Community Press conference to announce stadium fan experience to the 2022 presentation of the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B on November 1st with a special Appearance by Dallas Cowboys #7 Trevon Diggs. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
The McAllen International Airport, Official South Texas Airport of the Dallas Cowboys is bringing that high-flying stadium experience to the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group! Find out how to enjoy the ultimate fan experience under and with the stars at this year’s Christmas celebration!
Courtesy Image
The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group and proudly sponsored by Reliant, McAllen International Airport and South Padre Island CVB. Other sponsors for the 2022 presentation of the McAllen Holiday Parade include Budweiser, McAllen I.S.D.; McAllen International Bridge System; McAllen Public Utility; Matt’s Building Materials; Metro McAllen; University of Texas-RGV; Peña Eye Institute; Linebarger Attorneys at Law; McAllen Chamber of Commerce/MXLAN; PepsiCo.; McAllen Public Works; Tres Lagos Master Planned Community; AEP Texas; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Lacks; Doña Lula; Hermes; Cigna; Taco Palenque; Carollo Engineers; South Texas College; KSA Engineers; Halff Associates; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; S&B Infrastructure; AMR; Cigna; IBC; South Texas Vo-Tech; McDonald’s; JP Morgan Chase; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; PNC Bank; Rise & Shine with Manny; General Mills; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Windfield Communities, Explore McAllen, Plains Capital Bank, Valley Aids Council.
WHO: McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos & McAllen City Commission
City of McAllen
McAllen Holiday Parade Sponsors and Media Partners
SPECIAL APPEARANCE by Dallas Cowboys #7 Trevon Diggs
WHAT: Community Press conference to announce stadium fan experience to the 2022 presentation of the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B
From L-R: Cesar Torres, Mission Chief of Police; Jaime Ayala, Edinburg Chief of Police; Richard Sanchez, DEA Special Agent; Eddie Guerra, Hidalgo County Sheriff; Victor Rodriguez, McAllen Chief of Police and Juan Gonzalez, Pharr Acting Chief of Police. Photo by Noah Mangum González
Texas Border Business
October 31 is the celebration of Halloween Night. Trick-or-treating is the activity of the day. Our streets will be filled with our KIDS in hopes of receiving treats. Trick-or-treating evolved so that entire communities could share the Halloween celebration by providing the neighborhood children with small treats.
Whereas the usual safety tips associated with this holiday will be emphasized, special attention will be focused on warnings against the most recent fentanyl threat: “rainbow fentanyl”.
“Since August 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners have found brightly colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills, nicknamed “rainbow fentanyl,” in 26 states. According to the DEA, “this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people.” The DEA has already seized more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and 980 pounds of fentanyl powder from May through September of this year— the equivalent of 36 million lethal doses. And that was before “rainbow fentanyl” hit the market.” (Newhouse, D., Washington Examiner, October 25, 2022)
It is the sentiment and concern of the law enforcement officials listed below that the “Fentanyl threat requires a collective community effort to ensure that trick-or-treating remains safe Halloween activity”. Present during the event Edinburg Police Chief, Mission Police Chief, Pharr Police Chief, McAllen Police Chief and Hidalgo County Sheriff. The event took place at the Pharr One Building located on 1121 E. Nolana Loop in Pharr, Texas 78577. Cameraman Noah Mangum González
The El Paso region’s surge in illegal activity can be traced to mass migration from South America, according to DPS El Paso regional director Jose Sanchez. The El Paso region also has two major arteries into the interior of the U.S., making it a particularly desirable crossing for drug smugglers and human traffickers. (PHOTO: Texas Military Department)
Texas Border Business
OPERATION LONE STAR
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 319,000 migrant apprehensions and more than 21,000 criminal arrests, with more than 18,700 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 346 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
Texas has also bused over 8,200 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 3,400 migrants to New York City since August 5, and more than 1,100 migrants to Chicago since August 31. The busing mission is providing much-needed relief to our overwhelmed border communities.
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.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd in a discussion with Fox News about the record number of migrant deaths at the southern border. Despite President Biden claiming his open border policies are humane, a record 856 migrant deaths were reported in fiscal year 2022—more than double the record previous to his administration and outpacing the record set in fiscal year 2021.
