Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Texas Regional Bank today celebrated all its employees, those who are in front of the public. They did it extraordinarily, with a ceremony that included a municipal proclamation read by the mayor of McAllen, Javier Villalobos. Senior executives of the bank were present, supporting this recognition of the frontline team.
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
LAREDO, Texas – Two Texas men have been sent to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 34.5 kilograms of liquid meth associated with the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN), announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Bonifacio Turrubiates, 48, Laredo, pleaded guilty July 7, while Dionicio Sanchez, 46, Houston, admitted his guilt June 3.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a 188-month term of imprisonment for Turrubiates, while Sanchez received 168 months. They must also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence including how both men had a lengthy criminal history of drug trafficking. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Marmolejo noted that they were both “lucky” not to receive life sentences.
On April 28, 2020, authorities conducted a seizure on their vehicle in the parking lot of an HEB grocery store located in Laredo. There, they discovered kilograms of liquid meth hidden inside multiple fire extinguishers. The investigation revealed the meth belonged to an organization affiliated with the CDN.
At the time of their pleas, Turrubiates and Sanchez admitted to conspiring to hide the meth inside fire extinguishers and transporting them outside of Texas by driving the drugs north of Laredo.
Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Noreste with the assistance of Webb County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, mutlti-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
Information Source: US Department of Justice
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The Region One Education Service Center (ESC) Office of Adult Education is hosting a reception to celebrate the certification of its first cohort of 10 adult learners to receive a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrician Level I Certification.
The celebration will take place today, Wednesday, Oct. 19, at 6:00 pm at the Adult Education Office, located at 4305 N. McColl Road, McAllen.
The NCCER Level I Certification allows individuals to work in occupations that require knowledge of circuit breaker panels, switches and light fixtures in accordance with the National Electrical Code and state and local codes.
The certification is awarded through the Office of Adult Education’s partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a labor union that represents workers in a variety of fields, including telecommunications and manufacturing.
The Region One ESC Office of Adult Education offers a variety of instructional programs to help adult students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to be productive workers, family members and citizens in the United States at no cost to the adult learners. To learn more about the programs offered in Hidalgo, Willacy and Starr Counties visit: www.esc1.net/adulteducation.
WHAT: Ten area adults to graduate through a free electrician program through Region One ESC
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 at 6:00 pm
WHERE: 4305 N. McColl Road, McAllen, TX 78501
Texas Border Business
In the aftermath of World War I, Congress enacted The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (commonly known as the Jones Act after its foremost proponent, Senator Wesley R. Jones from Washington). Essentially, the law requires that any cargo shipped between US ports must be shipped on vessels that are US built, owned, and crewed. It was designed to support the US maritime industry, but it’s a protectionist measure leading to a variety of concerns. It has long outlived its usefulness (to the extent it ever had any).
Clearly, it’s important for the US to have access to adequate resources, particularly during times of crisis. Much of the military equipment required for various operations moves best by water, for instance. The pandemic also demonstrated the risks of overreliance on foreign manufacturing, which can be subject to disruptions. The question, however, is whether the Jones Act is the best mechanism to accomplish these goals.
While the Act carves out a small volume of shipping and shipbuilding for US firms (when compared to international totals), it also increases costs for other businesses as well as consumers. Competition is reduced, and companies able to ship between US markets command premium prices. The supply chain, which has been anything but stellar of late, is also negatively affected.
To put a finer point on it, it is widely recognized that there could be blackouts in the northeastern United States this winter due to insufficient natural gas supplies. This region relies on liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a significant portion of its supply at times and, with Russian gas no longer available to Europe, worldwide demand for LNG will be particularly high and shortages could occur. (Expanding pipeline capacity is obviously the most efficient way to transport natural gas, but it has been extremely difficult to obtain permits – a topic for another day.)
In Texas, there is significant and increasing liquefaction capacity, and LNG ships leave the Gulf Coast daily for foreign destinations. However, very few LNG ships have been made domestically; thus, Texas LNG cannot be sent to the northeast. It can go to Bangkok, but not to Bangor. Similar issues arise for numerous other products, including agricultural goods. For Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico, the situation is much worse.
