U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Hidalgo International Bridge issued $2,050 in penalties over the month of September at the international bridges of Hidalgo, Pharr, and Anzalduas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at the Hidalgo International Bridge issued $2,050 in penalties over the month of September at the international bridges of Hidalgo, Pharr, and Anzalduas.
“Our agriculture specialists help protect American agriculture and contribute to the nation’s economic security by denying entry to various food items that may carry invasive species or diseases which could harm American agriculture,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
For the month of September 2022, CBP agriculture specialists for the Port of Hidalgo issued seven penalties totaling $2,050. CBP agriculture specialists seized items such as, pork meat, raw chicken, mangos, avocados with seed, and peppers, all prohibited goods.
Failing to declare prohibited food items will incur penalties to travelers. CBP would like to remind travelers to declare all items when making entry to CBP officers and agriculture specialists and to visit CBP.gov to find a list of prohibited items travelers should avoid from bringing into the United States.
The CBP agriculture mission is crucial to prevent foreign pests and diseases from establishing themselves in the United States.
The U.S. Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector have announced five criminal targets operating in the El Paso Sector region for their ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative. USCBP Image
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EL PASO, Texas — The U.S. Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector have announced five criminal targets operating in the El Paso Sector region for their ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative.
First launched in 2016, this initiative identifies individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations wanted for crimes associated with human and drug smuggling on both sides of the border. The ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative promotes unity and encourages the public to anonymously report information about wanted individuals.
El Paso “Se Busca” initiative targets. USCBP Image
“Transnational Criminal Organizations exploit migrants and treat them as a commodity as smugglers continue to place their lives in danger,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez of the El Paso Sector. “Through this initiative, community members on both sides of the border will have an opportunity to provide us with information to capture these dangerous smuggling criminals who exploit vulnerable migrants for profit.”
Those who believe they have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement in El Paso by phone at 1-800-635-2509 or by ‘WhatsApp’ at (915) 314- 8194. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day to a special ‘Se Busca Información’ intelligence center.
It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-635- 2509.
The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more. Courtesy Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – A new electronics repair shop, Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions™, has opened in Edinburg at 1616 West University Ave. The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more.
While common repairs include cracked screens, battery issues and water damage, the company’s repair experts have fixed millions of devices and can help with most any tech mishap, and many basic repairs can be completed in 45 minutes or less.
The store is owned by Reginald and Rene Jackson, who also own an additional location in South McAllen.
“We are looking forward to introducing Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions to Edinburg as we continue to serve this region,” said Reginald Jackson. “It is a joy working with a team who cares not only about satisfying customers but ensuring that our community stays connected with one another.”
The store’s expert repair technicians fix all kinds of technology, regardless of make or model, and the store is an authorized repair provider for Samsung Galaxy® and Google Pixel™ smartphones. Customers can book a repair appointment online or stop by the store for walk-in service. The store offers free, no-obligation diagnostics on all gadgets, as well as a 1-year limited warranty on all repairs. It even offers a price match guarantee on any local competitor’s regularly published price for the same repair.
The new Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions store brings the company’s retail footprint to more than 750 locations across the U.S. Formerly known as uBreakiFix®, all U.S. locations are rebranding as Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions.
“We are excited to serve people in Edinburg with fast and affordable tech repair,” said Dave Barbuto, CEO of Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions. “We all rely on our phones and laptops more than ever before, and our mission is bigger than repairing shattered screens and broken charge ports. We fix tech because people depend on it to stay connected to things that are important to them. I look forward to serving this community through our new location.”
Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza is joined by the Mission Police Chief and others for the unveiling of the Pink Police Unit. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
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The Mission Police Department hosted an unveiling of a special pink PD Unit this afternoon in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink patrol car will hit the streets immediately. It will be a tribute to breast cancer warriors year-round.
Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza Speaks to the people gathered for the unveiling. Image courtesy of the City of MissionMission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza with the new pink police unit.
Cocaine load stopped at the Bridge of the Americas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing seized 55.45 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $600,000.
“CBP officers continue to remain vigilant as they sort through the thousands of law abiding border crossers to root out those who choose to introduce dangerous drugs into our community,” said Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso Port Director.
The seizure took place on Oct. 4, when a 46-year-old male, U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included screening by a CBP canine and a non-intrusive inspection (x-ray). After conducting a thorough examination, CBP officers located multiple packages concealed within the vehicle containing a total of 55.45 pounds of cocaine.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested three sex offenders and six gang members. Image for illustration purposes
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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested three sex offenders and six gang members.
On Oct. 5, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents arrested a Mexican national who was convicted in 2012 of statutory rape in Mississippi. MCS agents also arrested a Mexican national in Mission, on Oct. 4. Record checks revealed he was previously convicted of annoy/molest children and convicted to 36 months of incarceration in California.
Also on Oct. 4, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents arrested a Mexican national whose criminal history revealed he was convicted of child molesting in 2006 and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration and four years of probation in Indiana.
On Oct. 3, MCS agents processed a Mexican national Paisa gang member with extensive immigration history. The subject was sentenced to 82 months of incarceration after being previously removed from the U.S. multiple times.
Additionally, RGV agents apprehended five other gang members associated to MS-13 and 18th Street gangs.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol stops a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
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LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol stops a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas.
On October 5, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties responded to a report of a group crossing the Rio Grande. Border Patrol agents managing Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) cameras noticed a group of undocumented individuals attempting to cross the Rio Grande illegally into the United States. RVSS operators quickly notified agents in the area.
