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Previously Convicted Sex Offender In Prison Again

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Previously Convicted Sex Offender In Prison Again
A 35-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Palmview has been ordered to federal prison for obtaining child pornography and being unlawfully present in the United States. Image for illustration purposes
A 35-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Palmview has been ordered to federal prison for obtaining child pornography and being unlawfully present in the United States. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

US Department of Justice

McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Palmview has been ordered to federal prison for obtaining child pornography and being unlawfully present in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Ricardo Zamora-Ibarra pleaded guilty Dec. 14, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Zamora-Ibarra to serve a total of 180 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Zamora-Ibarra was further ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to known victims and must register as a sex offender.

At the time of his plea, Zamora-Ibarra admitted to downloading over 250 files of child pornography utilizing a peer-to-peer platform.

During the course of the investigation, authorities recovered Zamora-Ibarra’s laptop computer and an external hard drive. A forensic examination of the files determined the videos and images depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexually-explicit conduct. Zamora-Ibarra saved the child pornography onto his devices into created files named “preteen boy sex” and “preteen girl sex.”

Zamora-Ibarra was previously convicted of sexual assault of a child and subsequently removed from the United States. He then illegally re-entered the country without authorization.  

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

Information Source: US department of Justice

Edinburg Chamber Welcomes Mario Lizcano as President of the Board

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Edinburg Chamber Welcomes Mario Lizcano as President of the Board
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs at DHR Health, as its 2022 President of the Board. Courtesy Image and googlemaps for illustration purposes.
The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs at DHR Health, as its 2022 President of the Board. Courtesy Image and googlemaps for illustration purposes.

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, TX – The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Mario Lizcano, Administrator of Corporate Affairs at DHR Health, as its 2022 President of the Board. Lizcano’s term began on October 1, 2022, and succeeds Michael Williamson, former President of the Board and current Executive Vice President of Comercial Lending at Texas National Bank.

Lizcano first began serving as an Edinburg Chamber Ambassador in 2007. Eventually, serving on the Edinburg Chamber Board of Directors in 2015, “It is my pleasure and honor to serve our members as president of the board this upcoming year,” said Lizcano.

Lizcano currently serves on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Previously, Lizcano served as the President for the Rio Grande Valley Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association (representing Fire Departments from Brownsville to Zapata) for six years. Mario was a certified Emergency Medical Technician through the Texas Department of Health and serves as an instructor for the Texas Extension Service from Texas A&M Fire Schools.

In 2021 Lizcano was named the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Hall of Fame.

Lizcano will be officially welcomed into the role during the Meet The President Mixer set to be held on October 6, 2022.

$288K Unreported Currency Seized at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 

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$288K Unreported Currency Seized at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 
Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the U.S., however, if the quantity is more than $10,000, they will need to report it to CBP. USCBP Image
Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the U.S., however, if the quantity is more than $10,000, they will need to report it to CBP. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers working outbound operations at the Camino Real International Bridge II, seized over $288,000 in unreported currency in one enforcement action.  

“This seizure is a direct reflection of our continuous commitment to enforce federal currency reporting requirements, all while continuing to enforce the laws that keep America safe,” said Acting Port Director Elizabeth Garduno, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Friday, September 30, 2022, at the Camino Real International Bridge II when officers assigned to outbound operations selected a 2019 Chevrolet Trax traveling to Mexico for inspection. The vehicle was driven by a 33-year-old male United States citizen accompanied by a 23-year-old female Mexican citizen. Upon a non-intrusive inspection system examination and physical inspection of the vehicle and all belongings, packages containing $288,755 in undeclared currency were discovered. 

The currency and vehicle were seized by CBP. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents arrested the driver and passenger and have initiated a criminal investigation.

Individuals are permitted to carry any amount of currency or monetary instruments into or out of the U.S., however, if the quantity is more than $10,000, they will need to report it to CBP. “Money” means monetary instruments and includes U.S. or foreign coins currently in circulation, currency, travelers’ checks in any form, money orders, and negotiable instruments or investment securities in bearer form. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest.

Over $300k in Meth Seized at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 

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Over $300k in Meth Seized at Eagle Pass Port of Entry 
Packages containing nearly 36 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image
Packages containing nearly 36 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Eagle Pass Port of Entry. USCBP Image

EAGLE PASS, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Eagle Pass International Bridge intercepted $328,406 worth of alleged methamphetamine this weekend. 

“In an effort to secure our nation’s borders, as this narcotics seizure clearly illustrates, CBP has implemented enforcement strategies that have furthered the disruption of dangerous drugs entering the country,” said (A)Port Director Elizabeth Garduno, Eagle Pass Port of Entry.

