U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $2,669,899. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in two separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $2,669,899.
“These significant drug seizures are the direct result of our officers’ dedication and vigilance in securing our borders and our streets, and communities are safer for it,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on July 21, at the Veterans International Bridge, when a 34-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Pasadena, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2014 Dodge. The vehicle was referred for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 10 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 23.06 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure took place on July 26, at the Gateway International Bridge, when a 22-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2003 Ford. The vehicle was referred for further examination after a primary inspection. With the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system NII, and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 24 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 124.60 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $177,820 and $2,492,079, respectively.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the drivers and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Redistricting was required because the results of the 2020 federal Census indicated a 48% population deviation based upon current district lines. Image Source: googlemaps for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Yesterday, at a special meeting, the McAllen City Commission formally adopted an ordinance redistricting the City of McAllen’s single member voting districts. Redistricting was required because the results of the 2020 federal Census indicated a 48% population deviation based upon current district lines.
McAllen District ONE. Courtesy ImageMcAllen District TWO. Courtesy ImageMcAllen District THREE. Courtesy ImageMcAllen District FOUR. Courtesy ImageMcAllen District FIVE. Courtesy ImageMcAllen District SIX. Courtesy Image
Early in the process of drawing a new single member district map, the McAllen City Commission adopted a resolution establishing criteria to ensure that the process met the requirements of both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions and ensured that the results would come from a process that was transparent to McAllen residents. The redistricting plan approved by the McAllen City Commission meets the “one person, one vote” requirement of the U.S. Constitution and reduces the district population deviation to 4.19%, well below the 10% threshold.
The redistricting ordinance will take effect immediately once it is signed by McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. Updated maps of the new single member districts will be available on the City of McAllen’s website, on its mobile 3-1-1 app and its social media platforms.
Some residents will now reside in a different district, which means that they have a new McAllen City Commissioner representing them. For contact information of their new city commissioner, call 681-1001 or the McAllen 3-1-1 Customer Service at 681-3111.
The next regularly scheduled municipal election is in May, 2023.
“We have devised short, mid, and long term steps to ensure our water supplies are secured—including securing federal funds to improve access to our current supplies.” Congressman Cuellar Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Zapata, TX –Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement in regarding action to find short-term and long-term solutions to the dangerously low water levels at Falcon Lake:
Courtesy Image
“Right now, the low water levels at Falcon Lake are threatening the water supply for Zapata County and the surrounding areas,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The situation has already forced several local governments to implement their own drought contingency plans. We are urging residents to conserve water. In addition, I organized a meeting between county officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, International Boundary and Water Commission, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to coordinate a response. We have devised short, mid, and long term steps to ensure our water supplies are secured—including securing federal funds to improve access to our current supplies. ”
Courtesy Image
Congressman Cuellar Continued: “We have discussed options such as installing additional emergency pumps and extending piping under the river’s edge. I will continue to work closely with local, state, and federal officials on addressing the crisis at Falcon Lake.”
Courtesy Image
Similar scenarios are developing across the country. The Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Powell have been consistently dwindling for years. With Lake Mead nearing dead pool status as water levels hit another historic low.
Courtesy Image
The recent drought has only worsened the situation and has highlighted the need for an immediate solution.
Courtesy Image
Zapata Water Initiatives—August 1, 2022
On Friday, July 22nd, Rep. Cuellar organized a meeting with county officials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission, and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to discuss short, medium, and long term solutions for improving water access at Falcon Lake.
On Friday, July 29th, Rep. Cuellar spoke with the USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development, Xochitl Torres Small, about the low lake levels. They discussed solutions and funding opportunities provided by USDA.
Short Term
The county is working with their engineering team to prepare their application to USDA’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program
Funding can be used to relocate pumps to improve water intake, improve the area around current intake, or other supply measures
The county plans to use funding to install a second emergency diesel pump.
They are also working with USDA to find out if they can be reimbursed for emergency expenses they’ve already incurred to install the first diesel pump and create depth in the river.
