When tariffs are imposed, importers pay the tax upfront — but in most cases, they quickly pass that cost along to consumers through higher prices. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
When tariffs are imposed, importers pay the tax upfront — but in most cases, they quickly pass that cost along to consumers through higher prices. Over time, those higher prices allow businesses to recover, or even fully offset, the tariff’s costs.
That’s why reimbursing importers after the fact raises serious concerns.
If a company has already raised prices to offset a tariff and consumers have already absorbed that added cost at the checkout counter, then reimbursing the importer effectively creates a double recovery. The business recoups the tariff through higher prices and then receives repayment from the government — meaning taxpayers ultimately foot the bill twice.
At its core, this becomes a question of fairness and fiscal responsibility.
Consumers rarely receive automatic refunds when prices rise due to tariffs. There is no systematic mechanism that tracks who paid more for goods and ensures they are made whole if a tariff is later lifted or refunded. In reality, once prices increase, they often remain elevated even after the underlying cost pressure disappears. This phenomenon — sometimes called price “stickiness” — means that savings are not always passed back down the supply chain.
If reimbursements are issued without safeguards that require consumer relief, they risk becoming windfalls for importers rather than serving as corrective economic policy.
A more responsible approach would be one of the following:
• Do not reimburse tariffs once the cost has already been passed to consumers.
• Tie reimbursements to mandatory price reductions or documented consumer credits.
• Direct relief efforts toward consumers or small businesses that demonstrably bore the cost.
Public funds should be used carefully and transparently. Reimbursing importers who have already recovered their costs through higher prices undermines public trust and raises legitimate concerns about corporate accountability.
If tariffs were intended as policy tools — whether for trade leverage or economic protection — then the financial consequences should not be retroactively socialized after businesses have already adjusted their pricing.
Texas Southmost College (TSC) will bring its 100-year milestone to life through a vibrant and intergenerational community celebration: the Centennial Lotería Celebration, taking place Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Jacob Brown Auditorium. Courtesy image. Lady and Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Texas Southmost College (TSC) will bring its 100-year milestone to life through a vibrant and intergenerational community celebration: the Centennial Lotería Celebration, taking place Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.
Blending tradition, culture, and community storytelling, the event will highlight TSC’s century-long impact on education and regional growth in the Rio Grande Valley. Alumni, students, faculty, staff, local families, and community members will come together for a morning of Lotería games, cultural presentations, and interactive activities that honor TSC’s past while looking ahead to its future.
Event Details
Who: Texas Southmost College
What: Centennial Lotería Celebration — a community event honoring 100 years of history, tradition, and impact
Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez sent a renewed list of open records requests to the Texas Department of Public Safety, demanding answers on the 2025 shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez and details on the agency’s collaboration with federal agencies. Image: Public Domain
Texas Border Business
Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez. Image: public
AUSTIN, TX – Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez sent a renewed list of open records requests to the Texas Department of Public Safety, demanding answers on the 2025 shooting of Ruben Ray Martinez and details on the agency’s collaboration with federal agencies.
“Long before Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by ICE, there was Ruben Ray Martinez. For a year, the Texas Department of Public Safety covered up the shooting death of this young man at the hands of an ICE agent. The cruelty that is being exerted on U.S. citizens and immigrants alike is purely un-American,” said Senator Gutierrez.
“There must be a full account of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s involvement in immigration enforcement. We must know what the federal government is telling them to do and what they are doing. We cannot have cops running wild harassing and killing people because of their political leanings or the color of their skin.”
This is the second open records request issued by Senator Gutierrez in a week. Last week, Gutierrez sent an open records request inquiring about the targeting of Latinos and immigrant children in Texas DPS’ immigration enforcement efforts. Texas DPS responded, claiming that there were “no documents responsive” to the inquiry.
Senator Gutierrez has demanded in a second Open Records Request that Texas DPS provide the following information:
· Any and all documents concerning DPS’ immigration enforcement strategies within the last 180 days;
· Any and all communications from, to, or between DPS and the United States Department of Homeland Security (OHS) or any federal agency within OHS concerning immigration enforcement strategies in Texas within the last 180 days;
· Any and all communications from, to, or between DPS and the Office of the Governor of Texas concerning immigration enforcement strategies in Texas within the last 180 days;
· Any and all documents detailing immigration enforcement by DPS in the last two fiscal years, including but not limited to any report detailing DPS’ immigration enforcement statistics; and,
· Any and all documents concerning the investigation of the death of Ruben Ray Martinez.
