The United States has recovered all production jobs lost during the pandemic and then some, and there is ample reason for this upward trend to persist. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Recent data is showing some encouraging signs for manufacturing employment. The United States has recovered all production jobs lost during the pandemic and then some, and there is ample reason for this upward trend to persist.
By way of perspective, manufacturing employment in the United States reached its all-time high in June 1979 at almost 19.6 million. After falling sharply during the recession of the early 1980s, the number of jobs in the sector bounced around about 17 to 18 million for decades.
The early 2000s brought another steep drop during the dot-com downturn. Things leveled off for a few years before dropping again during the Great Recession. The bottom was reached in early 2010, with manufacturing employment of less than 11.5 million. Almost one third of US manufacturing jobs had been lost in just a decade between 2000 and 2010 alone, and employment in the sector hadn’t been that low since the 1940s.
We began to see slow, but fairly steady growth after that time. By February 2020 (just before the pandemic), almost 12.8 million people worked in the manufacturing sector, a total which fell precipitously to 11.4 million a couple of months later and wiped out a decade of gains. We topped the pre-COVID-19 level again in June 2022, however, and the positive trajectory continues.
It is important to note that part of what has been going on for decades is the ability to make more stuff with fewer people. Automation and advanced manufacturing techniques have totally revamped the process. Moreover, the goods being produced have shifted toward higher value added categories, and output is much higher than in the past (approximately doubling in the past 25 years).
The recent pattern is encouraging for multiple reasons. One is that it’s due to both smaller, entrepreneurial firms doing well and larger firms shifting focus for certain types of operations back to the United States. This “reshoring” reflects the realization that it makes sense to have some domestic production even if it’s not always the lowest cost short-term option. The pandemic illustrated that, during difficult times, domestic production of key goods can be crucial. For example, the capacity to produce certain health products in the United States could help ensure we have the things we need in emergency situations. Similarly, tens of billions are being invested in semiconductor plants, as the risks associated with not having that capability have been dramatically demonstrated.
The pandemic escalated an ongoing trend toward considering a longer-term strategic horizon. Today’s lowest cost option might be trouble for sustainability down the road. I think we’ll continue to see companies diversify their supply network, with one beneficial result being more manufacturing output and jobs staying close to home. Stay safe!
Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of more than 2,500 clients over the past four decades
Packages containing nearly 83 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge and Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized cocaine that totaled over $1,500,000 in street value in four separate, unrelated incidents over the weekend.
“Narcotic interdiction continues to be vital to the CBP border security mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “These enforcement actions illustrate the excellent work undertaken by our Laredo CBP officers, and their tireless dedication that helps stem the flow of contraband entering the country.”
The first seizure occurred on Friday, Sept. 30, at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 39-year-old male driving a 2020 Kenworth tractor for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 11.50 pounds of alleged cocaine within the tractor. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $153,655.
The second enforcement action occurred later that evening at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 32-year-old male driving a 2020 Volkswagen Vento for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 82.89 pounds of alleged cocaine concealed within personal belongings.
The narcotics had an estimated street value of $1,106,793.
The third enforcement action occurred on Saturday, Oct. 1, when a CBP officer referred a 48-year-old male driving a 2019 Chevrolet Beat for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 11.46 pounds of alleged cocaine concealed within personal belongings. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $153,067.
The fourth enforcement action occurred on Sunday, Oct. 2, when a CBP officer referred a 22-year-old male driving a 2016 Dodge Ram for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 13.55 pounds of alleged cocaine concealed within the vehicle. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $181,031.
The narcotics combined had a combined street value of $1,594,546.
CBP seized the narcotics, one tractor and three vehicles. All four drivers involved in the incidents were arrested. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating all four seizures.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol continues to see migrants placed in dangerous situations by the Transnational Criminal Organizations. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol continues to see migrants placed in dangerous situations by the Transnational Criminal Organizations.
Throughout the year, RGV agents have rescued numerous migrants from drowning in the Rio Grande, inhumane stash houses, locked refrigerated trailers, and those abandoned or lost in the vast brushlands. Additionally, they have rendered assistance to injured migrants following vehicle accidents or sustained while making entry.
The month of September presented unique dangers not commonly seen in the RGV. Migrants reported at least five incidents of robbery, near the riverbank, of money and personal belongings after they made an illegal entry. More than 30 migrants alleged during their apprehension, they were threatened with a knife or bat. In two of the events, they were robbed by a sole offender, the other events were orchestrated by a bandit duo. They stated they were released after turning over whatever they had of value.
