govind – Vice President of Tourism
Albert Rego – Vice President of Public Affairs
Ruben De Jesus – Vice President of Leadership
Nick Cantu – Vice President of Membership
Seth Jones – Director
Ruby Casas – Director
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce would also like to recognize the 2022 Ambassador of the Year Frank Lara with Love Christian Gifts and 2022 Leadership Award Recipient Dr. Aaron Salinas with the UTRGV School of Medicine. For more information on the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce please visit www.edinburg.com.
Can you provide the gift of warmth and open up your home to foster a dog in need this holiday season? Images courtesy of PVAS
Texas Border Business
The cold fronts have pushed through, giving us a preview of the harsh winter weather we can expect in the coming weeks. While many embrace the crisp air with excitement, curling up on the couch with hot chocolate and a good movie, our shelter pups don’t have the luxury of enjoying this temperature drop. Nearly 500 PVAS dogs are housed in our outside kennels, and our pets rely on donated blankets and cuddling up with one another to stay warm and dry.
Can you provide the gift of warmth and open up your home to foster a dog in need this holiday season? Our pups don’t need much except a warm place to lay their heads and food to fill their bellies, so if you have a little bit of space for an extra guest this Thanksgiving, stop by our Trenton location any time during operating hours (11 am – 7 pm) to pick up a foster dog for the long weekend! You’ll be sparing them from a night out in the cold and giving them a much-needed break from the kennel until temperatures rise again next week.
Pictured above left to right: Dennis E. Nixon, chairman and CEO of IBC Bank, Dr. James Allison and Dr. Padmanee Sharma. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – IBC Bank/Commerce Bank and communities across Texas have raised more than $2.2 million through this year’s “Give Cancer the Boot” campaign benefitting The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Customers, friends and neighbors rallied to raise more than $1 million from April 15 through September 15, 2022. Every dollar raised was matched by the IBC Foundation in order to reach a total of more than $2.2 million.
“It is phenomenal to see the continued support of our communities and customers in our shared mission to end cancer,” said Dennis E. Nixon, IBC Bank Chairman of the Board, IBC Foundation manager and a senior member of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors. “We have been a proud supporter of MD Anderson for many years. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those affected by cancer.”
Funds raised this year will support the James P. Allison Institute at MD Anderson. The visionary research and innovation hub was created to conduct groundbreaking science that will integrate immunobiology across disciplines and unlock the full potential of science and medicine for human health. The Allison Institute builds upon the legacy of its namesake, James P. Allison, Ph.D., regental chair of Immunology at MD Anderson, who was awarded the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for fundamental discoveries that launched the field of cancer immunotherapy.
Nixon and other IBC representatives joined Allison for a check presentation at IBC Bank’s Kirby Drive location in Houston, Texas.
“Thanks to the generosity of so many Texans, we are one step closer to Making Cancer History®,” said Allison. “The immune system has endless possibilities, and through the support of our communities and the incredible work of our colleagues, exceptional science will continue to drive our ambitious goals to bring cures to more patients.”
Ranked No. 1 in cancer care by U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Hospitals” annual survey, MD Anderson continues its mission to end cancer, one patient at a time. Cancer survivor, Jackie Rodriguez, served as IBC Bank’s campaign ambassador. Now 27, Jackie was diagnosed with osteochondroma, a type of bone cancer, at the age of 23. “Cancer is history for me!” Jackie exclaims. A recent graduate from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley , Rodriguez graced the 2022 campaign collateral as a cancer survivor and a testament to the research and treatment at MD Anderson.
MD Anderson has been committed to Making Cancer History® for more than 80 years. The institution is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. The institution oversees the largest clinical trials program in the nation, with more than 9,600 patients enrolled. Since 1944, more than 1.8 million patients have turned to MD Anderson for cancer care.
About IBC Bancshares
IBC Bank and Commerce Bank are members of International Bancshares Corporation (NASDAQ: IBOC), a $16.1 billion multi-bank financial holding company headquartered in Laredo, Texas, with 167 facilities and 257 ATMs serving 75 communities in Texas and Oklahoma. MEMBER FDIC / INTERNATIONAL BANCSHARES CORPORATION. Follow our Facebook page, @IBCBankWeDoMore. More information is available at ibc.com.