“[The federal government] has failed to acknowledge the fact that we have a border crisis and has failed to acknowledge that not only Americans are dying [from fentanyl] but also migrants,” said Lt. Olivarez. “Everything we have been doing since last year with Operation Lone Star has been state funded, and we have not received any support or funding from the federal government. They need to acknowledge we have a crisis at our southern border, because it’s unacceptable.”
DPS troopers stopped a dump truck for a commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 35 in La Salle County. During the stop, numerous illegal immigrants fled from the truck’s cargo area and ran to the brush. The driver, from Poteet, was arrested and charged with 84 counts of human smuggling, and the illegal immigrants from Guatemala and Mexico were referred to Border Patrol.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez spoke with Newsmax to highlight the unprecedented crisis currently unfolding along the southern border that includes a record number of illegal immigrants, gotaways, and illegal drug seizures under President Biden. Following historic low numbers of illegal border crossings under President Trump, a record 2.37 million encounters were reported at the southern border in fiscal year 2022, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“[DPS has] to do our part to protect our citizens here in Texas, as well as the entire country,” said Lt. Olivarez. “The men and women of DPS are on the frontlines of this crisis, trying to stop the criminals, the gotaways, and the drugs that are coming across our ports of entry. It’s very important that Governor Abbott launched Operation Lone Star, but it all falls back onto what the federal government is failing to do, and that is securing our border—a primary responsibility.”
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez updated Fox News about human smuggling cases his agency is seeing along the southern border, which are predominately from Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Lt. Olivarez also discussed the statewide anti-fentanyl campaign Governor Abbott launched in partnership with state agencies to keep Texans safe from the deadly opioid flooding across the border from Mexico.
“[DPS’] main focus has been on the criminal activity, the flow of drugs and human smuggling cases,” said Lt. Olivarez. “Aside from the enforcement of anti-fentanyl measures, the most important thing is education and awareness. Especially as Halloween approaches, we’re seeing rainbow-colored fentanyl that looks like candy. The state is trying to raise awareness in schools and colleges of this potentially lethal poison.”
Texas National Guard Expands Border Operations To Address Surge In El Paso
Earlier this month, the Texas Military Department expanded its border response 400 miles west of its previous operation area to assist DPS troopers in stopping a major increase in illegal border crossings in the El Paso region. Soldiers contributed the techniques and equipment for detecting illegal crossings developed and refined over the course of the border mission.
The El Paso region’s surge in illegal activity can be traced to mass migration from South America, according to DPS El Paso regional director Jose Sanchez. The El Paso region also has two major arteries into the interior of the U.S., making it a particularly desirable crossing for drug smugglers and human traffickers.
“[The soldiers] do anything we ask,” said DPS Regional Director Sanchez. “I have never heard them say ‘no.’ They are always asking what they can do to help.”
A human smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed vehicle pursuit on U.S. 57 in Batesville County. The smuggler and the group of illegal immigrants bailed out and ran toward the brush. A total of six illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.
While patrolling a sector near Brownsville, a Texas National Guard soldier witnessed multiple illegal immigrants crossing the river. Soldiers apprehended the illegal immigrants and referred them to Border Patrol. Staff Sergeant Duncan Cate described the signs of illegal crossings that soldiers look for when patrolling areas along the border by vehicle and on foot.
“We look for footprints, signs in the brush or woods of laid-down grass, possible foot paths and areas of travel the individuals could possibly take,” said Staff Sergeant Cate, Task Force South. “We’re keeping Texans safe every day that we’re working down here—keeping illegal drugs and cartel members out of the state and ensuring everybody here in the State of Texas is safe.”
Texas National Guard Clears Land Known For Criminal Activity, Illegal Crossings
(PHOTO: Texas Military Department)
Texas National Guard engineers cleared 1.5 acres of dense overgrowth on land near the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley campus that was known for criminal activity and illegal river crossings. The National Guard had been asked by the university’s police department to clear the area, which posed a safety issue for the campus and provided illegal immigrants places to hide.
