Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Carl Hegert in Houston on Feb. 18, and Brien Keith Coleman in Waco on Feb. 23. Photo; Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Carl Hegert in Houston on Feb. 18, and Brien Keith Coleman in Waco on Feb. 23. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid for either of their arrests.
Carl James Hegert, 40, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender, was taken into custody at an apartment complex in Houston. Working off investigative information, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents, Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers assigned to the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) – Violent Crimes Unit in Houston, along with members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force, located and arrested Hegert.
Since 2006, Hegert has been convicted of a number of a crimes, including theft of a firearm, sexual assault of a child, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, failure to register as a sex offender and manufacture/delivery a controlled substance. He was discharged from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in January 2025. Hegert had been wanted since October 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest out of Waller Co. for larceny. Additionally, he was wanted out of San Jacinto Co. for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements. More information on Hegert’s capture can be found here.
Brien Keith Coleman, 39, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, was taken into custody following a traffic stop in Waco. Working off investigative information, DPS Special Agents and other members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, coordinated with THP Troopers to conduct the traffic stop.
In September 2023, Coleman was arrested by the McLennan Co. Sheriff’s Office for indecency with a child by sexual contact. On Dec. 10, 2025, he was arrested for violation of a bond/protective order and subsequently bonded out of jail. Coleman had been wanted since Dec. 29, 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest out of McLennan Co. for indecency with a child by sexual contact. More information on Coleman’s capture can be found here.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. So far in 2026, DPS and other agencies have arrested 11 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders, including eight sex offenders and one gang member – with $13,500 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous— regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants Lists. You can find the current lists — with photos — on the DPS website.
Do not attempt to apprehend these fugitives; they are considered armed and dangerous.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was presented with the “Border Legend Award” by the Border Prosecution Unit at their Region 3 Training Conference in South Padre Island. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was presented with the “Border Legend Award” by the Border Prosecution Unit at their Region 3 Training Conference in South Padre Island. The Border Prosecution Unit (BPU) is an initiative that partners with the Texas Department of Public Safety and district and county attorney offices in the border region to investigate and prosecute narcotics, weapons, human trafficking, organized crime, gang activity, and other border-related offenses. BPU grants support salaries for prosecutors, paralegals, and investigators, as well as training for unit members and law enforcement agencies.
Senator Hinojosa led the effort alongside Governor Rick Perry in 2009 to create and fund the BPU for the purpose of providing dedicated prosecution resources in aid of state border security operations. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa secured the initial $4 million to be administered as a trusteed grant program through the Criminal Justice Division in the Office of the Governor.
Senator Hinojosa received the Border Legend award recently at South Padre Island. Courtesy image
In 2015, Senator Hinojosa joined State Representative Oscar Longoria in authoring and passing House Bill 12, which formalized the duties and responsibilities of the BPU and designated it to be a unit in the Office of the Governor. In 2025, Senator Hinojosa continued his commitment to the BPU and successfully fought to secure a total of $46 million for the 2026-27 budget.
Senator Hinojosa expressed his appreciation for the honor of this award:
“I am deeply honored to receive the Border Legend Award from the Border Prosecution Unit. When we worked to establish and fund the BPU in 2009, our goal was to provide border prosecutors with the necessary resources to effectively combat transnational crime and protect our communities. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the impact of this initiative in strengthening coordination among law enforcement and bolstering prosecution efforts across the border region. I remain committed to ensuring the BPU has the support and funding necessary to meet the evolving challenges along our border. I appreciate the leadership of the BPU and look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.”
The City of McAllen announced that McAllen Public Library Director Kate P. Horan has been elected President-Elect of the 2026 Texas Library Association (TLA). Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen announced that McAllen Public Library Director Kate P. Horan has been elected President-Elect of the 2026 Texas Library Association (TLA). Her election reflects more than three decades of leadership in public and academic libraries and further elevates McAllen’s presence in library innovation and advocacy statewide.
