U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station apprehended a convicted sex offender. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, Sept. 2.
Del Rio Station agents arrested Juan Galvan-Vela, 37, a Mexican national, after he and five others illegally crossed into the United States. They were transported to the Del Rio Station for processing. Record checks revealed that in 2019, Galvan-Vela was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor in South Carolina and sentenced to five years in prison. He was deported in May 2022.
As a convicted felon, he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,708 criminal migrants.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station closed a stash house in Laredo. USCBO Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station closed a stash house in Laredo.
On September 10, Border Patrol agents were working their assigned duties when they assisted Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), with a welfare check of a residence located on Moonstone Road. A total of nine individuals were discovered inside the residence.
After Border Patrol agents conducted an immigration inspection of the individuals, agents determined that they were in the country illegally. All the undocumented non-citizens were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador.
All the individuals will be processed accordingly.
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. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station recently apprehended a convicted sex offender, Sept. 7. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station recently apprehended a convicted sex offender, Sept. 7.
At approximately 11 p.m., Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass North Station encountered three subjects attempting to avoid detection after illegally entering the United States. They were transported to the Eagle Pass Soft Side Facility for processing. Record checks revealed one subject, Mauricio Salomon Lopez-Perez, 37, a Salvadoran national, was convicted, in December 2021 in California, of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age. Lopez-Perez was deported in June 2022.
As a convicted felon, he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,708 criminal migrants.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and state law enforcement agencies disrupt five smuggling attempts, resulting in 137 arrests. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and state law enforcement agencies disrupt five smuggling attempts, resulting in 137 arrests.
On September 9, Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint agents, after a K-9 alert, referred a truck pulling a flatbed trailer carrying a large wooden box to the secondary inspection area. A search of the box revealed five migrants trapped inside. The box was completely sealed and secured down with cargo straps with no means of escape for the occupants. Agents determined the migrants are citizens of El Salvador and Mexico unlawfully in the U.S. while the driver was a U.S. citizen. All subjects were found to be in good health.
Later that afternoon, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) camera operators observed a heavily laden Mercury SUV depart a well-known smuggling area near Mission. Texas National Guard soldiers maintained visual of the vehicle until Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) located the vehicle after it collided into a fence and multiple subjects bailed out. MCS agents responded to the area where seven migrants, nationals from Mexico and El Salvador were arrested. The driver was not located.
On September 11, RGV agents responded to a request for assistance from DPS troopers north of the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint. DPS troopers pursued a Dodge Caravan after the driver failed to yield during a traffic stop. The driver veered off the road and came to a stop where multiple people fled the vehicle. RGV agents arrived at the scene of the bailout and were able to apprehend four migrants illegally present in the U.S. The driver was not located.
Later that evening, the driver of a Dodge Sedan was referred to the secondary inspection area at the Fort Brown Border Patrol (FTB) Checkpoint for further inspection. FTB agents interviewed the two passengers and determined they were unlawfully in the U.S. Upon opening the truck, two more subjects were encountered. The driver and migrants were placed under arrest.
Additionally, within the last 48 hours, 115 migrants were arrested in a smuggling attempt utilizing a semi-tractor trailer at the Falfurrias Checkpoint.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working together with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shut down a stash house, rescued 21 individuals, and seize over one hundred pounds of narcotics in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working together with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shut down a stash house, rescued 21 individuals, and seize over one hundred pounds of narcotics in Laredo, Texas.
The incident occurred on September 6, when agents, while working their assigned duties, assisted DPS with a welfare check at a house located on Cereus Court. Upon entry into the house DPS and agents encountered 22 individuals. After conducting interviews, DPS and agents were able to rescue 21 undocumented non-citizens from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala that were being held inside the house. Additionally, one U.S. citizen, who was identified as being the caretaker of the stash house, was taken into custody. All individuals will be processed accordingly.
During a search of the residence, DPS also encountered seven large bundles and a plastic bag that tested positive for marijuana. The marijuana had an approximate weight of 162 lbs. with an estimated street value of $129,600.00
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.
Data recently released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that US life expectancy has once again fallen, with COVID-19 a primary culprit. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
Data recently released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that US life expectancy has once again fallen, with COVID-19 a primary culprit. The life span which could be expected for someone born in 2021 fell to 76.1 years, the lowest since 1996. For males 73.2 years could be expected, with 79.1 years for females.
The decline of 0.9 year in life expectancy between 2020 and 2021 pushed the overall drop between 2019 and 2021 to 2.7 years. Decades of gains in this key measure of overall health and societal progress have been wiped out, with some racial/ethnic groups hit particularly hard.