The seizure occurred on Sunday, October 2, when a CBP officer assigned to the Eagle Pass International Bridge referred a passenger vehicle for secondary inspection. CBP officers conducted a physical examination of the vehicle resulting in the discovery of 46 packages containing a total of nearly 36 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $328,406.

The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP officers. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arrested the driver and have initiated a criminal investigation.

Officers Thwart Alleged Child Smuggling Attempt

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Officers Thwart Alleged Child Smuggling Attempt
“Our CBP officers thwarted this alleged child smuggling attempt thanks to their experience and excellent interview skills,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. Image for illustration purposes
“Our CBP officers thwarted this alleged child smuggling attempt thanks to their experience and excellent interview skills,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge arrested a man in connection with an alleged attempt to smuggle two undocumented minors through the Hidalgo International Bridge. 

“Our CBP officers thwarted this alleged child smuggling attempt thanks to their experience and excellent interview skills,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

On October 1, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a male 50-year-old U.S. citizen accompanied by two minor females traveling from Mexico to the U.S. on foot. The man presented the minors as his cousins and presented U.S. birth certificates for them. During the examination, CBP officers discovered that the birth certificates did not belong to the minors, they were not U.S. citizens and they did not possess valid entry documents.

CBP OFO arrested the man and the minors, both Mexican citizens, were processed as unaccompanied undocumented noncitizens and were turned over to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

Ever feel like time is being stolen from you? Well, if you were living on this day in 1582… it was

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Ever feel like time is being stolen from you? Well, if you were living on this day in 1582… it was
Image for illustration only

On October 4, 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar to replace the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar had been used since the time of the Roman empire, but it wasn’t a perfect measurement of a year, and the spring equinox had drifted from March 21 to March 11. To get things back on schedule, the Gregorian calendar eliminated 10 days in October, so the people of 1582 went to bed on Oct. 4 and woke up the next day on Oct. 15, probably feeling quite refreshed.

—Abby Rubenstein, Matty Merritt, Max Knoblauch, Neal Freyman

Legislative Endorsements for Pro-Business Candidates

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Legislative Endorsements for Pro-Business Candidates
The Texas Association of Business State PAC Board continues to support the candidates that have demonstrated understanding of the critical issues facing Texas. Image for illustration purposes
The Texas Association of Business State PAC Board continues to support the candidates that have demonstrated understanding of the critical issues facing Texas. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

By Texas Association of Business

AUSTIN, Texas — TXBIZ PAC, the Political Action Committee representing the Texas Association of Business, released its legislative endorsements for the November 8th General Election.

“The Texas Association of Business State PAC Board continues to support the candidates that have demonstrated understanding of the critical issues facing Texas. Many of the candidates we have chosen to endorse have a track record of working closely with TAB on bills we consider a priority. Some have also been recognized by TAB as a Champion of Free Enterprise, an award legislators receive from TAB for their commitment to improve the Texas business climate and make the state’s economy as strong as possible. We look forward to working with these leaders in the 88th Legislative Session next year,” said TXBIZ PAC Chairman Brett Graham.