RGV deployed additional agents and resources to the area and are working diligently with other law enforcement entities to identify and apprehend the individuals.
Additionally, individuals, male and female, continue to claim having been sexually assaulted at migrant stash houses or in the brush on both sides of the river. Individuals also claim the sexual assault happened in the brush while walking around the Border Patrol Checkpoints. Some victims reported the sexual assault was perpetrated by their own foot guide, others reported by individuals encountered in the brush after getting lost or separated from their group.
More than 215 migrants were encountered being smuggled in seven tractor trailer cases during the month of September. In four of the events, migrants were encountered in refrigerated trailers that ranged from 45 – 59 degrees Fahrenheit. A six-year-old child with her mother was among the groups and two migrants from the Dominican Republic were encountered in a trailer’s air dam. These trailers smuggling migrants are often encountered locked or closed from the outside. The inability to free themselves has proven detrimental to people’s safety as we have seen in the past where smugglers abandon the load vehicle and migrants lose their lives.
The TCO has continuously demonstrated their callous nature of putting monetary gains above regard for human life and safety. These dangers are not all inclusive of the risks associated to crossing illegally. With winter approaching, individuals being smuggled into the U.S. in these horrendous conditions are susceptible to serious injury or death. RGV urges migrants not to place their lives at risk attempting to cross illegally.
Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMCC), a leading provider of commercial real estate capital markets financing solutions, arranged a $8,775,000 loan for the acquisition of the Casa de Palmas Hotel, a 165-room, luxury hotel located at 101 N Main Street in McAllen, TX. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
MCALLEN, Texas – Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMCC), a leading provider of commercial real estate capital markets financing solutions, arranged a $8,775,000 loan for the acquisition of the Casa de Palmas Hotel, a 165-room, luxury hotel located at 101 N Main Street in McAllen, TX.
The financing was secured by Robert Bhat, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, based out of the MMCC Miami office.
“This hotel is located in Downtown McAllen, TX, which is a rapidly growing market. The primary demand drivers are border protection related companies and municipalities,” said Mr. Bhat. “The luxury hotel, designed in classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, was originally built in 1918 and recently renovated in 2020.”
The MMCC team secured 65% LTV non-recourse acquisition financing with a 10-year term and 30-year amortization.
According to Marcus & Millichap’s 2022 Midyear Hospitality National Report, the hotel sector put most pandemic challenges behind as travel demand improved. Room demand through the first six months of the year has been in line with bookings from the same windows in 2017 and 2018, only trailing the record 2019 span by about 3 percent.
About Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation
Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation (MMCC) is a subsidiary of Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate investment services firm with offices throughout the United States and Canada. MMCC provides commercial real estate capital markets financing solutions, including debt, mezzanine financing, preferred and joint venture equity, sponsor equity, loan sales and consultative and due diligence services. In 2021, MMCC closed 2,474 transactions totaling $11.6 billion. To learn more, please visit: marcusmillichap.com/financing
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing disrupted a human smuggling attempt, when they discovered a man hidden underneath the flatbed of a pickup truck.
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing disrupted a human smuggling attempt, when they discovered a man hidden underneath the flatbed of a pickup truck.
“Our officers must maintain constant vigilance against human and narcotic smuggling,” said Port Director Ray Provencio. “Often times human smugglers will place migrants’ lives’ in danger in their attempts to illegally smuggle them into the country for their own financial gain.”
The incident occurred on Sept. 25, when CBP officers encountered a 45-year-old male U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes, in a pickup truck. Following a primary inspection, the driver was referred for further examination. In secondary, the vehicle was scanned utilizing a non-intrusive inspection (x-ray), revealing an image of a human silhouette in the flatbed area of the truck. CBP officers inspected the area and discovered an individual who was strapped with a harness underneath the flatbed of the truck.
The individual who was hiding was escorted to secondary where biometric verification confirmed the identity to be a 33-year-old male, Mexican citizen who had been previously deported.
The driver and the undocumented non-citizen were both arrested pending criminal proceedings.
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Ysleta border crossing seized nine pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $100K, Friday.
“This seizure exemplifies the work our officers do every day to keep our communities and country safe,” said Port Director Arnoldo Gomez.
The seizure took place at the Ysleta border crossing when a 24-year-old male, U.S. citizen, accompanied by passenger, 22-year-old male, U.S. citizen, arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. The individuals were referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle where a non-intrusive (x-ray) scan resulted in the detection of anomalies. A thorough examination by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of multiple packages with a weight of 9.61 pounds of cocaine.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP and the driver was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
Paso Del Norte port of entry cocaine load. 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, seized 17.95 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $190K.