The non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) population experienced the largest drop, from 67.1 in 2020 to 65.2 years in 2021, which equals the total US life expectancy in 1944. The non-Hispanic White population had the second greatest decline (77.4 to 76.4), while life expectancy for the non-Hispanic Black population declined from 71.5 to 70.8 years. The Hispanic population saw a decrease from 77.9 years to 77.7 years, the lowest since that series started in 2006. The life expectancy for Asians remains the longest at 83.5, although down from 85.6 in 2019.
The 2021 decline was driven by increases in mortality due to COVID-19 (50.0% of the negative contribution), unintentional injuries (15.9%), heart disease (4.1%), chronic liver disease and cirrhosis (3.0%), and suicide (2.1%). The decline would have been worse except for lower mortality due to influenza and pneumonia (38.5%), chronic lower respiratory diseases (28.8%), Alzheimer disease (18.3%), perinatal conditions (6.3%), and Parkinson’s disease (2.3%).
Clearly there are multiple factors in many cases, with COVID-19 often being the proximate cause of death for someone also afflicted with another condition such as Alzheimer disease or Parkinson’s disease. Thus, the data shouldn’t be interpreted as indicating sustainable improvement in these chronic conditions.
The increase in deaths due to unintentional injuries (primarily drug overdoses) is particularly troubling. Such deaths contributed to increased rates in younger population segments. They were the leading cause – even higher than COVID-19 – contributing to the decline in life expectancy for the Hispanic population (31.2%) and were second for non-Hispanic Black (at 22.7%), non-Hispanic AIAN (21.3%), and non-Hispanic White (11.8%) populations.
In addition to the incalculable human toll, these outcomes have profound economic effects, both in tightening an already strained labor market and escalating health-related costs. As COVID-19 reaches a more endemic stage and more and better treatments are available, death rates should subside. Reversing the tragic upward trend in overdoses is imperative. A prosperous and forward-looking nation should be characterized by longer lives. In fact, it is the very essence of progress. There is much to be done. 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 2,500 clients over the past four decades.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 27 arrests from three migrant smuggling events. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 27 arrests from three migrant smuggling events.
On September 2, RGV agents and National Guard observed a female noncitizen cross illegally into the U.S. at the mouth of the Rio Grande. The Mexican national was picked up by a Ford F-150 and transported north to the jetties. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) then observed the same vehicle drop off the subject south of Isla Blanca Park. The female was then transported to a local park on a jet ski. CBP Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and USCG apprehended the male and female subject upon arrival at the park. The driver and passenger of the Ford F-150 were also apprehended by Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents. AMO seized two jet skis, a trailer, and a white SUV used to transport the jet skis.
On September 7, RGV agents received information of possible noncitizens on a private plane at McCreery Aviation in McAllen. Upon arrival, agents apprehended nine migrants from Guatemala and El Salvador illegally present in the U.S.
A few hours later, RGV agents observed a Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) trooper involved in a vehicle pursuit with a white Dodge pickup near Raymondville. Agents observed the vehicle veer off the road and rollover. Responding agents apprehended 14 subjects from Honduras, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Mexico. Three migrants were determined to need Emergency Medical Services and they were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment. The U.S. citizen driver of the vehicle was arrested by TXDPS to face state charges for evading arrest and smuggling.
Bags containing nearly 267 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Pharr International Bridge Cargo Facility intercepted $2,384,668 in alleged methamphetamine.
“Our CBP officers relied on their experience and all available tools and resources to thwart this smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On September 9, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer, arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the conveyance for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection systems (NII). After physically inspecting the conveyance, officers extracted 266.75 pounds (121kg) of alleged methamphetamine which was concealed within the trailer.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and tractor trailer, and the case remains under investigation by agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City Officials and others at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image Courtesy of the City of Mission
Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas –Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, City of Mission and National Fitness Campaign (NFC) announced a partnership to bring an outdoor Fitness Court® to Mission, Texas. The Fitness Court, located inHollis Rutledge Sr. Park at 3404 North Inspiration Rd., and opened 9 a.m. Sept. 14 with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image Courtesy of the City of MissionMission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City Officials and others at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image Courtesy of the City of Mission
This Fitness Court® was developed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, City of Mission and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court® is the world’s best outdoor gym that lets people use their own body weight to get a complete workout using seven exercise stations.