The grant provides up to $1 million in funding.
Medium Term
County is exploring options to dig a well at the river’s edge and extend piping under the river’s edge.
USDA’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program funds can be used for these projects.
Long Term
County is looking at dredging Falcon Lake to improve water access and extend the life of the reservoir.
This would be a substantial project to remove sedimentation from the bottom of the lake to increase the lake’s depth.
It can also be funded through USDA’s Emergency Water Assistance Grant Program.
Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar’s recently released tax collections data indicates Texas oil and natural gas producers continue to pay record amounts in production taxes to the State of Texas, reaching all-time highs in July. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Comptroller Glen Hegar’s recently released tax collections data indicates Texas oil and natural gas producers continue to pay record amounts in production taxes to the State of Texas, reaching all-time highs in July.
According to the Comptroller’s data, in July, Texas oil producers paid $694 million in production taxes to the state, the highest monthly collection on record and up 84 percent from July 2021. Natural gas production taxes paid also reached a record high in July at $532 million, up 185 percent from last July. These monthly amounts are remarkable in that they surpass average annual revenues from just a few short decades ago. Only two years ago in fiscal year 2020, Texas’ natural gas production tax generated $925 million, and in fiscal year 2023, which begins September 1, 2022, it is expected to generate $4.69 billion, an increase of 407%, while oil for the same period is expected to grow from $3.23 billion to $6.58 billion, an increase of 104%.
“Texas’ all-time monthly records for oil and natural gas production tax collections were shattered again in July, reminding Texans of the vast benefits our state enjoys as the top oil and natural gas producing state in the nation,” said Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil and Gas Association. “These benefits extend beyond Texas’ borders though as our nation and world enjoy the advantages of homegrown, clean, American energy that is meeting our energy needs and environmental goals here at home and across the globe.”
Courtesy Image
Production taxes are only one of the many taxes that the Texas oil and natural gas industry pays. The industry also pays billions in property taxes on all assets from producing minerals properties to pipelines to refineries and gas stations. State and local sales taxes also apply to many purchases made by the industry, raising billions more. There are further taxes, including the state’s franchise tax and gross receipts taxes imposed on natural gas utilities and pipelines, and millions of dollars in fees imposed by state government.
Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism today announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR). Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
UPDATE:
Last month, the Office of the Governor announced the launch of the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR), which began accepting applications on July 6, 2022. Due to the overwhelming response from businesses and non-profits in the travel and tourism industry, they have extended the Category 1 application window to August 7 and have pushed back the dates of the upcoming application dates for Categories 2, 3, and 4.
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism today announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR) established by Senate Bill 8and signed into law by the Governor following the 87th Legislative Session to administer $180 million of funds received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The purpose of the TTIR program is to provide grants for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19.
“Travel and tourism is a critical component to both the state and local economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Visitor spending at Texas destinations brings new money into communities and spurs local job creation across industries in every region of the state. After a decade of record expansion where 1 in 10 Texas jobs were supported by tourism, the travel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. While direct travel spending in Texas is recovering at a faster rate than national averages, allocating these grant funds paves the way for a more prosperous, brighter future for all Texas communities.”
The TTIR program will support the Texas tourism, travel, and hospitality industry by making grant funds available to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Applicants in the following industries are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $20,000: arts, entertainment, and recreation; food services and drinking places; traveler accommodation; RV parks and recreational camps; traveler arrangement and reservation services; convention and tradeshow organizers; breweries; wineries; and distilleries.
The TTIR program application requires all applicants to submit supporting documents along with their application to demonstrate compliance with grant and eligibility requirements.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism will host a series of webinars for specific industry groups to provide more information and answer questions on the application process and the TTIR program:
Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services, Convention & Trade Show Organizers, and RV Parks & Recreational Camps Webinar – Tuesday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Webinar – Thursday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT
Stage 2 is triggered when the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25% capacity. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Mark Vega, P.E., general manager for McAllen Public Utility Courtesy Image City of McAllen
Today, mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen Public Utility water customers, residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones the city has been divided into. Stage 2 is triggered when the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25% capacity.
“McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the current drought that we find ourselves in, it is important that as MPU water customers, we follow the mandatory water restrictions out of necessity to ensure a continued adequate water supply and pressure for the coming months,” said Mark Vega, P.E., general manager for McAllen Public Utility.
Courtesy Image
Depending on the zone residents live or businesses reside in, they can only irrigate using a sprinkler system on designated days, between the hours of 12:00 a.m. midnight to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. midnight. A water sprinkler system is anything that sprays water into the air with the purpose of covering a lawn, hedge or plant bedding. Residents and business that violate the ordinance and use a sprinkler system outside of their designated hours and/or days may be assessed fines.
A hand-held hose or watering can may be used any time of any day with no restrictions; however, the hose or can must be in the residents’ hands. Do not leave hose unattended. Drip irrigation may also be used without restrictions. Drip irrigation includes commercial systems, a home-made system or a drip irrigation hose.
Other restricted uses include:
Water from irrigation system running into gutter, ditch or drain.
No washing of paved areas, including sidewalks, driveways, parking areas and tennis courts, except to prevent fire hazards.
Ornamental fountains without a recycling system are not allowed.
No car wash fundraisers may be held.
Commercial car washes with recycling systems are exempt. Residents and businesses are reminded to fix all water leaks and that vehicles may be washed only on irrigation days and times with a soap bucket and water cut-off hose. Swimming pools may be refilled on designated zone irrigation days from midnight to 10:00 a.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.
The six zones the city is divided into for the designated irrigation days are:
Zone 1: Sunday and Wednesday, Northern city limits on the north, 10th St. on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 2: Monday and Thursday, north city limits on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Nolana Ave. on the south, and 10th St. on the west.
Zone 3: Tuesday and Friday, Nolana Ave. on the north, 10th St. on the east, Business 83 on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 4: Wednesday and Saturday, Nolana Ave. on the north, eastern city limits on the east, Business 83 on the south, 10th St. on the west.
Zone 5: Monday and Thursday, Business 83 on the north, 10th St. on the east, southern city limits on the south and western city limits on the west.
Zone 6: Tuesday and Friday, Business 83 on the north, eastern city limits on the east, southern city limits on the south and 10th St. on the west.
The City of McAllen Water Conservation Plan has five stages. Stage 1 is completely voluntary, and Stage 5 is the most restrictive.
Finally, any residential, commercial or industrial users of recycled water are exempt from these restrictions.
The City of McAllen Water Conservation Plan has five stages. Stage 1 is completely voluntary, and Stage 5 is the most restrictive.
For more information on the plan, other ways to conserve water and other water information, visit www.mcallenpublicutility.com.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three gang members and one convicted sex offender over a 24-hour period. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents arrested three gang members and one convicted sex offender over a 24-hour period.
The first arrest occurred on July 30, when agents from the Hebbronville Station apprehended an undocumented individual. The person was identified as Hermelindo Vicente-Careto, a 34-year-old Guatemalan national. Record checks revealed that Hermelindo Vicente-Careto had a prior felony conviction for Child Molestation and a warrant for probation violation out of Doraville, Georgia.
Later that evening, agents from the Laredo South Station apprehended two undocumented individuals, both Mexican nationals, in Laredo. Records check revealed that both Ramon Gomez-Perales and Juan Martin Lopez-Jimenez had multiple arrests and felony convictions. They are also self-admitted members of the Paisa gang.
On July 31, agents apprehended a group of four undocumented individuals south of Laredo, Texas. Record checks identified that one of the individuals, Amilcar Gomez-Lucas, a 24-year-old Guatemalan nation, as being a member of the 18th Street gang.
All will be processed accordingly.
