Packages containing 1,984 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Pharr International Bridge. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted suspected methamphetamine valued at more than $17 million concealed within a shipment manifested as blackberries.
“Our CBP officers use all available tools and technology to thwart smuggling attempts at our international crossings,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “This massive interception of meth illustrates our commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
During the evening hours of March 23, CBP officers at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a commercial tractor trailer traveling from Reynosa, Mexico. The vehicle was referred to secondary inspection dock for further inspection utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment. During the examination, CBP officers extracted a total of 862 packages of suspected methamphetamine with a combined weight of 1,984.16 pounds (900 kg) concealed within the shipment of blackberries. The methamphetamine has a total estimated street value of $17,737,200.
CBP officers seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigation special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
The groundbreaking brought together Vanguard Academy leadership, City of Pharr officials, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, students, and community members.Image by Noah Mangum González
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Van Gogh Early College High School held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, March 27, 2026, marking the start of construction on a new campus scheduled to open in August 2027. The event brought together Vanguard Academy leadership, City of Pharr officials, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, students, and community members.
Melissa Morales, Executive Director for Institutional Advancement and Communications, opened the program. Raphael Garcia, a ninth-grade student, performed the national anthem. A student-led invocation was followed by the Vanguard Academy Prayer led by Luisa Trejo Herrera, a seventh-grade student, and a personal prayer by Jeremiah Hernandez, a tenth-grade student.
Board members and special guests were recognized before a performance by the Van Gogh Tiaras Dance Team under the direction of Mrs. Rebeca Segovia. Principal Vanessa Gonzalez then addressed attendees.
“Welcome, everyone, to Vanguard Van Gogh,” Gonzalez said. “This expansion represents a wonderful opportunity, not only for our students, but for the entire Pharr community and its surrounding cities.” She said the new campus will allow the school to “welcome even more students into our Van Gogh family and continue building a strong foundation for their future successes.”
Gonzalez highlighted student achievements, noting the Tiaras became national champions last school year and that several students advanced to state competitions in the school’s first DECA participation, including Rene Lucero, Alexa Martinez, Gabriela Torres, Sophia Ya Hernandez, and Sebastian Garcia Trevino. She also recognized Ms. Villa Tez for advancing to state in family medicine for HOSA, Raphael Garcia for advancing to state in solo and ensemble, and Michelle Orozco for winning multiple art competitions in Pharr.
Gonzalez asked current tenth graders to stand, noting many enrolled when the school opened in 2021. “These students that you see here before you will be our very first royal graduating class of 2028,” she said.
City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores delivered the keynote address. “On behalf of Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and our entire Pharr City commission, it’s an honor to be here with you all today for this momentous occasion,” Flores said. He described the event as “about community” and commended Vanguard leadership for “all the late nights, all the planning, all the hard work” required to reach the milestone.
Victor Perez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, also spoke. “Nourishing students and parents, preparing them for the future where they will strive to be the best leaders,” Perez said. He quoted Malcolm X, stating, “Education is a passport to the future, but tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it.”
Student Sebastian Garcia said, “These new buildings represent a major milestone for our campus. They are a stepping stone that will define the future of our school for decades to come.”
Superintendent Dr. Marisol Rocha described the project as the start of “Vision 2036,” Vanguard’s 10-year plan in Pharr. “Today marks the beginning of what we call Vision 2036,” Rocha said, adding that the ceremonial shovel symbolized “the beginning of our construction for Van Gogh Early College High School.”
The ceremony concluded with an official shovel event and photo opportunity. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned prior to the campus opening in August 2027.
A closed manufacturing plant in Mexico stands with locked gates and an empty parking lot, reflecting confirmed shutdowns that have contributed to tens of thousands of manufacturing job losses in late 2025 and early 2026, according to INEGI and Mexican media reports. Image for illustration purposes.
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Mexican newspaper reports and official data show that plant closures and production shutdowns increased from 2025 into 2026, particularly in the automotive and auto parts sectors, as manufacturing employment continued to decline.
INEGI reported that manufacturing employment fell by approximately 48,000 workers year over year in the fourth quarter of 2025. El Economista reported that manufacturing employment declined about 2 percent in 2025, marking a third consecutive annual decrease, and described ongoing losses as “la sangría laboral,” or labor bleed.
Among the confirmed closures is Nissan’s CIVAC plant in Morelos. Nissan announced it would transfer production to Aguascalientes by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes in March 2026. Milenio reported the plant would be “desactivada,” and El Economista reported that 869 workers were affected.
courtesy image
The COMPAS plant in Aguascalientes, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Nissan, is also scheduled to close. Milenio reported operations will end May 31, 2026. El Financiero reported the shutdown will occur in phases. The facility employs several thousand workers, placing total job impacts in the thousands.
In Tamaulipas, Mexican coverage links additional shutdowns to the U.S. bankruptcy of First Brands Group. Milenio reported that Tridonex ended operations in January 2026 and that Trico Componentes in Matamoros was later affected. The publication reported that more than 10,800 jobs were lost in Tamaulipas during the first quarter of 2026, with strikes and labor actions following the closures.
In Ciudad Juárez, figures reported by Reuters and cited in Mexican coverage indicate that approximately 64,000 manufacturing jobs were lost between 2023 and mid-2025 due to plant closures, relocations, and production cuts.
No single official report isolates nationwide job losses tied only to plant closures. However, combined figures from INEGI and reported regional losses indicate that manufacturing job reductions across 2025 and early 2026 exceed 200,000 positions when national declines and major regional losses are considered together. Confirmed shutdowns have resulted in several thousand direct layoffs, with continuing employment declines adding substantially to the total.
It is important to note that, according to Professor Jorge Lera Mejía of the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, the maquiladora industry along Mexico’s northern border has suffered a severe contraction, shedding more than 100,000 jobs over an 18-month period ending in mid-2024. Citing a report from the Bloque Empresarial Fronterizo, Lera highlighted that Ciudad Juárez has been the hardest hit, with significant employment losses also recorded in key manufacturing hubs across Baja California and Tamaulipas. The sustained deceleration in the sector, marked by 12 consecutive months of declining employment at the time, reflects broader economic pressures affecting export-oriented manufacturing plants in the region.
CBP officers seize commercial quantity of insecticide at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Laredo Port of Entry this week intercepted a large quantity of insecticide hidden within a vehicle.
On March 18, CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a 2015 Dodge Ram 3500 for a secondary examination. During secondary examination, CBP officers conducted further inspection of the vehicle, which included the use of a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 461.10 kg. (1,016.55 pounds) of the suspected insecticide Amitraz concealed within an external diesel tank in the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the vehicle, tank, and insecticide. Environmental Protection Agency and Homeland Security Investigations special agents initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
“Our frontline CBP officers’ continued dedication to the border security mission and their use of available tools and resources resulted in the referral and detection of a commercial quantity of insecticide hidden within a vehicle,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “CBP works hand in glove with other agency partners, to include the EPA, to ensure that all federal laws and regulations are adhered to, including those that govern the importation of powerful chemical compounds like insecticide.”
“Homeland Security Investigations plays a critical role in supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Environmental Protection Agency in investigations involving the unlawful importation of regulated chemicals. HSI special agents work closely with CBP officers to identify, investigate, and disrupt attempts to smuggle commercial quantities of hazardous substances, such as insecticides, into the United States. Our collaborative efforts ensure that those who violate federal laws governing the importation and distribution of chemical compounds are held accountable, and that public safety and environmental standards are upheld,” said acting Special Agent in Charge, John A. Pasciucco, HSI San Antonio.
EPA Criminal Investigation Division was referred information related to the seizure for further investigation.
Lawful importation of Amitraz, a pesticide and acaricide, requires submission of EPA Form 3540-1 (Notice of Arrival) to the EPA before arrival. It must be registered with the EPA, properly labeled, and comply with safety standards. A CBP entry form must be submitted within five days of arrival, and the shipment is subject to CBP inspection.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is scheduled to host its Spring Virtual Career Expo March 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, actively recruiting for positions across its mission to protect Americans and secure the nation’s borders. USCBP image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection is scheduled to host its Spring Virtual Career Expo March 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, actively recruiting for positions across its mission to protect Americans and secure the nation’s borders.
The virtual event will expose attendees to a challenging and meaningful career that offers growth opportunities. CBP employees will be present to discuss life at CBP, including their duties and experiences. Attendees can ask questions to recruiters via live chat in job-specific booths for more information about positions and qualifications.
Interested participants can register online. The event lobby will open early, but attendees must be fully registered by March 27 to participate.
CBP is seeking to fill thousands of mission-critical positions at all levels, including:
Air Interdiction Agent
Border Patrol Agent
Criminal Investigator
Customs and Border Protection Officer
Marine Interdiction Agent
With multiple positions currently open, now is an ideal time to learn more about available roles and begin the application process. Federal hiring regulations apply to all CBP positions. U.S. citizenship is required. Comprehensive information for specific positions is available at careers.cbp.gov.
CBP offers training, competitive pay, and robust benefits, fostering an environment of continuous learning and career advancement. New CBP officers and agents may be eligible for up to $60,000 in incentive payments for certain locations.
The City of McAllen has announced the launch of its 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey, a comprehensive community assessment conducted every four years to better understand the needs, priorities, and perceptions of its residents. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen has announced the launch of its 2026 Resident Satisfaction Survey, a comprehensive community assessment conducted every four years to better understand the needs, priorities, and perceptions of its residents. Administered by ETC Institute, a nationally recognized leader in local government research, the survey will gather statistically valid feedback from McAllen households.
“Community input is essential to delivering services that residents expect and deserve,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. The survey is designed to provide clear, actionable insights that will help shape strategic planning, policy decisions, and resource allocation for the coming years.“We cannot shape McAllen’s future without hearing from the people we serve. This survey is how residents lead the conversation, share what matters most, and directly influence the decisions that drive our growth and quality of life.” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey by using the QR code below, visiting mcallensurvey.org, or calling ETC Institute toll-free at 1-888-801-5368 or in Spanish – Llame a la línea gratuita al 1-844-811-0411 para completar la encuesta en Español.
From March 27, 2026 – May 15, 2026, households will receive invitations to participate by mail, with options to respond online or by phone. The survey process is confidential, and individual responses will remain anonymous. Results will be aggregated to reflect the community as a whole and ensure representation across demographics and neighborhoods.
Key focus areas include:
• Overall satisfaction with City services
• Public safety services, including police, fire, and disaster response
• Maintenance of streets, drainage, and public facilities
• Enforcement of local codes and ordinances
• Parks, recreation, and community programming
• Customer service and responsiveness of departments
• Communication and transparency
• Overall quality of life
Survey findings will be presented publicly upon completion and will serve as a benchmark to measure progress over time, as well as to compare McAllen’s performance with peer communities nationwide.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the survey by using the QR code below, visiting mcallensurvey.org, or calling ETC Institute toll-free at 1-888-801-5368 or in Spanish – Llame a la línea gratuita al 1-844-811-0411 para completar la encuesta en Español.
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Frank Parker, Jr. as presiding officer of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2028. Image source: Facebook. Bgd for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Frank Parker, Jr. as presiding officer of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2028. The Regional Mobility Authority is a political subdivision that allows local transportation planning and project delivery leaders to partner with the state to deliver transportation infrastructure projects that will serve Cameron County.
Frank Parker, Jr. of Brownsville is vice president of Scarbrough Global and owner of Extex Investment Company. He is a board member of the South Texas Manufacturers Association and a member of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America Transportation Committee and the Rotary Club of North Brownsville. He is the former chairman of the Brownsville Economic Development Council and the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Propeller Club of Brownsville/Port Isabel, and a former board member of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and the Border Trade Alliance. Additionally, he served as senior warden of the Episcopal Church of the Advent. Parker received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin.
Thomas Paine, who penned patriotic pamphlets during the Revolutionary War, is pictured in this lithograph by artist Peter Kramer. Photo credit: Artist Peter Kramer via US DOW
Although the American Revolutionary War began April 19, 1775, in the months that followed, many of those in the 13 colonies still hoped the British crown would redress their grievances.
Beginning Jan. 10, 1776, sentiment shifted with the publication of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” a 47-page pamphlet that laid out a convincing rationale for independence.
The pamphlet was so popular that about 500,000 copies were sold, more than all other reading material except the Bible. At the time, the colonists numbered about 3 million and because copies were passed around many more than half a million read it.
Thomas Paine’s influential pamphlet, “Common Sense,” was published on Jan. 10, 1776. It advocated independence from Britain. Photo credit: Thomas Paine via US DOW
Born in England in 1737, Paine became a corset maker. After meeting the American diplomat Benjamin Franklin in London in 1774, he sailed to America and settled in Philadelphia.
Over the course of 1775, he watched with alarm as the disagreements between the colonies and Britain became irreconcilable and he was convinced independence was the only solution.
At the suggestion of his friend Benjamin Rush, a Philadelphia doctor and Second Continental Congress member, Paine wrote “Common Sense.”
“In the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments and common sense,” the pamphlet began.
“A government of our own is our natural right,” he wrote, concluding that “nothing can settle our affairs so expeditiously as an open and determined declaration for independence.”
Paine’s straightforward prose appealed to everyday Americans. In “Common Sense,” he used examples from English history, the Bible and other writings to criticize the British government.
Paine donated all proceeds from his pamphlets to the Continental Congress to support the war effort. His influence led many to consider him a Founding Father.
The pamphlet didn’t convince all colonists: about 20% remained loyal to Britain, 45% were Patriots and the rest were mostly neutral.
Thomas Paine is credited with coining the name “United States of America” and urging Congress to adopt it, June 29, 1776. Days later, the United States of America declared its independence.
Paine later published “The American Crisis,” a second pamphlet designed to encourage American soldiers. Gen. George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, ordered his officers to read the pamphlet to their soldiers before crossing the Delaware River to attack the British in Trenton, New Jersey, December 1776.
Following the war, Paine moved to France, where he supported the French Revolution and published the influential “Rights of Man” before returning to New York City, where he died in 1809.
The Texas Association of Business (TAB) released a statement following Speaker Burrows’ announcement that the Texas House of Representatives will study the impact of data centers in Texas during the interim. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Association of Business (TAB) released a statement following Speaker Burrows’ announcement that the Texas House of Representatives will study the impact of data centers in Texas during the interim. TAB welcomed the news and issued the following statement:
Megan Mauro, Interim President & CEO, Texas Association of Business. Image: LinkedIN
“With Texas poised to become a major hub for new AI data centers, we are encouraged that Speaker Burrows has included two interim charges on data centers to help provide legislators, businesses and the public with more information about the impact on our state,”
“There is a great deal of misinformation circulating about data center water usage, impact on the grid, and effect on utility bills, providing a critical opportunity to get the facts about data centers to better inform lawmakers and the public ahead of the 2027 Texas Legislative Session.
“The bottom line is that data centers are vital to our state and local economies, and the concerns about their broader impact are simply not supported by the facts. Data centers are also central to beating China in the global AI race, and if our nation is to win that battle, the eighth largest economy in the world must play a leading role.”
-Megan Mauro, Interim President & CEO, Texas Association of Business
STC is helping students and alumni put their best face forward in the job market with the introduction of the Jags Professional Headshot booth, a new resource designed to provide high-quality professional headshots that strengthen digital profiles and enhance first impressions with potential employers. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College (STC) is helping students and alumni put their best face forward in the job market with the introduction of the Jags Professional Headshot booth, a new resource designed to provide high-quality professional headshots that strengthen digital profiles and enhance first impressions with potential employers.
The service is offered through STC’s Career and Employers Services department and allows Jaguars to obtain professional photos they can use on platforms such as LinkedIn, resumes and professional portfolios as they begin or advance their careers.
Career and Employer Services Director Celinda Salinas said the new resource is part of the college’s continued commitment to preparing students for the workforce.
“Providing this resource on campus ensures Jaguars have easy access to professional tools that support career readiness and success,” Salinas said.
A professional headshot can play a key role in how students present themselves to potential employers, especially as networking and job searches increasingly take place online.
Coordinator for Career and Employer Services Joanna Nino-Montes said a polished image can make a meaningful difference when students are building their professional presence.
“A strong professional headshot helps Jaguars stand out on LinkedIn and on resumes by creating a polished, professional image for employers as they pursue gainful employment,” Nino-Montes said. “The Jags Professional Headshot booth allows students to obtain high-quality professional photos that support the maintenance of a strong and current digital profile, while boosting confidence and first impressions as they navigate the workforce.”
By offering the service directly on campus, STC is also helping remove barriers that may prevent students from accessing professional photography services elsewhere.
“Offering it on campus removes cost and access barriers, giving all Jaguars equal opportunity to be career ready,” Nino-Montes added.
The booth is available to STC students and alumni, who can schedule a session through the Career and Employer Services department or access the service through campus events.
For students like Joceline Rosas, a work-study student with Career and Employer Services, the resource provides an important advantage when preparing for future career opportunities.
“I think having professional headshots is important because it’s the first impression you give to your future employers and it helps you present yourself in a confident way,” Rosas said.
She explained that a professional photo can enhance a student’s overall presentation when applying for jobs or attending networking opportunities.
“A lot of the time we go into interviews or job fairs with just a resume, or sometimes even nothing,” she said. “Having a professional photo along with your resume helps you stand out and present yourself in a more professional way.”
Rosas encourages fellow students to take advantage of the opportunity.
“I would recommend it to other students because it is quick, easy and free to use,” she said. “This is a very helpful tool for building a professional profile.”
Through initiatives like the Jags Professional Headshot booth, STC continues to equip students and alumni with practical resources that strengthen professional development, boost confidence and support success in today’s competitive workforce.