Mission Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza with a group of ladies at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
Created with people aged 14 and over — and with all abilities — in mind, the workouts are adaptable for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym into a digitally-supported, wellness experience.
A group including a Special Olympian enjoying the park. Image courtesy of the City Of Mission
“On average, one in two adults don’t have enough aerobic physical activity in their day-to-day lives, which can lead to chronic, yet preventable, conditions,” said Sheena Payne, Director of Community Affairs at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “Helping fund these Fitness Courts is just one more way we can work toward all Texans having access to optimal health outcomes right in their own community.”
Enjoying the Fitness Park. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
“We’ve been approached by many park users over the past few years with requests for more exercise equipment, and their dream is now a reality,” said Brad Bentsen, Director of Mission Parks and Recreation. “The support for this project from across city leadership will ultimately bring more people outside for a healthier lifestyle and foster the major wave of trail usage, on a multigenerational level.”
Commissioner Ever Villarreal attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
“National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome the City of Mission to the campaign as a leader in health and wellness for Texas and across America,” said Mitch Menaged, Founder of National Fitness Campaign.
Enjoying the Fitness Park. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
For more information, contact Mission Parks & Recreation at 956-580-8760. For more information on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas’ support of NFC, please visit https://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/texas.
(left to right) STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. and UTRGV President Guy Bailey, Ph.D. signed a joint admission agreement today making it easier for students to obtain a higher education. STC Image
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ventured into an extraordinary partnership that will make it easier for students to complete their higher educational journey.
STC and UTRGV recently signed into effect a joint admission agreement that is set to launch in spring 2023, that will benefit students from across the region with a one admission application process to both institutions and/or a seamless transfer to the university.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said in the past year, STC has developed strategies, a culture and structures from a leadership perspective that fosters creativity and innovation, and through this partnership with UTRGV, both institutions are leading the way to create a pathway toward student success.
“There are two very important components of education as we rapidly move forward into the future – our students and access to knowledge,” said Solis. “This is what we, the largest institutions in South Texas provide, and through this merger and our collaboration, we are leveraging our resources for the betterment of our students. This is powerful.”
Annually, UTRGV reports that more than 1,300 students apply to the university and are not admitted because they don’t meet college readiness standards, and this agreement will minimize this barrier for students and their families.
The joint admission agreement sets out a plan that creates a pipeline from STC to UTRGV for students, who are not yet eligible for admission to the university, to first attend STC and earn college credits, while developing the academic skills necessary for admission to UTRGV.
In addition, it lays out a one admission application to both institutions for students who decide to begin their educational journey at STC and later transfer to UTRGV – it is guaranteed admission to the university if a student successfully completes their courses at the college.
While at STC, students participating in the joint admission program will be required to meet college readiness standards by earning 30-60 credit hours, maintaining a 2.0 GPA and attending a UTRGV orientation for their intended transfer term.
The agreement also outlines the responsibilities of STC and UTRGV to share student data in compliance with the protocols and policies of both institutions and relevant laws.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey, Ph.D., said this agreement has been years in the making and the pathway and pipeline it’s creating for students of the region and will help both institutions have an even greater impact on its students and their families.
“At UTRGV, we have a commitment, and that is to student access and student success,” said Bailey. “This is another step in our commitment to our students and our region. The impact of this agreement will carry on for decades to come. We have a great relationship with STC and now this agreement takes us to another level in our partnership all for our students. The success of STC, UTRGV and our students are now linked for duration, and we expect this to continue for years to come. It’s a great day for the RGV, we will be a better place.”
For Aissa Rodriguez, an STC and UTRGV alumna, and now STC 2 RGV Transfer Outreach Representative, this joint admission agreement means students are going to get the best of both worlds.
“I started at STC because I knew I wanted to start my educational journey somewhere where I felt comfortable and supported, and being part of the STC student body shaped me into the person I am today,” said Rodriguez. “STC prepared me and allowed me the confidence to start strong at UTRGV. The ability to transfer more than 40 credit hours from STC to UTRGV really opened the doors for me to walk across the commencement stage as a UTRGV Vaquero.”
She added, that because she witnessed firsthand the connection between both institutions, she is ready, more than ever, to help others, in her similar situation, complete their degrees and become successful individuals that will serve the RGV community.
“This admission agreement will be the steppingstone to success for all of our students and our community,” she said. “We’re committed to making sure that the students we help can achieve their goals and complete their degrees. Thank you to all who are contributing to the implementation and future success of this agreement.”
For more information on the STC 2 UTRGV program, call STC at 1-855-GoToSTC.