To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, inviting the mayors to visit Texas’ southern border to see the humanitarian crisis firsthand.NYC Image Sources: Mayor Adams: Office of U.S. House Speaker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Washington DC Mayor Bowser: District of Columbia Government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Gov. Abbott: Texas.gov; Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, inviting the mayors to visit Texas’ southern border to see the humanitarian crisis firsthand. Local communities are being overrun by record-high numbers of illegal immigrants as President Biden’s reckless open border policies have invited mass migration and transnational criminal activity into Texas communities.
“As law enforcement agents along the Texas-Mexico border respond to thousands of illegal crossings each and every day, putting their lives on the line for Texans and for all Americans, the crisis demands the attention of not only the Biden Administration, which is responsible for securing the border, but of leaders across the country,” reads the letter. “As Governor, I invite you to visit our border region to see firsthand the dire situation that only grows more urgent with each passing day, and to meet with the local officials, who like yourselves, realize this matter deserves immediate federal action.”
Texas has bused thousands of migrants to Washington, D.C. who would have otherwise been released into small border communities with more limited resources than the nation’s capital. Last month, Governor Abbott responded to New York City Mayor Adams’ false accusations attacking the mission by calling on the mayor to direct his complaints to President Biden for refusing to secure the southern border.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to secure the border in the wake of the federal government’s inaction. Those actions include:
Securing $4 billion in funding for Texas’ border security efforts
Launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers
Taking aggressive action to secure the border as President Biden ends Title 42 expulsions, including busing thousands of migrants to Washington, D.C.
Arresting and jailing criminals trespassing or committing other state crimes along the southern border
Allocating resources that include acquiring 1,700 unused steel panels to build the border wall in Texas
Signing a law to make it easier to prosecute smugglers bringing people into Texas
Signing 15 laws cracking down on human trafficking in Texas
Signing a law enhancing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl
Issuing a disaster declaration for the border crisis
Issuing an executive order preventing non-governmental entities from transporting illegal immigrants
Signing memoranda of understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to enhance border security measures that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas
Activating the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directing the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Military Department, and Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border
Issuing an executive order authorizing the Texas National Guard and Texas Department of Public Safety to return illegal immigrants to the border at ports of entry
Creating DPS strike teams and establishing new vehicle inspection checkpoints targeting semi-trucks and other commercial motor vehicles
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested a man, convicted of voluntary manslaughter, shortly after he illegally entered the United States, July 26. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to Del Rio Sector arrested a man, convicted of voluntary manslaughter, shortly after he illegally entered the United States, July 26.
Brackettville agents apprehended a group of five migrants just before 6 p.m. They were transported to the Brackettville Station where it was discovered, through record checks, that one subject, Juan Carlos Perez-Reyes, 32, of Mexico, was convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 2009 in Oklahoma and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years confinement. Perez-Reyes was deported in November 2021.
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 June 30, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,651 criminal migrants.
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.
Packages containing 113 pounds of cocaine discovered by CBP officers within a tractor trailer at World Trade Bridge.
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized hard narcotics in two enforcement actions that totaled over $2,700,000 in street value.
“Officers assigned to CBP cargo facilities ensure effective border security by preventing and countering the flow of suspected narcotics entering the country,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Seizures, such as these, are a prime example of border security management and how it helps prevent illicit contraband from reaching our communities.”
The first seizure occurred on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2019 Freightliner trailer manifesting a refrigeration compressor for a secondary inspection. The truck was referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, resulting in the discovery of six packages containing 95.63 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the shipment. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $1,912,710.
The second seizure occurred on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at the World Trade Bridge when a CBP officer referred a 2006 Great Dane trailer manifesting a shipment of charcoal for a secondary inspection. The truck was referred for a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, resulting in the discovery of 48 packages containing 113.18 pounds of alleged cocaine within the trailer. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $872,780.
The narcotics combined had an estimated street value of $2,785,490.
CBP seized the narcotics and one trailer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents are investigating the seizures.