Senator Gutierrez’s open records request to DPS can be read here.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz holds a framed certificate naming him “Mr. South Texas” as Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño and other attendees stand beside him during the recognition ceremony in Laredo. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, along with the City of Laredo, honored U.S. Senator Ted Cruz as “Mr. South Texas” 2026 during a ceremony in Laredo.
The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association is a group of volunteer board members, donors, and staff who organize the city’s annual Washington’s Birthday celebrations. The event was held in Laredo, a major port of entry between the United States and Mexico whose economy is closely tied to international trade.
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño reads the framed certificate naming U.S. Senator Ted Cruz “Mr. South Texas” during the ceremony in Laredo. Courtesy image
Speakers included local officials who recognized Cruz, a Republican from Texas, for his federal advocacy on economic and infrastructure issues affecting the region. During the event, it was stated that Cruz is the only Republican to receive the “Mr. South Texas” distinction in South Texas and Laredo.
Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor D. Treviño said, “Senator Cruz has been a strong advocate for Texas and Texas jobs, Texas infrastructure, and policies that protect and strengthen our international trade.” He added that billions of dollars move through Laredo each month, supporting manufacturers, producers, farmers, small businesses, and logistics workers across the state.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz speaks at the podium, delivering remarks and expressing gratitude after being named “Mr. South Texas” during the ceremony in Laredo. Courtesy image
Treviño said strong federal advocacy is critical to keeping ports competitive, secure, and efficient. “Senator Ted Cruz has consistently supported efforts to improve our border structure and reduce regulatory uncertainty and defend the economic engine that drives the Texas commerce,” he said. He also noted that Cruz previously received the Key to the City of Laredo and described him as “the only Republican ever to have received this honor.”
During the ceremony, Treviño presented Cruz with the Republic of the Rio Grande Ambassador designation, stating, “Be it known that Ted Cruz, United States Senator, is hereby appointed Honorary Ambassador of the Republic of the Rio Grande.”
The master of ceremonies described Cruz as “a true champion to South Texas” and cited his role in securing a presidential permit for the proposed Laredo 4/5 International Bridge as a major accomplishment. The speaker said the permit effort had taken nine years and that Cruz helped obtain approval after being asked for assistance.
“One of the things that he did for us that was very, very profound for us here in Webb County was able to secure the 4/5 bridge,” the master of ceremonies said. He added that the bridge is significant not only for Laredo and Webb County but for the state and national economy, noting that a large share of U.S. goods moves through Texas ports of entry.
Cruz, in his remarks, said, “I’m deeply humbled. I’m honored. I’m proud to be with such good friends down here in South Texas and Laredo.” He told attendees, “It’s an incredible privilege every day to fight for the men and women here to fight for jobs, to fight for opportunity, to fight for security.”
He described South Texas as “an incredibly vibrant part of our state” with a bright future and said he was optimistic about the region’s continued growth. “I’m proud to play even a small part in helping accomplish that vision,” Cruz said.
The ceremony also included the presentation of a custom belt buckle bearing Cruz’s name, reflecting local tradition. Organizers said the recognition highlighted the relationship between the senator and Laredo’s political and business leaders, particularly regarding trade and infrastructure priorities tied to the Port of Laredo and cross-border commerce.
The Justice Department today announced that it has reached a settlement with CarMax Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, to resolve allegations that CarMax violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally repossessing motor vehicles owned by members of the military. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
The Justice Department today announced that it has reached a settlement with CarMax Inc., the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, to resolve allegations that CarMax violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally repossessing motor vehicles owned by members of the military. As part of the settlement, CarMax will pay at least $420,000 in damages to servicemembers and a civil penalty of $79,380 to the United States.
“Federal law prohibits businesses from repossessing service members’ vehicles without a court order,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is proud to defend the rights of those who serve in our military and will continue to vigorously enforce the laws that protect them.”
The Department alleges that CarMax repossessed servicemember vehicles without obtaining court orders as required by federal law, as well as repossessed some vehicles even after owners told CarMax that they were in military service. CarMax also allegedly failed to extend SCRA protections to reservists who had received orders to report for active duty. In addition to paying a civil penalty and compensation to harmed individuals, CarMax will revise its policies and procedures to ensure that the rights of U.S. servicemembers are protected in the future.
The SCRA is a federal law that provides legal and financial protections for servicemembers and their families. The law prevents an auto finance or leasing company from repossessing a servicemember’s vehicle without first obtaining a court order, as long as the servicemember made at least one payment on the vehicle before entering military service. For members of a reserve component, the protections begin on the date the member receives orders to military service.