“Our CBP Officers continue to be ever vigilant and dedicated to the border security mission,” said Port Director Ray Provencio. “We continue to serve our community by reducing the availability of narcotics and disrupting unlawful activity.”
The seizure took place on Sept. 28, when a 20-year-old female, Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle where a non-intrusive (x-ray) scan resulted in the detection of anomalies. A thorough examination led CBP officers to the discovery of multiple packages hidden within the vehicle with a weight of 17.95 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.
Portrait of Doroteo Arango Arámbula, better known as Francisco or “Pancho” Villa. National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress. Image in the Public Domain.
Texas Border Business
FRANCISCO [PANCHO] VILLA (1877–1923). Francisco (Pancho) Villa, Mexican revolutionary, whose real name was Doroteo Arango, was born in Rio Grande, Durango, Mexico, on October 4, 1877. After becoming a cattle rustler, he took the name of a notorious bandit. In 1910 he joined the Francisco I. Madero revolution against the Porfirio Díaz government and visited Texas first in May 1911, when John Hart of El Paso invited him to a banquet for Madero sympathizers.
Later in the same month Villa was Hart’s guest at Cloudcroft, New Mexico. In January 1913 Villa, who had been imprisoned in Mexico City by Victoriano Huerta, escaped and made his way to El Paso, where, using his real name, he plotted against Huerta and recruited followers.
By March 1913 Villa had left Texas to campaign successfully against the Huertistas in Chihuahua. Villa was popular in El Paso probably because of the quantities of supplies he bought from El Paso merchants; in the summer of 1913 he brought his wife and son to the city to secure them from the unsettled conditions in Mexico.
After the United States recognized the Carranza government in Mexico, Villa turned against the Americans, and El Paso began to fear an attack from him such as he made on Columbus, New Mexico, in March 1916. A punitive force ordered by President Woodrow Wilson to capture Villa was unsuccessful.
Mexican federalists bought Villa’s retirement by giving him an estate in 1920. He was killed on July 20, 1923.
Biography by Fritz L. Hoffmann, Handbook of Texas Online
Published by the Texas State Historical Association
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Department of Justice SDTX
HOUSTON, Texas – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.
During the past year, DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made to return money to fraud victims. DOJ also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.
“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”
“ ‘Respect your elders’ is one of the most fundamental principles we are taught,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.” Sadly, however, all too often we see our most vulnerable senior citizens fall victim to fraud and/or abuse. From call center scams to theft, my office has worked diligently to hold such scammers accountable. We will continue these efforts as part of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force with the hope we can preserve the dignity of our beloved aging community.”
From September 2021 to September 2022, DOJ personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters DOJ tackled ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. There were also substantial efforts over the last year to return money to fraud victims.
In the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) over the past year, federal grand juries returned indictments in 10 cases involving more than 15 defendants. Loss amounts totaled approximately $38 million from elderly victims throughout the district.
As part of its elder fraud efforts, the SDTX also engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. For example, the SDTX conducted a podcast in conjunction with AARP and FBI in Spanish for elderly citizens in our communities. Additional Podcasts are planned this year.
DOJ also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams.
DOJ announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate DOJ’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.
In the past year, DOJ has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies DOJ prosecuted and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, DOJ has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020, more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.
Over the past year, DOJ also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” AKA “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money.
When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams as “heartbreakingly evil.” DOJ is also working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.
Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. The Office for Victims of Crime manages the DOJ hotline. Experienced professionals provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps.
Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about DOJ’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website.
Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Abandoned ATV discovered by Border Patrol agents at ranch gate near Escobares, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested 11 migrants after encountering an abandoned All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), and engaging in a vehicle pursuit over the weekend.
Just before midnight on October 1, a Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station camera operator observed an ATV transporting multiple subjects north from the Rio Grande near Escobares. Responding agents encountered the ATV abandoned after it struck a ranch gate. Agents searched the surrounding brush and apprehended five subjects illegally present in the U.S. The migrants were evaluated and were uninjured.
A few hours later on October 2, RGV agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Toyota Highlander near the Brooks County rest area. Agents activated their emergency lights, the driver veered off the road striking several small trees prior to coming to a stop. Multiple subjects were observed exiting the vehicle and scattered into nearby brush. Six migrants were apprehended, but the driver was not located.