In 2025, Horan received the TLA Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service. With nearly 35 years in public and academic libraries experience, Horan holds a BA in English from SUNY Stony Brook and an MLS from St. John’s University. Originally from New York, she hascalled Texas home for more than 20 years and currently leads the award-winning McAllen Public Library (MPL) System, also serving as Chair of the South Texas Book Festival.
Under Horan’s leadership, MPL programs continue to achieve statewide recognition. In 2025, the South Texas Book Festival earned Best in Texas honors as it celebrated its 12th anniversary. Día de los Niños also marked its tenth year, reflecting the library’s ongoing commitment to literacy, culture, and community engagement.
“Kate Horan’s election as President Elect of the Texas Library Association is a tremendous honor for her and our community,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Her leadership reflects the vital role libraries play in expanding literacy, fostering imagination, and ensuring access to knowledge for residents of all ages. We are proud that McAllen’s commitment to education and lifelong learning is being recognized at the state level through her service.”
Horan’s professional service extends beyond her local role. She co-chaired the 2024 TLAConference Planning Committee and has served as an officer for the Hidalgo County Library System Board, the Texas Municipal League Directors Association, and TLA District 4. She is a graduate of the TALL Texans Leadership Development Institute and continues to mentor emerging leaders.
“Kate’s election underscores the impact that dedicated library professionals have in shaping strong, informed communities,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Libraries are essential public institutions that connect, educate, and empower, and her leadership within the Texas Library Association positions McAllen as a model for innovation, outreach, and excellence in public service.”
As President-Elect, Horan will help guide the next phases of the Texas Library Association’s Strategic Plan, supporting transparent communication, strong governance practices, and meaningful engagement across school, academic, public, and special libraries. Her leadership comes at a pivotal time for libraries statewide, reinforcing the values of access, equity, intellectual freedom, and thoughtful advocacy.
For more information about the McAllen Public Library and its programs, visit www.mcallenlibrary.net.
A superseding indictment unsealed charges René Arzate-García, also known as “La Rana,” alleged Tijuana plaza boss for the Sinaloa Cartel, with Narcoterrorism and Material Support of Terrorism in connection with trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States. Images courtesy of US DOJ
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
A superseding indictment unsealed charges René Arzate-García, also known as “La Rana,” alleged Tijuana plaza boss for the Sinaloa Cartel, with Narcoterrorism and Material Support of Terrorism in connection with trafficking massive amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States.
Also, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs announced that it is offering up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of La Rana, 42, of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, and his brother, Alfonso Arzate-García, also known as “Aquiles.” These rewards are offered in coordination with the DEA San Diego Field Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California in a unified effort to bring the brothers to justice.
Image courtesy of US Department of Justice
“Foreign terrorist organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel have spent decades poisoning our children and committing acts of unimaginable violence against innocent civilians — no longer under President Trump,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest indictment, which follows the landmark conviction of Sinaloa Cartel co-founder “El Mayo” on American soil, is a key development in this Department of Justice’s ongoing campaign to permanently dismantle these cartels and deliver American justice to their cowardly leaders.”
“To the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel who remain at large: Hide. Run. Fight. Flee. The illusion is that you have a choice. The reality is that you can either surrender to justice or you’ll be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California.
“Rene Arzate-García is a ruthless Sinaloa Cartel plaza boss who is accused of exploiting U.S. ports of entry to flood our nation with fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Administrator Terrance Cole of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “He and his brother, Alfonso, are among DEA’s wanted fugitives for these alleged crimes against the United States. This superseding indictment underscores Arzate-García’s role, not only as a cartel operative but as a narco-terrorist who preys on vulnerabilities to flood communities with poison, violence, and fear. I want to recognize U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for his leadership and his aggressive pursuit of those who traffic deadly drugs into our country. His partnership and resolve have been instrumental in advancing this case and ensuring that cartel leaders are held accountable. DEA remains relentless in its mission to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel, a foreign terrorist organization, and bring its members to justice.”
“The FBI and its partners commitment to thwarting the Sinaloa Cartel is unwavering,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to use everything at our disposal to disrupt their operations and prevent further drugs and violence from coming into our communities. The Sinaloa Cartel, including its leaders, will be forced to face the consequences of their actions.”
“President Donald Trump has made clear that narcoterrorists sending deadly drugs to the United States will be tracked down and prosecuted,” said Senior Bureau Official Chris Landberg of the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. “Under the Narcotics Rewards Program, we are offering rewards of up to $5 million each for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of René and Alfonso Arzate-García, key figures sustaining the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations at the U.S. border with Mexico in Tijuana.”
“René Arzate-García has progressed up the ranks of the Sinaloa Cartel to become one of the most violent and prolific drug traffickers in the region,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, the Sinaloa Cartel threatens our national security and the safety of our citizens. FBI San Diego, in coordination with our local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate these transnational criminal organizations and their leaders targeting our neighborhoods with narcoterrorism and other criminal activity until they are eliminated from our communities.”
“Those who traffic in violence, corruption, fear, and addiction destroy lives and destabilize our communities,” said Senior Agent in Charge James Nunnallee of the DEA San Diego. “The DEA remains unwavering in our mission to dismantle Foreign Terrorist Organizations and drug trafficking networks that threaten public safety and national security.”
“This indictment demonstrates the power of financial investigations in dismantling criminal enterprises that fuel violence and terror,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Los Angeles Field Office. “René Arzate-García and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered millions in drug proceeds through complex international transactions designed to hide the source and ownership of illicit funds. IRS-CI followed the money, exposing the financial lifelines that sustain narcoterrorism and global drug trafficking. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure these organizations are stripped of their resources and held accountable for their crimes.”
According to court documents, René Arzate-García is a Baja California, Mexico-based “plaza boss” for the Sinaloa Cartel, along with his brother Alfonso Arzate-García, also known as “Aquiles” (previously charged in case number 14-cr-00722-DMS). René Arzate-García manages the cartel’s drug trafficking operations in Tijuana and the surrounding municipalities and is involved in importing large quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, into the United States. Known to be extremely violent, Arzate-García is also involved in carrying out enforcement operations, such as kidnappings and executions, for the Sinaloa Cartel.
This indictment supersedes a 2014 indictment for conspiracy to import marijuana and demonstrates that René Arzate-García is a key member of the Sinaloa Cartel and controls the Tijuana plaza that includes the entire state of Baja California. He has imported thousands of kilograms of drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana into the Southern District of California and laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds. In addition to his drug trafficking, the indictment shows his history of corrupting Mexican law enforcement and public officials, extortion of businesses in the Tijuana Plaza, and his reputation for extreme violence, including numerous kidnappings and murders in Tijuana, Mexico on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel. René Arzate-García was designated by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, as a Drug Kingpin in 2023. These indictments follow a storied tradition in the Southern District of California for dismantling leadership and operations of powerful Mexican cartels – from the dismantling of the Arellano Felix Cartel to major strikes against today’s most dangerous, powerful and violent cartels, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and the Beltran Leyva Organization.
If you have any information about René Arzate-García or Alfonso Arzate-García, please contact either
FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or your nearest local FBI office; If you are outside the United States, you may contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. You can also submit a tip online, anonymously, at tips.fbi.gov/home; or DEA by phone (WhatsApp and Signal) at +1-858-298-5670, at Threema ID: PTJ4HS3J, or by email at MFSinaloaTipLine@dea.gov. If you are located outside of the United States, you may also contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are located in the United States, you may also contact the local DEA field office.
The superseding indictment is a direct result of President Trump’s Executive Order 14157 which designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and the Secretary of State’s subsequent designation of the same on Feb. 20, 2025.
FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas are conducting the investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Mellor and Matthew Sutton for the Southern District of California.
René Arzate-García is charged in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 960a and 841 – Narcoterrorism with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20 million fine; Title 18, U.S.C. Sec. 2339B – Providing Material Support to Terrorism with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine; Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 848(a) – Continuing Criminal Enterprise with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years and $10 million fine; Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 959, 960, and 963 – International Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine; Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846 – Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine; Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960 and 963 – Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a $10 million fine; Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h) – Money Laundering Conspiracy with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, whichever is greater.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the California Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Operation Take Back America is 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment and complaint are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Daniel Clark, Clark Chevrolet, Clark Knapp Honda. MXLAN March 6–8. Image Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Daniel Clark of Clark Auto Group opened his remarks at the MXLAN 2026 press conference with humor and appreciation for fellow speakers. “Somebody was trying to play a prank on me by putting me up here after all these awesome speakers,” Clark said. “Let’s give it a round of applause for everyone else who’s already come up here. Thank you.”
Clark thanked attendees for being present at what he described as an important announcement. “Thanks for walking with us to this exciting announcement. Guys, this is obviously big news. Everyone here today knows this. MXLAN is always an amazing event,” he said.
City officials, sponsors, and community partners gather on stage at the MXLAN 2026 press conference in McAllen, where leaders unveiled new attractions, highlighted the economic impact, and celebrated the collaborative effort behind the city’s signature cultural festival, set for MXLAN March 6–8. Image Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business
He noted that the Clark family’s roots in the Rio Grande Valley date back to the 1900s. “The Clark Family Auto Group, we’ve started our roots here in the valley since 1933. So anytime the valley’s doing something cool and forward in the city of McAllen, we want to be a part of it. So, we couldn’t be happier to be here, being a part of it. Thank you.”
Clark said the company has grown alongside the region and takes pride in the community’s progress. “We’ve grown alongside the valley, and we’ve never been prouder of who we are and what our community can accomplish together,” he said.
As part of that commitment, Clark Chevrolet is sponsoring the Neon Knights 5K Run during MXLAN 2026. Clark described the run as an event that “will bring out the best in our community. People of all ages and backgrounds unite in the spirit of friendly competition. And because this is the valley, we’re doing it with more music, color, and fun than anywhere else.”
A packed room of community members, business leaders, and city officials fills the venue during the MXLAN 2026 press conference, reflecting strong public interest and regional support for McAllen’s signature cultural festival. MXLAN March 6–8. Image Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business
Clark congratulated the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department for what he described as a record-setting, sold-out race in the previous year. “Clark Chevrolet is proud to sponsor the Neon Knights 5K at MXLAN and congratulates the City of McAllen Parks and Rec for their record-setting success at this year’s sold-out race,” he said.
He concluded his remarks by extending well wishes to participants. “On behalf of Clark Chevrolet, Clark Knapp Honda, and the whole Clark Auto Group, we wish every competitor a good run and look forward to seeing everyone at MXLAN 2026. Thank you.”
City officials in McAllen used the press conference to announce details for MXLAN 2026, the city’s signature three-day festival celebrating young Latino culture, scheduled for March 6–8. Leaders described the event as both a cultural platform and an economic driver for the region.
City Commissioner Rolando Rios emphasized the festival’s purpose. “Our young people have the talent to change the world. All they need is opportunity,” Rios said. He described MXLAN as a space where young Latino artists and creators can share their art, music, and heritage while gaining visibility and support.
City Manager Ike Tawil outlined new and returning attractions for 2026. Additions include El Gran Baile, an old-school dance hall experience; MXLAN Roots, focused on environmental education and sustainability; MXLAN Live, a series of pop-up performance stages; and a Grand Carnival featuring rides and games. Tawil also recognized city employees for their work organizing the event, acknowledging their “blood, sweat, and tears” behind the scenes.
Special Events Director Carina Jimenez announced headliners for the Breakthrough Stage and noted that previous performers have gone on to international recognition. Convention Director Yahaira Flores confirmed the return of MXLAN Lucha Libre wrestling and additional experiences, including a tequila and food tasting and an open-fire dining event to close the festival.
McAllen International Airport Director Jeramy Santoscoy said the airport contributed more than $1.2 billion to the regional economy last year. He highlighted expanded air service, including new routes such as Phoenix, and a planned multimillion-dollar terminal expansion to support continued growth.
Organizers concluded the press conference by announcing that admission will be free on Friday, March 6. City leaders said the festival continues to combine culture, business, and community engagement, reinforcing McAllen’s position as a growing destination in Texas.
McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Severo Daniel Montemayor. HCSO booking photo, Aug 2024, Courtesy of McAllen Police Department
Texas Border Business
McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Severo Daniel Montemayor. McAllen Officers investigate a report of a domestic assault that occurred on February 25, 2026 at a residence in McAllen, Texas. Officers report that within a domestic relationship, a male suspect physically assaulted an adult female. Investigators identify the suspect as Severo Daniel Montemayor in this case. A magistrate in the McAllen Municipal Court determined probable cause is established to issue multiple warrants of arrest for Severo Daniel Montemayor.
Assault
Class “A” Misdemeanor
Unlawful Restraint
Class “A” Misdemeanor
Interference with Emergency Request for Assistance
Class “A” Misdemeanor
Continuous Violence Against the Family
Third Degree Felony
Severo Daniel Montemayor is 32 years of age, approximately 5’09” in height, approximately 200 pounds, brown hair, and brown eyes. Severo Daniel Montemayor has a last known address in McAllen, Texas.
If you know where Severo Daniel Montemayor may be located, you are urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-8477. You can remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the “P3 Tips” smart phone app.
IDEA Public Schools proudly announced that IDEA Sports Park has made history with an unprecedented “Triple Crown” championship sweep, as its Varsity, 8th grade, and 7th grade boys’ basketball teams each captured the UIL 32-3A District Championship title this season. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
Rio Grande Valley, TRXAS – IDEA Public Schools proudly announced that IDEA Sports Park has made history with an unprecedented “Triple Crown” championship sweep, as its Varsity, 8th grade, and 7th grade boys’ basketball teams each captured the UIL 32-3A District Championship title this season. This historic achievement marks the first time that IDEA Sporks Park has won all three UIL District basketball titles at the high school Varsity, 8th grade, and 7th grade levels in the same year.
This historic achievement marks the first time that IDEA Sporks Park has won all three UIL District basketball titles at the high school Varsity, 8th grade, and 7th grade levels in the same year.
“It is inspiring to see our IDEA Sports Park basketball teams achieve something that has never been done before,” said Jill Dominguez, IDEA Area Superintendent in the RGV. “This historic accomplishment reflects the discipline, teamwork, and heart our student athletes bring to the court every day. We are incredibly proud of our scholars and coaching staff for setting a new standard of excellence and representing our community with integrity.”
Throughout the season, IDEA Sports Park teams demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and a relentless drive to win. Coaches and players alike have worked tirelessly to build a program rooted in strong fundamentals, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Coaches and players alike have worked tirelessly to build a program rooted in strong fundamentals, sportsmanship, and leadership. Courtesy image
“I am so proud of our team and commitment to getting better every single day,” said Jerry De La Garza, IDEA Sports Park Basketball Head Coach. “They hold each other accountable, trust the process, and never lose focus on the goal. This wasn’t about one game, it was about the effort they gave all season long.”
The boys Varsity basketball teams will compete for the area championship on Friday, February 27 at San Perlita High School at 6 p.m.
FBI personnel conduct searches of vehicles outbound for Lagos, Nigeria, from the Blount Island Marine Terminal in Florida. The multi-agency operation in January supported U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Image courtesy of FBI
Texas Border Business
FBI Jacksonville recently joined federal partners in an operation at a major vehicle export hub along the St. Johns River where more than 500,000 vehicles moved through the port in 2025.
More than 500,000 vehicles moved through the Blount Island Marine Terminal in Jacksonville last year. During an operation in January, Supervisory Customs and Border Protection Officer Richard DeCapite said, “We went through every single vehicle that was in the lot looking for contraband.” Image courtesy of FBI
Supervisory CBP Officer Richard DeCapite described the operation as comprehensive and hands-on.
“Basically, we went through every single vehicle that was in the lot looking for contraband,” DeCapite said. “Our main enforcement effort was targeting outbound cargo shipments, specifically vehicles and containers containing vehicles destined for Africa, the Middle East, and South America.”
Authorities say criminal networks increasingly use exported vehicles as concealment methods for illicit goods. Instead of relying solely on traditional smuggling techniques, traffickers hide narcotics, currency, and weapons inside cars or containers declared as legitimate cargo. And at a port that handles hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year, vigilance is constant.
“There have been actors sending currency, narcotics, and weapons overseas by using vehicles and their containers as the vessel, instead of the more traditional way of smuggling outbound,” DeCapite said. “What we tend to see here out of Jacksonville is narcotics come in, and the currency and weapons go out.”
FBI agent searching a vehicle in Jacksonville. Image courtesy of FBI
Officials acknowledge it is difficult to quantify the total amount of contraband moving through U.S. ports each year, but seizures nationwide have included illegal drugs, counterfeit goods, bulk cash intended for money laundering, weapons bound for conflict zones and, in some cases, human trafficking victims.
During the Jacksonville operation—called a coordinated outbound enforcement—teams conducted full inspections of more than 250 vehicles. Screening technology, database checks, and physical inspections were used to identify anomalies. The collaborative effort, which also included personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), produced immediate results.
“We actually found three vehicles that were not manifested in the containers, so that was nice,” DeCapite said, referring to automobiles discovered hidden behind declared cargo.
Officials emphasized that the broader impact of the operation extends beyond any single seizure.
During the Jacksonville operation—called a coordinated outbound enforcement—teams conducted full inspections of more than 250 vehicles. Image courtesy of FBI
FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley said joint enforcement efforts reflect a larger strategy built on long-term partnerships.
“Interagency operations go beyond simple coordination. They are about building lasting partnerships,” Carley said. “When agencies come together with a shared purpose, we are more effective. The trust developed through joint training and working side by side becomes critical in real-world operations.”
Image courtesy of FBI
Carley noted that combating transnational organized crime requires agencies to operate as a unified front, particularly when criminal enterprises span continents and exploit global commerce.
“Collaboration isn’t just a best practice for us; it’s how we ensure we’re ready to respond as one unified team,” he said. “It also guarantees no single entity stands alone in safeguarding our communities and national security.”
FBI Jacksonville Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Muscatello echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the operational value of integrated intelligence and shared expertise.
“This coordinated search highlights the operational value of bringing multiple agencies together, which is critical to combating transnational organized crime and violent crime,” Muscatello said. “Each partner contributes unique expertise and perspective.”
By combining investigative resources and on-the-ground enforcement capabilities, Muscatello said agencies can create a more comprehensive response to emerging threats.
“By integrating intelligence and operational capabilities on the ground, we are able to strengthen trust and create a comprehensive response to identifying and addressing threats,” he said. “Working alongside one another not only enhances the mission, it reinforces the relationships that make future operations even stronger.”
DeCapite agreed. “Really, the biggest purpose of doing operations like this is to build the collaboration between all the different agencies that we have here,” he said. “So, we put faces to names, and then we know who to reach out to if we ever need assistance with anything.”
For the FBI, operations like this not only help disrupt the illicit flow of goods but also reinforce the Bureau’s commitment to protecting U.S. interests and global security through collaborations with partners. Officials agree, stressing that operations like this that help disrupt those illicit flows, reinforcing the FBI’s commitment to protecting U.S. interests and global security through collaborations with partners.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers conducting outbound operations at Laredo Port of Entry recently seized a significant quantity of weapons and magazines. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations officers conducting outbound operations at Laredo Port of Entry recently seized a significant quantity of weapons and magazines.
“Significant outbound weapons seizures, like the one realized by our officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge, reflect the relentless dedication of our officers to upholding CBP’s border security mission and keeping our border communities safe,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
On Feb. 3, CBP officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge were conducting outbound operations when they selected a 2021 Chevy Corvette traveling to Mexico for inspection. The vehicle was referred for a nonintrusive inspection system scan and canine examination. Upon further physical inspection of the vehicle, CBP officers discovered 44 handguns, 79 magazines within the vehicle.
CBP officers seized the weapons, magazines and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation into the seizure.
Soldiers operate small, lightweight GPS receivers during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The receiver, which facilitated GPS navigation in the open desert, along with other space-based capabilities such as missile warning, imagery and satellite communications, played a significant role in enabling the success of U.S. and coalition forces during 100 hours of sustained combat. Photo Credit: U.S. Army via US DOW
Texas Border Business
By National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency / US Department of War
Thirty-five years ago, on Feb. 24, 1991, coalition troops began the Operation Desert Storm ground offensive, seeking to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
Before the day ended, the Iraqi army was devastated — 10,000 troops were held as prisoners and a U.S. air base was set up deep within Iraq’s borders. Within 100 hours, Iraq agreed to a ceasefire and pledged to honor the peace terms.
Instrumental to this offensive — and efforts across the entirety of the Gulf War — was the Defense Mapping Agency, whose work marked a turning point for geospatial support.
An Operation Desert Storm briefing graphic created by the Defense Mapping Agency, Hydrographic/Topographic Center in 1991. Photo Credit: Library of Congress via US DOW
Before the Gulf War, maps of Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq were largely based on data from the British colonial period. These existing products were rapidly becoming obsolete due to explosive growth in Kuwait and the surrounding areas, leaving limited or nonexistent coverage for military operations. This deficiency led to the rapid retargeting of space-based imagery platforms that mapping agency analysts used to map the region at unprecedented speed, scope and scale.
One core product was 1:50,000-scale topographic line maps, which were key to ground operations. In response to the incredible demand for these products, the mapping agency compressed its map production time from six months to six weeks.
The Defense Mapping Agency was also instrumental in providing data that fueled the targeting of precision-guided missiles. The Gulf War was one of the earliest major conflicts to see widespread use of these weapons. In past conflicts like the Vietnam War, commanders shouldered a difficult burden — the primary tools for decisive action, namely large-scale strikes and area bombing, were blunt instruments often resulting in widespread collateral damage.
Precision-strike capabilities, fueled by the mapping agency, alleviated much of this burden, significantly reducing collateral damage and allowing commanders to quickly and decisively strike Iraqi forces. The agency’s impact extended beyond precision targeting, with hydrographic and bathymetric products that proved critical to military and logistical operations.
The Navy was uncertain of its ability to conduct extended carrier battle group operations in the confined waters of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea before the war. Aided by Defense Mapping Agency marine charts, the Navy confidently deployed much closer to the Kuwait theater, boosting carrier effectiveness and increasing the range of the force’s cruise missiles. The agency’s products also supported amphibious assaults, counter-mine activities and special operations.
When Saddam Hussein sabotaged an oil tanker facility, coastal hydrographic charts were used to plot and predict the advance of the oil slick, which posed an immediate environmental impact and operational threat. Furthermore, 90% of all equipment and supplies entering the Gulf theater were delivered by sea, reliant not only on local charts but also on global Defense Mapping Agency maritime products.
The agency’s Operation Desert Storm logistics team, comprising civilian and military members, prepared and shipped over 44 million map sheets in support of the war. Because of the team’s attention to detail, dedication and teamwork, the Defense Mapping Agency was the only element that never lost a shipment during the conflict. For its work, the team was inducted into the Geospatial-Intelligence Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Gulf War demonstrated a fundamental shift in how warfare was conducted. The growing demand for satellite imagery, along with the increased sophistication of modern weapon systems, created a direct dependency on precise geographic intelligence — a need the mapping agency rose to meet, ultimately producing more than 1,900 unique maps and charts and printing more than 54 million paper maps.
The Defense Mapping Agency’s timely and detailed support for air, land and sea operations proved critical, not only for the contingency planning of Operation Desert Shield but also for the successful execution of real-time combat in Operation Desert Storm, cementing its vital role in a new era of warfare and creating a legacy that is carried on today by its successor, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency.