The proponents of the Jones Act suggest that US shipbuilding and shipping firms are at a competitive disadvantage due to subsidies in other countries. While true to a very modest extent, the World Trade Organization can deal with such matters and has done so for many other products (such as steel).
Protectionism inevitably leads to restrictions in output, higher prices, and consumer harms. It’s time to get US goods to US markets! 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.
Texas Border Business
The entertainment industry is one of the most challenging industries that I know. During my years in the radio business, I met many event promoters who sometimes lost their shirts because there were no spectators. I knew others who were always successful, but even they had on shows where it was just a break-even event.
The City of McAllen has managed to put together a winning team. There are many components, from municipal leadership, an efficient work team, and a dreamer, an entrepreneur, the one with ideas, which for many are impossible to achieve. Still, for entrepreneurs, it is like just taking one step forward. That’s Joe Vera, the one with a “Don” to dream, create, lead, and execute. In this issue of Texas Border Business, learn more about Joe Vera and the City of McAllen team’s plans for the upcoming parade in December 2022. Read the full story inside.
Great news! Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellensaid,“Today’s announcement is a significant step toward expanding access to the capital and services to rebuild and fuel long-term economic growth.”
The following local financial institutions: AOB Ventures, Lone Star National Bank, MNB Ventures, Rio Financial Services, and South Texas Federal Credit Union, will be receiving the awards from the U.S. Department of the Treasury from the Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP), according to Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. Read more inside.
On another note, as the Administration Building’s new addition was dedicated with a ribbon cutting event on September 22, the Port of Harlingen Authority celebrated 70 years in operation.
In its early years, The Port was a terminal for steel, gasoline and fuel oil, ice, fish, and shrimp. Today, The Port still moves refined petroleum products, but has expanded commodities transporting agricultural products, liquid and dry fertilizer, aggregates, and raw sugar. More inside.
More great news, as the property tax rate has been reduced in the city of Edinburg for the first time since 1996,
During this week’s city council meeting on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Edinburg City Council adopted a property tax rate of .64 cents, a four-cent reduction from the rate established three years ago, to provide residents with necessary relief among the rising costs of living.
“You have to evaluate what all of the needs are in our city and make sure that we’re attending those needs,” Mayor Garza says. “At the same time, with the way the economy is going, with the rising cost of inflation, people need some relief.” More details inside.
An important note: The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, a member of the Feeding America® network, announced the receipt of a refrigerated truck and a donation of $52,000 to assist with mobile food distributions in the RGV. The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation — the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants — Lineage Logistics, and Penske collaborated on this opportunity to help provide food to neighbors facing hunger.
“Families face hunger in every community across the country; your neighbor, child’s classmate or even co-worker may be struggling to get enough to eat. Darden and the Darden Restaurants Foundation are proud to partner with Feeding America member food banks to address the significant issue of hunger in a tangible and meaningful way,” says Stephanie Ghertner, Executive Director of the Darden Restaurants Foundation. Read the rest of the story inside.
Enjoy!
By Marisol Villarreal
EDINBURG, Texas – Student parents attending The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley will have some much-needed help when it comes to child care services for their little ones thanks to a nearly $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Low-income, Pell-eligible student parents will be able to take advantage of the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant, which was announced by Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) on Oct. 14 at the UTRGV Starr County Campus.
“Because of this program, many young South Texans who would have otherwise dropped out of school, will now have the opportunity to graduate from college,” Cuellar said. “CCAMPIS allows parents to put their education first without putting their child second.”
Dr. Raquenel Sanchez, director of the UTRGV Child Development Center and CCAMPIS project director, said the grant helps further the initiative to help educate the community and build a better future for UTRGV student parents and their families.
“I’m excited for this,” Sanchez said. “This grant is much different than the last one we received in 2018. Not only will we be able to help full-time students, but part-time students as well by providing services throughout the entire Rio Grande Valley.”