TXBIZ PAC ENDORSEMENTS – October 4, 2022

Greg Abbott for Governor

Dan Patrick for Lt. Governor

Glenn Hegar for Comptroller

Dawn Buckingham for Land Commissioner

Justice Debra Lehrmann, Place 3

Justice Rebecca Huddle, Place 5

Justice Evan Young, Place 9

SD 1  Bryan Hughes

SD 3  Robert Nichols

SD 4  Brandon Creighton

SD 5 Charles Schwertner

SD 6 Carol Alvarado

SD 8  Angela Paxton

SD 9  Kelly Hancock

SD 10  Phil King

SD 11  Mayes Middleton

SD 12 Tan Parker

SD 16  Nathan Johnson

SD 17  Joan Huffman

SD 18  Lois Kolkhorst

SD 20  Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa

SD 21  Judith Zaffirini

SD 22  Brian Birdwell

SD 24  Pete Flores

SD 25  Donna Campbell

DS 26  Jose Menendez

SD 27  Morgan LaMantia

SD 28  Charles Perry

SD 30  Drew Springer

HD 1  Gary VanDeaver

HD 3  Cecil Bell

HD 4  Keith Bell

HD 5  Cole Hefner

HD 7  Jay Dean

HD 8  Cody Harris

HD 9  Trent Ashby

HD 11  Travis Clardy

HD 12  Kyle Kacal

HD 13  Angela Orr

HD 14  John Raney

HD 16  William Metcalf

HD 17  Stan Gerdes

HD 18 Ernest Bailes

HD 19 Ellen Troxclair

HD 21 Dade Phelan

HD 24 Greg Bonnen

HD 26 Jacey Jetton

HD 29 Ed Thompson

HD 30 Geanie Morrison

HD 31 Ryan Guillen

HD 32 Todd Hunter

HD 33 Justin Holland

HD 35 Oscar Longoria

HD 37 Janie Lopez

HD 40 Terry Canales

HD 43 J.M. Lozano

HD 44 John Kuempel

HD 53 Andrew Murr

HD 54 Brad Buckley

HD 55 Hugh Shine

HD 56 Charles “Doc” Anderson

HD 57 Richard Hayes

HD 58 DeWayne Burns

HD 59 Shelby Slawson

HD 60 Glenn Rogers

HD 61 Frederick Frazier

HD 62 Reggie Smith

HD 63 Ben Bumgarner

HD 64 Lynn Stucky

HD 65 Kronda Thimesch

HD 67 Jeff Leach

HD 68 David Spiller

HD 69 James Frank

HD 70 Jamee Jolly

HD 71 Stan Lambert

HD 72 Drew Darby

HD 74 Eddie Morales

HD 76 Suleman Lalani

HD 80 Tracy O King

HD 81 Brooks Landgraf

HD 82 Tom Craddick

HD 83 Dustin Burrows

HD 84 Carl Tepper

HD 85 Stan Kitzman

HD 86 John Smithee

HD 87 Walter “Four” Price

HD 88 Ken King

HD 89 Candy Noble

HD 91 Stephanie Klick

HD 92 Salman Bhojani

HD 96 David Cook

HD 97 Craig Goldman

HD 98 Giovanni Capriglione

HD 99 Charlie Geren

HD 108 Morgan Meyer

HD 109 Carl Sherman Sr.

HD 112 Angie Chen Button

HD 113 Rhetta Andrews Bowers

HD 117 Philip Cortez

HD 118 John Lujan

HD 120 Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

HD 121 Steve Allison

HD 125 Ray Lopez

HD 126 Sam Harless

HD 127 Charles Cunningham

HD 129 Dennis Paul

HD 130 Tom Oliverson

HD 132 Mike Schofield

HD 133 Emilio DeAyala

HD 138 Lacey Hull

HD 139 Jarvis Johnson

HD 142 Harold Dutton

TAB is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. The Association’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations. Follow TAB on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

RGV Agents Arrest Wanted Subject

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RGV Agents Arrest Wanted Subject
On the same day, a McAllen Border Patrol Station agent observed multiple subjects load into a Dodge Durango staged in a parking lot near the Hidalgo Port of Entry. USCBP Image
On the same day, a McAllen Border Patrol Station agent observed multiple subjects load into a Dodge Durango staged in a parking lot near the Hidalgo Port of Entry. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents arrested a wanted subject at the Falfurrias Checkpoint and interdicted a migrant smuggling event near the Hidalgo Port of Entry.

On October 3, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents working at the Falfurrias Checkpoint referred a vehicle to the secondary inspection area after the driver displayed nervous behavior. During the inspection, agents discovered the driver had an active warrant from the McAllen Police Department for deadly conduct. He is accused of displaying a weapon at an incident in McAllen last week. The subject was placed under arrest and turned over to the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office pending extradition.

On the same day, a McAllen Border Patrol Station agent observed multiple subjects load into a Dodge Durango staged in a parking lot near the Hidalgo Port of Entry. Agents responded and encountered the vehicle just before it left the parking lot. The driver and six passengers were arrested for being illegally present in the U.S. 

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.

Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Assoc. Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

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Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Assoc. Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Pictured above, starting with the third person from L-R: Dr. Monzer H. Yazji, founding member; Dr. Richard Gillett, and Dr. Pedro Mego, a board certificated Interventional Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Venous Disease.  Dr. Mego is an Endovascular Diplomate by the American Board of Vascular Medicine; he is an expert in performing minimally invasive Endovascular Procedures to restore circulation, reduce the need or level of amputation, and improve the quality of life of his patients. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez 
Pictured above, starting with the third person from L-R: Dr. Monzer H. Yazji, founding member; Dr. Richard Gillett, and Dr. Pedro Mego, a board certificated Interventional Cardiologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease and Chronic Venous Disease.  Dr. Mego is an Endovascular Diplomate by the American Board of Vascular Medicine; he is an expert in performing minimally invasive Endovascular Procedures to restore circulation, reduce the need or level of amputation, and improve the quality of life of his patients. Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez 
 

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

On September 23, 2022, the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association celebrated its ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new office located at 3200 N. 23rd St., Suite A, in McAllen. The Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) is an independent local, not-for-profit organization for Hidalgo County, Texas. The RGVDA is tailored to providing education and prevention for people affected by diabetes.