Border Patrol agents encountered the subjects attempting to get into a vehicle in the area. As agents arrived, four subjects were observed swimming back towards Mexico, seven remained in the vehicle, all illegally present in the United States.
The vehicle was seized, and all subjects were repatriated to their country of origin under Title 42.
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit. Image courtesy of the City of Pharr
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The official opening to the produce season with the cutting of the fruit. Image courtesy of the City of Pharr
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrated the start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “A Taste of Trade” which featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables and local chefs preparing meal samplings out of the displays of produce. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.
The Pharr International Bridge continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 65% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan speaking to the crowd. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
“We feed the world through our bridge,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Everything goes from this bridge throughout the United States from the East Coast, Midwest, and ultimately winds up in other countries such as Germany and we are so proud of that,” he continued. “Today we also recognize and celebrate the hard work of our bridge staff and board for the great success our port of entry continues to experience,” added Hernandez. “It takes a team and we have been working diligently with many partners to ensure that our bridge continues to have the infrastructure, resources, and funding to meet our future needs,” he said.
On average, the Pharr International Bridge crosses 200,000 produce shipments per year. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan and others at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
“Each year our annual event continues to grow and we are so proud to have the opportunity to showcase our trading power, highlight our bi-national partnerships, and celebrate our produce ranking amongst our many produce and logistic partners,” said Bazan. As part of our theme “A Taste of Trade”, we showcased several dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants using fresh produce from our bridge,” he added. “This is something new we added this year, and we hope everyone enjoyed visually seeing just how many of our produce products cross through Pharr,” he continued.
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez MD, speaking at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No.1 trading partner for produce and goods. Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in a successful and fruitful partnership between the two countries and in the growth of their produce trading capacity which breaks new records year after year.
Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa was in attendance as well. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
“Trade with Mexico supports almost 500,000 jobs,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa during his remarks. “Texas could not be so strong economically without Mexico being a partner,” added Sen. Hinojosa.
A small sample of produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the fruit and the distribution of fresh produce to guests.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan (Right) enjoying the ceremony.https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrMayor Hernandez showing off some of the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrCrowds gathered for the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrSampling the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrCity officials and others at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrMayor Hernandez and others sampling the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrSenator Hinojosa enjoying the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharrBringing in the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
TSTC Precision Machining Technology student Alfredo Aldape uses a vertical milling machine to create a precision vise assembly during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
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HARLINGEN, Texas – There is growing demand for jobs for machinists and welders in modern engineering and manufacturing. This offers an excellent career outlook for students at Texas State Technical College who seek to fill those positions.
In observance of Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 7, TSTC recognizes its Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs for ensuring that students receive the hands-on training required for success in the Texas workforce.
The Precision Machining Technology program teaches students about safety, cutting speeds and feeds, tooling, different types of machining, and other components.
“Our students are held to a high standard,” said Francisco Garcia, a TSTC Precision Machining Technology instructor. “This program creates a well-rounded individual to earn a great-paying career in the workforce.”
Garcia said his students learn various techniques that meet industry standards.
“They are trained in manual machining, computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining, manual programming, computer-aided drafting, computer-aid manufacturing, blueprint reading, and proper use of measuring tools,” Garcia said. “These skills allow the individual to receive a blueprint, interpret it, and produce the part from start to finish.”
Garcia said Manufacturing Day shines a light on the importance of manufacturing.
“Everything has to go through a machine shop,” he said. “Machinists either create a finished product or make the machines to produce the product.”
Alfredo Aldape, of Brownsville, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology. The fourth-semester student, who is projected to graduate in December, said he is ready to begin his career.
“The program has trained me well, and I have learned a lot,” Aldape said. “I’m able to utilize various machines. I have the experience to do manual machining and also program a CNC machine. I can read blueprints to machine the parts, and I’m able to work independently.”
The Welding Technology program educates its students on four main areas used in the industry: shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, flux-cored arc and gas metal arc welding processes.
“Blueprint reading, layout and fabrication, and welding automation are included,” said Manuel Ahumada, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor. “Our students touch base on all major processes, using different welding procedures. We also teach structural and pipe fitment, as well as the use of automated and mechanized welding systems.”
Ahumada said the program continues to include the latest welding equipment and techniques.
“We have introduced new areas in the program to simulate real-world experiences,” he said.
Ahumada said Manufacturing Day helps promote the importance of welding and signifies that the profession will always be in high demand.
Jonathan Anguiano, of Weslaco, is pursuing a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. The fourth-semester student said the program has molded him in many ways.
“It taught me to work hard because companies that will hire us expect us to know how to weld,” he said.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled a methamphetamine smuggling attempt by a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled a methamphetamine smuggling attempt by a 15-year-old U.S. citizen.
“This seizure once again proves that smugglers can come in all ages,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “CBP officers have stopped U.S. citizens and foreign travelers, teens, senior citizens, single adults and family units attempting to smuggle drugs across the border. There is no one type of smuggler.”
The interception occurred on Oct. 4 when the young teen arrived from Mexico via the pedestrian lanes. A CBP canine conducting inspections alerted to the odor of narcotics emitting from the juvenile. The border crosser was then referred to secondary where a pat down search was conducted resulting in the discovery of packages secured to his thighs. The packages were found to contain .09 pounds of methamphetamine.
The juvenile was turned over to Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers
