Home Blog Page 191

Edwards Abstract Hosts 22nd Annual Real Estate Forum in Edinburg

Roberto H. Gonzalez
-
0
Edwards Abstract Hosts 22nd Annual Real Estate Forum in Edinburg
Dr. Ted Jones (center) receives a commemorative plaque recognizing 20 years of participation in the Edwards Abstract State of Real Estate Forum, flanked by Edwards Abstract and Title Co. CEO Byron Lewis (left) and President Mark Lewis (right) during the event in Edinburg, Texas. Image Texas Border Business
Dr. Ted Jones (center) receives a commemorative plaque recognizing 20 years of participation in the Edwards Abstract State of Real Estate Forum, flanked by Edwards Abstract and Title Co. CEO Byron Lewis (left) and President Mark Lewis (right) during the event in Edinburg, Texas. Image Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas — Edwards Abstract and Title Co. hosted its 22nd annual State of Real Estate Forum on March 5, 2026, bringing together real estate professionals, developers, and community leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley.

Mark A. Lewis, president of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., opened the event by welcoming attendees and thanking industry partners and staff. “Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here,” Lewis said. “My name is Mark Lewis. I’m president of Edwards Abstract Company, and on behalf of our entire team, I’d like to welcome you to our 22nd annual State of Real Estate Forum.”

From left: Mike Overly, Executive Vice President and CFO/COO of Edwards Abstract and Title Co.; Mark Lewis, President; Keely Lewis; Byron Lewis, CEO; economist Dr. Ted Jones; and Jordan Lewis during the 22nd Annual State of Real Estate Forum in Edinburg, Texas. Image Texas Border Business

Lewis emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration in the industry. “Now more than ever, we recognize that you have many options. Your trust and loyalty mean everything to us, and we remain committed to earning that trust every single day,” he said. He also thanked the company’s underwriting partner, Stewart, and recognized Edwards Abstract team members attending the event.

Lewis said the forum provides an opportunity for professionals to exchange ideas and prepare for future industry developments. “This forum brings together leaders and professionals to share insights, strengthen relationships, and look ahead to what’s next for our industry,” he said before introducing Edwards Abstract CEO Byron Jay Lewis.

Byron Jay Lewis addressed the audience and noted the large turnout. “We have nearly 600 people here this morning, making this our largest State of Real Estate Forum to date,” he said. “That really speaks to the strength of this community and the value of coming together.”

Members of the Edwards Abstract and Title Co. team gather for a group photo during the 22nd Annual State of Real Estate Forum in Edinburg, Texas. At the center of the group are keynote speaker Dr. Ted Jones, CEO Byron Lewis, President Mark Lewis, and Mike Overly, Executive Vice President and CFO/COO. Image Texas Border Business

Lewis said the event was created more than two decades ago to connect industry professionals and encourage collaboration across the Rio Grande Valley. “We started this Real Estate Forum more than two decades ago as a way to bring the industry together, to share ideas, and to strengthen the relationships that help move our region forward,” he said. He added that the forum helps participants gain perspective on economic conditions and the future of the regional market.

The keynote speaker was economist Dr. Ted Jones, who has participated in the forum for two decades. Byron Lewis described Jones as “a nationally recognized economist and a trusted voice in real estate” who has spent decades helping professionals understand economic forces affecting the market.

During his presentation, Jones discussed national economic conditions and their potential impact on real estate. He said the economy was in better condition than the previous year. He also discussed the growing energy demands associated with modern infrastructure, such as data centers, and expressed skepticism about the human role in climate change.

Jones raised concerns about federal debt and its economic impact. He said that for every new dollar of federal debt, the economy only saw about a 15-cent return. He also stressed the importance of domestic industrial and automotive manufacturing, stating that those sectors generate strong economic returns.

The presentation also addressed international trade and the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico, including the role of tariffs and cross-border commerce.

The event concluded with Byron Lewis thanking Jones for his continued participation in the forum and presenting him with an award recognizing 20 years of contributions to the annual event.

From Dual Credit to CEO: Felida Villarreal’s Journey of Giving Back

TBB
-
0
From Dual Credit to CEO: Felida Villarreal’s Journey of Giving Back
South Texas College Dual Credit Program alum and current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) president and CEO Felida Villarreal said she credits STC with shaping a journey defined by perseverance and service. STC image
South Texas College Dual Credit Program alum and current Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) president and CEO Felida Villarreal said she credits STC with shaping a journey defined by perseverance and service. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez 

McALLEN, Texas – Long before leading the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a nonprofit dedicated to helping students achieve their educational goals, Felida Villarreal was simply a high school junior finding her own path through South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs.

Today, she credits early college experiences at STC, along with the encouragement of college faculty, with shaping a journey defined by perseverance and service.

Serving as VIDA’s president and chief executive officer (CEO), Villarreal said she reflects on her journey from student to community leader, which she hopes proves that while a goal for success may begin in a classroom, it can also be channeled into a lifelong commitment to helping others.

“From the start, STC showed me that education is the door to opportunity,” Villarreal said. “Success is never accomplished alone. It’s an effort of many people, including the professors who believe in you and support you.”

Villarreal began taking dual credit courses while attending Sharyland High School and sought to take as many courses as possible after completing most of her high school requirements. That opportunity allowed her to explore college-level classes before she even graduated.

Graduating high school in 2012, Villarreal said she earned 50 to 60 college credit hours, which provided her with a strong academic foundation. She transferred those credits to the former University of Texas-Pan American, now University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, inspired by her grandfather.

With the momentum gained from dual credit, Villarreal said she completed her bachelor’s degree by the age of 20 and then entered the workforce as a financial analyst for Telemundo 40 in McAllen.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in Accounting from UTRGV and achieved her goal of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

“Oftentimes, people think we need to leave the Valley to be successful, and that is far from the truth,” Villarreal said. “I’m a living example that there are so many opportunities here.”

Her goal of a career as a CPA came with the need to give back to the communities she served. She transitioned into the nonprofit sector and eventually a leadership role with VIDA, an organization that works closely with STC and other institutions to support students pursuing higher education and workforce training.

VIDA provides financial assistance, career counseling and essential services like childcare, transportation and job placement. Villarreal said the goal is to not only ensure that students enroll in college but successfully complete their chosen degree tracks.

“Sometimes students take that first step of going back to college, but they face challenges that can prevent them from finishing,” she said. “We work with STC and other colleges and universities to understand those barriers and provide the support they need to succeed.”

For Villarreal, helping students overcome obstacles is personal. It comes from a desire to give back, a reflection of the mentorship she received along the way.

Villarreal recalls one student who lived in her vehicle with two children while attending classes. Through collaboration with community partners, VIDA helped secure transitional housing and resources that enabled the student to complete her associate degree in Nursing.

Stories like this are one of many that Villarreal says motivate her to give back. 

“I have been extremely blessed for all the opportunities and support I have had,” she said. “It comes from wanting to give back to a community that has given me so much and to help the next generation of leaders.”

NFIB Employment Index Hits 103.5, Outpacing 2025 and Historical Averages

TBB
-
0
NFIB Employment Index Hits 103.5, Outpacing 2025 and Historical Averages
NFIB’s February Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index ticked up nearly 1 point to 103.5, showing further tightness after January consolidated the gains measured in December. Image for illustration purposes
NFIB’s February Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index ticked up nearly 1 point to 103.5, showing further tightness after January consolidated the gains measured in December. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – NFIB’s February Jobs Report shows that the Small Business Employment Index ticked up nearly 1 point to 103.5, showing further tightness after January consolidated the gains measured in December. This current reading is 2.3 points above the 2025 average of 101.2, and 3.5 points above the historical average of 100.

In February, 33% (seasonally adjusted) of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill, up 2 points from January. Unfilled job openings remain above the historical average of 24%. Twenty-eight percent have openings for skilled workers (up 3 points), and 10% have openings for unskilled labor (unchanged).

“February’s numbers show a growing tightness in the small business labor market,” said Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. “While the overall market remains in balance, employers need more skilled workers to fill open positions.”

“Our members are telling us they want to hire,” NFIB State Director Jeff Burdett said. “But many of them are still struggling to find the right applicants.”

A seasonally adjusted net 12% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, down 4 points from January and the lowest level since May 2025. Despite the decrease, hiring plans are close to their average of a net 11%.

Overall, 54% of owners reported hiring or trying to hire in February, up 4 points from January. Forty-six percent of owners (85% of those hiring or trying to hire) reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill (up 2 points). Twenty-five percent reported few qualified applicants (unchanged), and 21% reported none (up 2 points).

In February, 15% of small business owners cited labor quality as their single most important problem, down 1 point from January and the fourth consecutive monthly decline. The last time labor quality, reported as the single most important problem, was this low was in April 2020. Labor costs, reported as the single most important problem by small business owners, remained at 9%.

Seasonally adjusted, a net 34% of small business owners reported raising compensation in February, up 2 points from January and the highest level since March 2025. A net 22% (seasonally adjusted) plan to raise compensation in the next three months, unchanged from January.

Click here to view the entire NFIB Jobs Report.

For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.

Information source: NFIB

Governor Celebrates Texas’ Financial Leadership At The Alamo

TBB
-
0
Governor Celebrates Texas’ Financial Leadership At The Alamo
Governor Greg Abbott joined Nasdaq for a virtual closing bell ceremony to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and highlight Texas' commitment to economic growth. Photo: Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott joined Nasdaq for a virtual closing bell ceremony to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and highlight Texas’ commitment to economic growth. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

SAN ANTONIO — Governor Greg Abbott joined Nasdaq for a virtual closing bell ceremony to commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo and highlight Texas’ commitment to economic growth.

The Governor was joined at the virtual closing bell ceremony by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman, Nasdaq Texas head Rachel Racz, and other Texas business leaders. Photo: Office of The Governor

“Texas now ranks number one for having more employees working in the financial sector than any other state in the entire country, and Texas ranks number one for capital investment, number one for capitalism itself, and hence, it’s only right that Texas is ranked number one for the capital markets that drive capitalism and the entire economic system,” said Governor Abbott. “We are proud that Nasdaq does business and has a location here in the great state of Texas. Texas will lead the way in protecting capitalism and all that it can achieve in the United States of America.”

The Governor was joined at the virtual closing bell ceremony by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Nasdaq Chair and CEO Adena Friedman, Nasdaq Texas head Rachel Racz, and other Texas business leaders. 

In November, Nasdaq announced they were launching their own Texas financial exchange, Nasdaq Texas. Nasdaq Texas is a new dual listing venue aimed to expand services across the state and grow investment opportunities to U.S investors. 

During Governor Abbott’s tenure, Texas has attracted more than 325 corporate headquarters and is home to 54 Fortune 500 companies. Photo: Office of The Governor

At the event, Governor Abbott highlighted that Nasdaq is now fully operational in Texas and ready to serve companies across the state. This move showcases Nasdaq’s partnership with Texas, ensuring a free-market ecosystem that will strengthen Texas’ position as a national and global economic powerhouse. 

During Governor Abbott’s tenure, Texas has attracted more than 325 corporate headquarters and is home to 54 Fortune 500 companies. As the eighth largest economy in the world, Texas also has the largest financial services workforce in the United States, surpassing New York.

Last March, Governor Abbott joined Nasdaq at a luncheon announcing their new regional headquarters in Dallas. 

In 2023, Governor Abbott rang the Nasdaq closing bell to celebrate Texas’ economic achievements and milestones during a virtual bell ringing ceremony with Nasdaq, Inc.

TSC Students Provide Free Tax Preparation for Community

TBB
-
0
TSC Students Provide Free Tax Preparation for Community
The students are taking part in TSC’s annual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program held at the school’s ITEC Center. Image courtesy of TSC
The students are taking part in TSC’s annual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program held at the school’s ITEC Center. Image courtesy of TSC

Texas Border Business

Texas Southmost College (TSC) students from the Accounting Technology Program are getting a chance to help themselves and community members by volunteering their time as tax preparers.

The students are taking part in TSC’s annual VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program held at the school’s ITEC Center.

TSC’s VITA program assists people who make less than $67,000 annually by helping them file their taxes free of charge. Image courtesy of TSC

“All of our volunteers are certified through the IRS VITA certification program,” said Maggie Solis, TSC Accounting Technology Program Coordinator. “From tax preparers to people doing quality review. This impacts because it’s a win-win situation for my students in the accounting technology program. They’re getting real world experience and dealing with customer service doing the tax preparation. They get to learn more than the usual.”

TSC’s VITA program assists people who make less than $67,000 annually by helping them file their taxes free of charge.

“Mainly to help the elderly, non-English speakers, and the ones who are not well with using technology,” Solis said. “Again, our tax returns are e-filed. We also help community with (other) tax returns, maybe someone forgot to do their 2024, 2023. We also do those tax returns.”

The TSC VITA program will offer its services Monday-Saturday until April 15 at the ITEC Center located on 301 Mexico Blvd. Image courtesy of TSC

Students can also assist with other services to help community members file their returns.

“If someone is needing an ITIN number, which is an identification number just for the purpose of doing tax returns, we also do those here for free.” Solis added.

Solis’ students volunteering their time in the VITA program took coursework on federal income tax law in the fall semester.

“So now, with service learning, it’s their opportunity to put that into practice and get to learn more about what it takes to do a tax return. Not only a basic tax return, but what is considered an advanced (return), which includes other forms of income that we can also process. All my students in the program end up getting certified in what is considered the advanced, which is the highest certification that they can get.”

Solis says seeing the reaction from clients when completing their returns is satisfying to her and her students.

“Our clients are very excited when we get to tell them so much of a refund is coming to them and it’s all free,” Solis said. “We do not charge for any of this. When someone goes to an outside preparer, it can cost you between $300 and $500, even more.”

The TSC VITA program will offer its services Monday-Saturday until April 15 at the ITEC Center located on 301 Mexico Blvd.

Click here to find out what documentation is needed to sign up for the program.

Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP. Hosts Dallas Fed Presentation on Texas Economic Outlook

TBB
-
0
Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP. Hosts Dallas Fed Presentation on Texas Economic Outlook
Friends and clients of Atlas, Hall & Rodríguez, LLP gathered in February 2026 to watch a virtual presentation from the Federal Reserve in Dallas titled “The Twists and Turns of 2025 and a Look Ahead to 2026 Texas Economic Outlook,” delivered by Pia Orrenius, Vice President and Senior Economist, and Robert Leigh, Research Analyst, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The insightful program provided an in-depth look at Texas economic trends, labor markets, and the regional outlook for the year ahead. Photo By Roberto Hugo González
Friends and clients of Atlas, Hall & Rodríguez, LLP gathered in February 2026 to watch a virtual presentation from the Federal Reserve in Dallas titled “The Twists and Turns of 2025 and a Look Ahead to 2026 Texas Economic Outlook,” delivered by Pia Orrenius, Vice President and Senior Economist, and Robert Leigh, Research Analyst, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. The insightful program provided an in-depth look at Texas economic trends, labor markets, and the regional outlook for the year ahead. Photo By Roberto Hugo González

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas presented “The Twists and Turns of 2025 and a Look Ahead to 2026 Texas Economic Outlook” through a virtual broadcast from Dallas in February 2026 at the offices of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP. (AHR), attorneys and counselors, which hosted the event. 

“It was our pleasure to host friends and clients at our McAllen office,” said Danny Gurwitz, Managing Partner of Atlas, Hall & Rodriguez, LLP. “Understanding statewide current economic data and trends and comparing it to what we see locally is essential for informed decision making, and we were glad to provide an opportunity for our guests to gain valuable insights from The Research Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.”

Friends and clients of Atlas, Hall & Rodríguez, LLP after a virtual presentation from the Federal Reserve in Dallas titled “The Twists and Turns of 2025 and a Look Ahead to 2026 Texas Economic Outlook,” delivered by Pia Orrenius, Vice President and Senior Economist, and Robert Leigh, Research Analyst, of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo By Roberto Hugo González

The presentation was delivered by Pia Orrenius and Robert Leigh of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Orrenius serves as Vice President and Senior Economist, leading the regional and microeconomics research group with a focus on economic growth, labor markets, and demographic change. Leigh is a research analyst who contributes to economic analysis on Texas activity, labor markets, and business sentiment.

See the gallery below for more images from the event:

Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Photo by Roberto Hugo González
All photos by Roberto Hugo González

According to the presentation, “the Texas economy experienced a notable slowdown in 2025,” marked by near-zero job growth and below-average output expansion. Texas job growth fell to about 0.1 percent while GDP grew roughly 2.6 percent, indicating output expanded without proportional hiring. The report compares the pattern to the “jobless recovery” of 2002–2003.

The slowdown was attributed to higher tariffs, falling immigration, federal government cutbacks, policy uncertainty, job losses in energy and high-tech sectors, and a downturn in residential construction. Still, the outlook for 2026 calls for a pickup in growth supported by “momentum in AI investment and data center construction,” along with fiscal support, easier financial conditions, deregulation, and economic activity tied to the FIFA World Cup.

Headline unemployment remains relatively low at about 4.3 to 4.4 percent, but broader measures of underemployment are rising. The presentation notes that “productivity gains are suppressing hiring, while the immigration crackdown is limiting labor supply,” as both international and domestic migration into Texas have slowed.

Job growth is concentrated in construction and health services. Residential construction is declining due to falling home prices and high mortgage rates, while non-residential activity has increased. “Growth in data center construction is far outpacing overall construction activity since 2022,” with projects totaling $18.3 billion, or 9.6 percent of construction in 2025. Texas ranks second nationally in data center construction.

Housing pressures are also emerging. Rapid increases in homeowners’ insurance costs and rising mortgage delinquency rates, now above 2019 levels, may be adding strain. In energy, peak grid demand is expected to rise due to large users such as data centers, while oil prices remain “below breakeven for new wells.”

Trade conditions shifted after tariff-related frontrunning, with imports falling sharply, especially from China. However, firms reported easing price growth expectations, and USMCA compliance has increased to avoid higher tariffs, with future renegotiations described as “pivotal for Texas.”

Texas businesses reported improving expectations for future activity and capital expenditures. The Dallas Fed employment forecast projects 1.1 percent job growth for 2026, suggesting expansion at a modest pace.

The presentation concludes that Texas remains economically resilient but is transitioning toward a more productivity-driven, capital-intensive expansion. Job growth is expected to pick up but remain mild as AI investment supports activity while low oil prices and housing weakness continue to weigh on growth.

Continued Growth Drives Terracon’s Expanded Presence in Pharr

TBB
-
0
Continued Growth Drives Terracon’s Expanded Presence in Pharr
Jorge A. Flores, Operations Manager and Stephanie M. Cardoza, MBA. Courtesy image
Jorge A. Flores, Operations Manager and Stephanie M. Cardoza, MBA. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

PHARR, Texas – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces the expansion of its Pharr operations to support continued growth in the Rio Grande Valley.

Driven by sustained client demand and team growth across multiple service lines, Terracon’s Pharr team has strategically split operations between two offices located just minutes apart. Terracon has operated from its Mid-Cities Drive location since 1996, with multiple additions and expansions over the years to accommodate continued growth in staff and services.

Geotechnical engineering and materials testing services will continue to operate from the Mid Cities Drive office, which now serves as Terracon’s dedicated hub for geotechnical and materials laboratory operations, while environmental, facilities, marketing, and operations teams have relocated to a new office on Polk Street, approximately two minutes away.

This continued growth allows Terracon to better support its staff, enhance collaboration within specialized service lines, and create space for future needs while maintaining the seamless, integrated service clients expect. The proximity of the two offices ensures continued coordination and responsiveness across disciplines.

“Growth like this is a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the strength of our Pharr team,” said Jorge A. Flores, P.G., Pharr operations manager. “While we now operate from two locations, we remain one Terracon, fully connected, collaborative, and committed to delivering the same high level of service our clients rely on.”

Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.

Operation Pick-Off Expands to Houston, Resulting in Multiple Arrests of Previously Deported Individuals

TBB
-
0
Operation Pick-Off Expands to Houston, Resulting in Multiple Arrests of Previously Deported Individuals
Several people who unlawfully resided in the greater Houston area are now in custody for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. Image for illustration purposes
Several people who unlawfully resided in the greater Houston area are now in custody for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – Several people who unlawfully resided in the greater Houston area are now in custody for illegal reentry into the United States after removal.

“Our office created Operation Pick-Off based upon an extremely simple concept—that a state probation sentence should not be a sanctuary from federal immigration laws. Take note, the Southern District of Texas is not a safe harbor for those who enter the United States illegally and commit crimes against our citizens,” said Ganjei. “Now, these offenders, who so brazenly flouted our laws, have earned themselves a jail stay before their one-way flight home. My office promised to bring this targeted operation to every corner of the district. Promise kept.”

“FBI Houston is levering its intelligence and investigative resources to locate and apprehend individuals who have allegedly committed various crimes and are residing unlawfully in the greater Houston area. All these individuals were previously convicted, deported, and re-entered the United States illegally,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “Through Operation Pick-Off, FBI Houston is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security and federal prosecutors to remove these alleged offenders from our Texas communities.”

“Each of the criminal illegal aliens targeted under this operation have allegedly entered the U.S. at least once, if not multiple times unlawfully, and have gone on to commit criminal offenses in our local communities,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez. “By working together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expand a commonsense operation like this to the Houston area, we can bring an end to this lawlessness and ensure these alleged criminal aliens are held accountable for their actions.”

“Houston’s close proximity to the Southern border has made it a magnet for dangerous criminal illegal aliens who have illegally reentered the United States multiple times and endanger public safety,” said ICE – Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke. “By expanding this operation to the area and bringing together the resources and expertise of HSI, FBI, and ERO, we will be better postured to protect the local community from harm and hold these criminal illegal aliens accountable for brazenly flouting our nation’s system of laws.”

Operation Pick-Off began in August 2025 in the Rio Grande Valley as a multi-agency immigration and violent crime enforcement effort targeting criminal illegal aliens on state probation or supervision. The initiative has since expanded to additional regions within the Southern District of Texas which now includes Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. While enforcement efforts in the region remain in their early stages, Operation Pick-Off will operate on a continuous basis, with authorities engaging in rolling arrests and prosecutions.

Various assistant U.S. attorneys from the Houston Division are prosecuting the cases.

ICE-ERO and FBI-Houston Field Office conducted the Houston area investigations and arrests with ICE-HSI in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The collaborative effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

A criminal complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

Updated March 5, 2026

Education Department Examines Whether Bathroom Policy Violates Title IX

TBB
-
0
Education Department Examines Whether Bathroom Policy Violates Title IX
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated a directed investigation into the New Richmond School District (the District) in New Richmond, Wisconsin based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated a directed investigation into the New Richmond School District (the District) in New Richmond, Wisconsin based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) initiated a directed investigation into the New Richmond School District (the District) in New Richmond, Wisconsin based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. OCR will determine whether the District violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on “gender identity,” not biological sex.  

At a January 2026, meeting of the New Richmond School Board, multiple parents expressed concern that males were being permitted to use the girls’ restroom, but parents’ questions about their daughters’ safety were reportedly deflected by administrators who refused to provide answers or assurances. One student testified at a subsequent board meeting about her fear, embarrassment, and anxiety given the presence of boys in the girls’ restrooms, noting that she no longer uses the restrooms while in school. When a school board member introduced a policy in February 2026 to ensure bathroom and locker rooms are separated by biological sex, only two of the seven board members voted in favor of the proposal.  

“The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls’ safety, dignity, and privacy. School board members who ignore these allegations are failing the families they serve. This Administration will investigate this complaint fully and address any violations it discovers promptly.” 

Background 

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis on sex in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.  

South Texas ISD Honored for Programs Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Careers

TBB
-
0
South Texas ISD Honored for Programs Preparing Students for Tomorrow’s Careers
South Texas Independent School District (STISD) announced its selection as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). Image courtesy of STISD
South Texas Independent School District (STISD) announced its selection as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). Image courtesy of STISD

Texas Border Business

MERCEDES, Texas – South Texas Independent School District (STISD) announced its selection as a CTE District of Distinction by the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT). This esteemed recognition celebrates districts across Texas that demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and commitment to student success through high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

The CTE District of Distinction program, launched by CTAT, highlights districts that excel in workforce readiness, foster innovation in CTE, and inspire others through their dedication to student achievement and community impact. Honored districts serve as models of excellence, showcasing best practices and driving progress in CTE statewide.

Superintendent Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Earning the title of CTE District of Distinction affirms South Texas ISD’s role as a pioneer in Career and Technical Education in our region. For decades, CTE has been at the heart of our district, and we have remained committed to ensuring those opportunities are available to every student. This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators and the strength of programs designed to equip students with real-world skills for a rapidly evolving workforce.”

About the CTE District of Distinction Program

The CTE District of Distinction program was designed to celebrate outstanding career and technical education programs across Texas. Honored districts are selected based on their ability to meet rigorous criteria that include innovative programming, industry-based certifications, alignment with workforce needs, and exceptional student outcomes.

Why This Matters

As a CTE District of Distinction, STISD is not only celebrating its own achievements but also setting a benchmark for excellence in CTE statewide. This designation opens doors to new opportunities for collaboration with educational and workforce development leaders, further advancing the district’s mission of preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving economy.

CTE Leadership at STISD

STISD’s Career and Technical Education programs are grounded in innovation, workforce alignment, and a strong commitment to student success.

For the 2025–2026 school year, STISD offers 21 Programs of Study across 10 Career Clusters, giving students a competitive edge in high-demand fields.

Through more than 115 industry partnerships district wide, students gain valuable real-world experience while the district continues refining its programs to ensure classroom learning reflects current workforce needs.

STISD also expands access through its Career & Technical Education (CTE) Half-Day Program. Designed for students with special needs, the program allows students to take most academic courses at their home high schools while attending an STISD campus for three CTE courses and one core academic class. Like all STISD CTE pathways, the Half-Day Program emphasizes hands-on learning in authentic work environments, helping students develop technical expertise, confidence, and marketable workforce skills.

Additionally, through the STISD Tri-County Consortium, the district partners with school systems in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties to broaden CTE opportunities for students across the region.

1...190191192...2,441Page 191 of 2,441