The grant will help student parents pay for full-time child care at the UTRGV Child Development Center (CDC) on the Edinburg Campus as well as contracted local community child care centers throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
The funds will be allocated to UTRGV at $997,997 annually over the next four years, providing year-round child care services for children of Pell-eligible student parents in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties.
Children 3 months to 5 years of age are eligible for child care services through UTRGV’s Child Development Center, while partnered child care centers age restrictions may vary.
Approximately 130 children of CCAMPIS participants will be served by the CDC during each fall and spring academic terms while 60 children will receive CDC care during the summer terms.
“I am a UTPA alumna, so this is home to me. I as well had my children during my master’s and doctorate program,” Sanchez said. “So being able to see this come full circle with students not needing to worry about their financial situation or if their child is safe is great.”
For more information on the program and how applicants can apply, contact the UTRGV Child Development Center at childcare@utrgv.edu or call 956-665-2469.
Texa Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested two convicted sex offenders shortly after they illegally entered the United States.
On Oct. 14, Eagle Pass Station agents arrested a Honduran national, Dariel Castro-Ortiz, 22, who had a previous felony conviction for Indecency with Child Sexual Contact, in Houston, Texas, in 2020. He was sentenced to two years confinement and most recently removed from the United States in July 2021.
On Oct. 16, Brackettville Station agents arrested a Mexican national, Jorge Alejandro Benzor-Virrueta, 28, who had a previous felony conviction for Sexual Coercion, in Plainview, Texas, in April. He was sentenced to two years confinement and most recently removed from the United States in September 2022.
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.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry stopped multiple hard narcotics smuggling attempts over the last week.
“Methamphetamine and fentanyl smugglers remain active in our area and CBP officers continue to stop them when they attempt to import their dangerous products,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “CBP officers are focused on this important element of their homeland security mission 24/7.”
On Oct. 10, CBP officers working the pedestrian lanes at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 2.38 pounds of methamphetamine. The interception occurred when an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen was referred for a secondary inspection where a CBP canine alerted to the possible presence of drugs on the individual. A pat down search was conducted leading CBP officers to discover packages strapped to his inner thighs.
On Oct. 11, CBP officers working the pedestrian lanes at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 0.35 pounds of fentanyl. The interception occurred when a 26-year-old female U.S. citizen was referred for a secondary inspection where a CBP canine alerted to the possible presence of drugs on the individual. A pat down search was conducted leading CBP officers to discover a bundle concealed in the groin area.
On Oct. 13, CBP officers working the pedestrian lanes at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted .0014 pounds of methamphetamine. The interception occurred when a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen was referred for a secondary inspection following a CBP canine alert. A pat down search was conducted leading CBP officers to discover packages strapped to his inner thighs.
On Oct. 15, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 17.35 pounds of methamphetamine. The interception occurred when a 20-year-old female U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. A CBP officer conducting primary inspections discovered bundles in the vehicle’s trunk area. A CBP canine assisted with the inspection leading CBP officers to locate eight bundles concealed 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.
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – STC officially launched the South Texas College Foundation and welcomed its new STC Foundation Board of Directors made up of business and community leaders.
The goal of the STC Foundation is to build strategic alliances, partnerships and fundraising opportunities that further the mission and vision of the college, in addition to working with our philanthropic partners and foundations for endowments, scholarships, among other resources that will support educational initiatives for STC students.
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station, working in conjunction with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), halted a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas.
On October 15, DPS Troopers observed several people getting into a tractor trailer on Davy Ward Street. The DPS Troopers interdicted what they believed to be illicit smuggling activity, detained 11 subjects, and requested assistance from Border Patrol agents.
Upon arrival, agents conducted immigration inspections on all 11 subjects and determined they were undocumented and illegally present in the United States. Additional inspections by the agents revealed that the subjects were from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. All were taken into custody by U.S. Border Patrol to be processed accordingly.
Tractor trailer loads can have catastrophic consequences. Thanks to the vigilant work of Texas DPS Troopers and Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents, these undocumented individuals were spared the real possibility of a tragedy.
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.
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