“[Illegal immigrants] were able to get into some covered brush areas on campus,” said 1st Lt. Chris Daniel, 176th Engineer Brigade, part of Task Force East Engineers. “They used it as concealment and to cross the campus and enter vehicles, which took them into the interior of the United States.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is advising the public of an alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. With Halloween coming up, you must be diligent in keeping your children safe. DEA Image
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration is advising the public of an alarming emerging trend of colorful fentanyl available across the United States. In August 2022, DEA and our law enforcement partners seized brightly-colored fentanyl and fentanyl pills in 18 states. Dubbed “rainbow fentanyl” in the media, this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people.
Watch the video below to hear how devastating this drug can be:
“Rainbow fentanyl—fentanyl pills and powder that come in a variety of bright colors, shapes, and sizes—is a deliberate effort by drug traffickers to drive addiction amongst kids and young adults,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA are relentlessly working to stop the trafficking of rainbow fentanyl and defeat the Mexican drug cartels that are responsible for the vast majority of the fentanyl that is being trafficked in the United States.”
More Brightly colored fentanyl. With Halloween coming up, you must be diligent in keeping your children safe. DEA Image
Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resembles sidewalk chalk. Despite claims that certain colors may be more potent than others, there is no indication through DEA’s laboratory testing that this is the case. Every color, shape, and size of fentanyl should be considered extremely dangerous.
More Brightly colored fentanyl. With Halloween coming up, you must be diligent in keeping your children safe. DEA Image
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which is equal to 10-15 grains of table salt, is considered a lethal dose. Without laboratory testing, there is no way to know how much fentanyl is concentrated in a pill or powder.
Watch the video below to hear how devastating this drug can be:
Fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Drug poisonings are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Fentanyl available in the United States is primarily supplied by two criminal drug networks, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
As little as 2mg. of Fentanyl is deadly. With Halloween coming up, you must be diligent in keeping your children safe. DEA Image
TSC is getting into the spirit of Halloween this weekend and Dia De Los Muertos next week. Don’t miss out as the oldest college in the Valley reaches into the past with public and free events for all ages. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
TSC is getting into the spirit of Halloween this weekend and Dia De Los Muertos next week. Don’t miss out as the oldest college in the Valley reaches into the past with public and free events for all ages.
First off on Saturday, Oct. 29…are you ready for a frightful evening of ghouls, scares and treats? The Office of Student Life and the Campus Activities Board will host an in-person Haunted House Tour!
Courtesy Image
Texas Southmost College’s Fort Brown Campus is going to get spookier than usual this Saturday night starting at 7 pm. The community is invited out to a free haunted house where the ghosts of forts and hospital’s past will haunt and spook the whole family.
Visit terrifyingly themed stations around the Fort Brown campus made to scare the sting out of even the toughest Scorpion. Receive a treat bag at the end of the tour and enjoy the mini fair that will take place to encourage all to absorb the spirit of Halloween.
This event is open to all TSC students, faculty, staff, and community. Save the date and spread the word with your family and friends!
“We’re excited to welcome students back to our great Fall events,” Kristin Garza said. “At TSC we like to go all-out and we look forward to families enjoying the festivities and joining us for a great time!”
On Wednesday, Nov. 2, Texas Southmost College is set to bring back an in-person Día De Los Muertos event.
Courtesy Image
This year will be a block-party style with the whole community encouraged to come out and honor friends and family that have come before us.
Students will walk a procession from the heart of campus to the Jacob Brown Auditorium parking lot where the festivities will continue. Student clubs will be displaying altars and selling snacks, faces will be painted and TSC will again show its close ties to the community.
Don’t miss out on these two fun events to get you into the spirit of the Fall!
South Texas College Student Services Specialist David Alejandro knew he wanted to return to the college that made his education possible and pass the mentorship he experienced to current STC students. STC Image
Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas – A new semester isn’t solely an exciting time for South Texas College students. Staff and faculty feel the anticipation, as well.
David Alejandro, a Student Services specialist at the Mid-Valley campus, said this semester on campus has brought an excitement that has been missing the last couple of years.