The RGV Diabetes Association celebrates the Dancing with the Stars fundraising project annually. 

History of the Association

In 2007, a group of doctors and business leaders in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) identified a need for local attention and emphasis on diabetes awareness for its residents. They joined forces to create the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA) as an independent local, not-for-profit organization for Hidalgo County, Texas. The association’s services are tailored specifically for the residents of the RGV.

Each year, the RGV Diabetes Association celebrates the “Dancing with the Stars” fundraising gala. This year, the RGVDA will present the gala celebration on Saturday, November 13 at the Mission Event Center in Mission.

They guarantee that all the funds generated by the RGVDA are used for the residents of the RGV. This is the only the second organization of this nature in Texas.

The mission of the RGVDA is dedicated to preventing diabetes and its complications through educational services, early detection, and awareness.

Dr. Monzer H. Yazji, MD, is one of the founding members of the Rio Grande Valley Diabetes Association (RGVDA). He believes in the power of diabetes education to combat its complications. With the growing rate of diabetes and obesity in the Valley, the RGVDA’s services are much needed. 

For more information, visit the RGVDA’s new office is 3200 N. 23rd St, Suite A, McAllen, Texas 78501, or on the web at rgvda.org.

Holiday Parade to Celebrate the Sun, Sand and Waves of SPI

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Holiday Parade to Celebrate the Sun, Sand and Waves of SPI
YouTube Image
YouTube Image

Texas Border Business

Earlier today, parade organizers for the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, hit the beach at South Padre Island and unveiled exciting features of the international-award winning Christmas event, including unveiling the iconic float design for the SPI float, announced the return of the giant helium balloon, Ridley the Turtle and revealing the details of the South Padre Island Vuelta Zone along the parade route.

“This December 3rd, we are taking the McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group, to where it’s never been before when Santa returns to his winter home away from home,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “We are especially proud to be celebrating  Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year, South Padre Island-style in McAllen, the Official South Pole of Texas.”

Also echoing the spirit of the island was City of South Padre Island City Manager Randy Smith, who highlighted SPI’s own winter tradition: each year, endangered sea turtles return to the island to nest. Smith pointed out that Sea Turtles Inc., located on the island is a huge contributor to the safety and welfare of these sea turtles, especially the endangered Kemp’s Ridley.

“This year, we are thrilled to announce the return of South Padre Island’s featured giant helium balloon to the McAllen Holiday Parade- Ridley the Sea Turtle,” said Smith. 

Also unveiled was the design for this year’s SPI illuminated float, the South Padre Island Escape.  With a nod to Sandcastle days, Ridley the sea turtle, and the iconic SPI tri-color beach chairs & umbrellas, will not only be a part of the McAllen Holiday Parade, but will also premier the night before in the island’s own Christmas Downtown Street Parade.

Finally, to enhance the SPI Experience, a dedicated portion of the 1.5-mile parade route will be dedicated as the SPI Vuelta Zone, a high energy broadcast and celebration zone along the parade route that will feature the famed Vuelta. The McAllen Holiday Parade is the only place  in the world where giant helium balloons are twirled along the parade route to the “Vuelta!”chants of parade goers. The SPI Vuelta Zone will be modeled   after the famed NewYork Countdown Ball Drop stage and will feature a celebrity host, full SPI branding interactive activities and anelectric crowd experience. McAllen Holiday Parade goers will see supersized SPI Vuelta Zone street signs, giganticdigital screens, and a D.J. to pump up the crowd before and in between floats.  

The cost for the 1,000-seat section is $10, and every attendee will receive an SPI Vuelta Zone t-shirt and noise makers. Tickets can be purchased at www.mcallenholidayparade.com. 

The parade will step off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Buy VIP Stadium tickets for the parade at www.ticketmaster.com or at the McAllen Convention Center Box Office.   Ticket prices start at $10, plus service fees.  

The McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B , is the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas and uses 15 miles of rope light, which generates 1,875,000 lumens of light to properly illuminate the parade and 44,500 cubic feet of helium to keep those giant balloons afloat and is powered by 12,000 horsepower by over 50 trucks from Bert Ogden & Fiesta Dealerships.  

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; Mike Rhodes – Tres Lagos; AEP Texas; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Lacks; Doña Lula; Hermes; Cigna Health Care; Taco Palenque; Carollo Engineers; South Texas College; KSA Engineers; MedCare EMS; Halff Associates; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.; S&B Infrastructure; AMR; Cigna; IBC; AEP; South Texas Vo-Tech; McDonald’s; JP Morgan Chase; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; PND Bank; Rise & Shine with Manny; General Mills; O’Reilly Auto  Parts.

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