“The semester has been fantastic,” Alejandro said. “Students come in with a big smile, especially the students coming from high school. I know it was probably pretty rough for them, because they were like right in the thick of the pandemic. They’re seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just the dark part you have to go through in order to get to that light.”
Alejandro has dedicated 15 years of service to STC, first as a former Financial Aid technician to now as a Student Service specialist. He earned an Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership from STC.
Alejandro said he took a non-traditional path to complete his higher education. A 1995 Weslaco High School graduate, Alejandro returned to STC to complete his degree in the spring of 2017. He said college algebra was the one hurdle between him and completing his degree plan.
“When I went back to school I went slow to get my feet wet,” Alejandro said. “It was a long time since I had taken any classes. I even remember going online and watching YouTube videos to refresh my math before taking College Algebra. I could never excel any further because of that math class. But, I didn’t give up, no matter how many times I stumbled. I’ve always managed to get up.”
Alejandro says he often tells his former College Algebra professor, Adalberto Guerra of La Joya, that he is the reason he earned his degree. Alejandro said he felt Guerra made sure the entire class had all the knowledge they needed and cared about how they learned.
“He won’t talk about it or take any credit, but he did change my life,” Alejandro said. “That is what we’re here for at STC. We’re here to change their lives – that’s the goal. Students may not remember what you tell them, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.”
Alejandro knew he wanted to return to the college that made his education possible and pass the mentorship he experienced to current STC students.
From responding to student needs and questions during enrollment, to assisting with recruitment, Alejandro wears many hats as a Student Services specialist.
“My duties are to ensure and serve as a liaison between academic, workshop programs and campus administration,” Alejandro said. “I assist students through the enrollment process and serve as one of the primary points of contact for information about the college. My goal is to represent trust, integrity, honor, respect and service.”
Over the past 15 years, Alejandro has seen the changes and growth occurring at STC. And he wants students to take advantage of the new educational opportunities the college offers.
“I wish more students were aware that we do not only offer certificate and associate degree programs,” Alejandro said. “They can also earn a bachelor’s degree at South Texas College. We have programs in Computer and Information, Operations Management, Medical and Health Service Management, Organizational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.”
Alejandro also works in recruiting students, and said every student will receive a variety of opportunities to find their way to succeed and complete their degree.
“At STC we have outstanding professors who are willing to go above and beyond both in and out of the classroom,” Alejandro said. “In addition, the atmosphere is quite calm and comforting, providing a secure feeling for those who are on campus. I would recommend STC to those who would like to stay close to home and are willing to be challenged academically.”
Alejandro said he’s seen hundreds of faces pass through his department and finds STC connections in his daily life. He recalled a day when his sister was in the hospital and he ran into group of STC nursing students. Once the students realized she was related to Alejandro, they shared stories of how he helped them at the financial aid department.
“They said ‘because of him, we’re all here.’ They told her how I made sure to help them get the aid they needed to be able to continue in their program,” Alejandro said. “That’s something you’ll always remember. That’s what’s worth waking up to every morning.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing in downtown El Paso seized 484 pounds of bologna and 285 pounds of cheese during the early morning hours of Oct. 27. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing in downtown El Paso seized 484 pounds of bologna and 285 pounds of cheese during the early morning hours of Oct. 27.
“In both these cases the travelers concealed these commodities and failed to properly declare merchandise acquired abroad to the CBP officer upon arrival and entry,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.
285 pounds of cheese Seized. USCBP Image
The 484-pound bologna seizure occurred just after 1:30 a.m. when a 32-year-old male U.S. citizen driving a pickup truck applied for entry. The CBP officer at the primary inspection booth detected nervousness during the routine interview and directed the driver to the secondary inspection area. CBP officers continued the exam and located 44 rolls of Mexican bologna hidden in the vehicle’s toolbox and under a blanket on the floor of the truck. The bologna was seized and the driver was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty. The product was seized under 9 CFR part 94.
“Pork products have the potential to introduce foreign animal diseases that can be detrimental to our agriculture industry,” said Provencio.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security are partners in the effort to protect American agriculture against the introduction of pests and diseases at our nation’s ports of entry. Undeclared prohibited agriculture items will be confiscated and can result in the issuance of a civil penalty for failure to declare.
The 285-pound cheese seizure was made just before 4:30 a.m. when a 43-year-old female U.S. citizen driving a SUV applied for entry. CBP officers selected the vehicle for a secondary exam during which they located several boxes hidden beneath a blanket. When CBP officers opened the boxes they located multiple blocks and bags of cheese. The cheese was seized and the driver was assessed a $1,000 civil penalty for failure to declare merchandise under 19 USC 1497.
“This was a commercial quantity and the importer failed to follow proper procedures to legally enter this product,” said Provencio.
Milk and cream may not be imported without a permit from the FDA. The wrappers or cartons for these products must be printed with the country of origin. Finally, all commercial imports of food and beverage products require the Filing of Prior Notice with FDA, and foreign manufacturers and/or distributers of food products must register with the FDA before their goods may be admitted.
Officials at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Anzalduas International Bridge expansion. Image by Noah Mangum González
Texas Border Business
Earlier today, the City of McAllen and the Anzalduas International Bridge Board, which includes the cities of Granjeno, Hidalgo, and Mission, together with federal, state and local elected officials and partners, officially broke ground on their project to expand the Anzalduas International Bridge to a fully commercial bridge.
“Access to safe and efficient infrastructure is critical as more goods come through Texas’ Ports of Entry each day,” said U.S. Senator John Cornyn. “I applaud the City of McAllen and the Anzalduas Bridge Board on this announcement and look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have for the Rio Grande Valley and our economy.”
This $83-million-dollar project to expand the bridge from a pedestrian and passenger vehicle-only bridge will construct commercial inspection facilities and all of the necessary infrastructure at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry, including inspection booths, inspection docks, equipment, roadway, parking and sidewalks, make improvements to the southbound inspection facilities and construct northbound facilities. The Anzalduas International Bridge expansion project will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance efficiency, eliminate freight bottlenecks, and improve critical freight movement.
“Our ports of entry are key to our local, state, and national economies and this project will help the Anzalduas bridge grow, increase border trade with Mexico, and will create jobs,” said Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “Last session, working with our state legislative delegation, we secured $22 million from the Texas Transportation Commission to build up the infrastructure at the Anzalduas bridge. The City of McAllen, with the leadership of former Mayor Jim Darling, current Mayor Javier Villalobos, McAllen City Manager Roy Rodriguez, Anzalduas International Bridge Superintendent Juan Olaguibel, and TXDOT District Engineer Pete Alvarez, working with our federal, state, and local partners continue to expand our economy, create new jobs, and contribute to keep Texas as the largest economy in the nation and 9th in the world!” Hinojosa concluded.
The project was made possible by a $25 million INFRA grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, a $22 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation and a $63 million loan from the North American Development Bank to the City of McAllen.
Texas State Representative Terry Canales, who serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee, reiterated the importance of the project and its impact to the economies of Texas, the United States and Mexico.
“The Anzalduas Bridge Expansion Groundbreaking is a momentous occasion for the City of McAllen, for every city and resident in the Rio Grande Valley, and for every citizen in the entire state of Texas,” said Chairman Canales. “The Rio Grande Valley is on the front lines of international trade with Texas’s largest trading partner. We are the filter for tens of billions of dollars in trade every year, and we’re growing rapidly in virtually every category: economic activity, freight movement and tonnage, population, imports and exports. Anzalduas is an opportunity for the RGV to cut wait times down and entice more industries to come through us. Another commercial bridge here means more business and industry interested in setting up shop near our borders. This means more economic security, job security, food security, and national security in our hometowns. You can be sure that today represents a pivotal moment in time for the Rio Grande Valley,” Canales added.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos not only highlighted how the project will soon alleviate some of the supply-chain issues the country is still experiencing.
“This is a very important project not only for McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley, but also our entire nation. This project will provide immediate and direct enhancement to our supply chain, providing a much-needed corridor for goods to come into the country through McAllen,” said Mayor Villalobos.
Mayor Villalobos further went on to thank all of the federal and state partners for their support of the project, stating, “I want to thank U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for his approval in awarding the INFRA grant we received to support this project and for recognizing what a critical role this port of entry plays in the economy. I would also like to thank Senator John Cornyn and the Rio Grande Valley federal and state delegation for their support on this expansion project to help Anzalduas International Bridge become a full commercial bridge. Increased trade with our nation’s greatest trading partner will necessarily boost the region’s, the state’s and even the nation’s economy.”
Echoing Mayor Villalobos’ comments regarding the importance of the project is McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E., who pointed out the 775-acre Foreign Trade Zone with its150 maquiladoras located directly across from the Anzalduas land port in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. These manufacturing facilities produce cell phone parts, home appliances, medical equipment and many electronics, all critical components to manufacturing products in the United States.
”This project’s significance goes much beyond our region. It is a project that will impact the entire State of Texas and the United States.” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “We applaud the efforts of Senator Cornyn, Secretary Buttigieg and the Rio Grande Valley Congressional Delegation and State Legislators, including Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Chairman Terry Canales for being instrumental in the awarding of grants for the project. for seeing the magnitude of this port of entry project and the impact it will have for our country. I also want to thank Mayor Villalobos and the McAllen City Commissioners for sticking with it. It takes a lot courage to make these types of investments for projects that are so visionary. I am so proud to be on this team.”
A recent study completed by the Texas Department of Transportation showed that the Pharr-Reynosa Bridge, the only commercial bridge in the Port of Hidalgo region (Pharr, Hidalgo and Anzalduas bridges), force the average 9,300 commercial trucks per week to experience wait times of nearly 100 minutes during peak traffic times, forcing trucks to endure long hours waiting in lines, which negatively impacts economic potential.
“As trade and its importance grows, so must bridge capacity, capability and infrastructure,” concluded Mayor Villalobos.
The contractor for the Anzalduas International Bridge expansion project is D. Wilson Construction Company of McAllen and is expected to take approximately 320 days, or 11 months to complete. It will soon support fully commercial cargo traffic at the land port. Currently, the bridge only receives empty cargo trucks traveling southbound.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents prevented a human smuggling attempt near Freer, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents prevented a human smuggling attempt near Freer, Texas.
On October 24, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Freer Station while working their assigned duties on U.S. Highway 59 observed a blue pickup truck traveling through a ranch. The vehicle was traveling the same route it had previously used to bypass the Border Patrol immigration checkpoint.
Agents assigned to Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) unit were advised of the pickup truck and encountered the abandoned vehicle on the ranch road. Moments later, CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) provided the location of the individuals that had fled the abandoned vehicle to Border Patrol agents. A total of nine individuals were apprehended. Record checks revealed that the individuals were in the country illegally. The undocumented individuals were from the country of Mexico and were processed accordingly.
The vehicle was seized by U.S. Border Patrol.
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.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry intercepted 31 pounds of methamphetamine and 41 pounds of cocaine over the weekend. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry intercepted 31 pounds of methamphetamine and 41 pounds of cocaine over the weekend.
“CBP officers employ a variety of tools and techniques in their efforts to root out drug smugglers,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “Their continued hard work prevented several significant loads from making it to their intended destinations.”
On Oct. 21, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted a combined 41 pounds of cocaine on two separate unrelated incidents.
The first interception occurred shortly after 7:00 a.m. when a 58-year-old male Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. CBP officers conducting pre-primary inspections searched the vehicle and detected anomalies. With the aid of a CBP canine and non-intrusive (x-ray) inspection, CBP officers located multiple cocaine-filled bundles within the vehicle with a combined weight of 19.15 pounds.
The second interception occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. when a 23-year-old male Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary CBP canine and non-intrusive inspection leading CBP officers to locate multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle. The seizure yielded 22.26 pounds of cocaine.
On Oct. 24, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 31.26 pounds of methamphetamine from a 29-year-old female U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via the vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary CBP canine and non-intrusive inspection leading CBP officers to locate multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle.
The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents or state and local authorities for prosecution.