This case was handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $484 million in monetary relief for over 149,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
CarMax Statement Regarding U.S. Department of Justice Announcement
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a release regarding CarMax Auto Finance and matters involving servicemembers’ protections under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). CarMax Auto Finance has cooperated fully with the DOJ to reach a resolution to the allegations and has further strengthened our existing compliance program. The resolution between the DOJ and CarMax Auto Finance does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by CarMax Auto Finance.
Supporting our nation’s military is rooted in CarMax’s culture, and we take these matters seriously given our long-standing commitment to servicemembers, veterans and their families. Our focus has been – and remains – on providing our customers with a fair, transparent and straightforward experience, and we are committed to serving our military community with care and respect. Since 2003, CarMax Auto Finance has provided relief to more than 26,000 servicemembers and dependents of servicemembers in accordance with the SCRA, in the form of finance charge reductions and protection from vehicle repossession.
Consistent with CarMax Auto Finance’s commitment to continuous improvement and supporting those who serve, we have enhanced our SCRA processes, expanded proactive screening and outreach, and reinforced employee training to help ensure all eligible servicemembers and their dependents receive the protections they deserve.
Customers seeking information about SCRA benefits with CarMax Auto Finance can submit a request via email to CAF_SCRA@carmax.com or over the phone at (800) 925-3612 x4077.
South Texas College (STC) Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center continues to play a vital role in supporting student parents, faculty, future educators and the community by providing high-quality, on-campus childcare that removes barriers to education while enriching early childhood learning. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
South Texas College (STC) Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center continues to play a vital role in supporting student parents, faculty, future educators and the community by providing high-quality, on-campus childcare that removes barriers to education while enriching early childhood learning.
More than a traditional daycare, the Mid-Valley Campus Child Development Center serves as a laboratory school for students pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Education, while also offering a safe, nurturing and academically rich environment for children of STC students and employees.
“What makes an on-campus childcare center different is the intentional focus on education and development,” said Sylvia Serrano, Mid-Valley Child Development Center manager. “Many on-campus centers, like ours, serve as laboratory schools, meaning we employ highly trained staff and students completing their degrees. While traditional daycares focus on safety, supervised play, prioritize structured and research-based curricula, we use Creative Curriculum to support intentional, developmentally appropriate learning.”
The impact of the center reaches far beyond childcare. According to Serrano, access to on-campus childcare has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for student parents.
Student parents who utilize on-campus childcare are more likely to graduate or transfer to a four-year institution,” Serrano said. “We also see improved retention, especially among single parents, because access to affordable, on-campus childcare makes it easier for them to return each semester. Being close to their children allows parents to focus on classes and campus activities without the added stress of long commutes or unreliable care.”
For students, studying Early Childhood Education, the center provides hands-on, real-world experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone.
“It has been a great opportunity for me to come into the Child Development Center to observe and learn while continuing my degree,” said Vanessa Gutierrez, Early Childhood Learning field study student. “I have learned so much from interacting with the staff, teachers and children across different age groups. This experience has been eye-opening and has shown me the dedication teachers put into creating a learning environment where children can thrive. It’s helped me grow into a better future educator.”
The center has also proven to be a critical support system for parents working toward graduation.
“This past semester, I was working on my associate degree in early childhood education and needed to complete required hours at the center,” said Kayla Vasquez, Early Childhood Education student and parent. “Halfway through the semester, my daughter’s sitter could no longer watch her, and I was worried I wouldn’t finish my hours. When the center called to let me know there was a spot available for her, it changed everything. I was able to complete my hours, graduate and have my daughter close by.”
Faculty members also benefit from the peace of mind that comes with having their children cared for on campus.
“Having my children at the center allows me to be fully present in my role as faculty,” said Ruby Campuzano, Economics faculty member. “There is no greater comfort than knowing they are in a place where they feel safe, loved and genuinely happy. The staff have become an extension of our family, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in our children’s confidence, curiosity and development.”
Through its commitment to student success, workforce preparation and family support, the Mid-Valley Child Development Center exemplifies STC’s mission to remove barriers and create pathways for students and families to thrive.
By supporting student parents, training future educators and serving faculty families, the center continues to make a lasting impact on the Mid-Valley Campus and the communities it serves.
PSJA Memorial Early College High School (ECHS) senior Celeste Mora has been named a finalist for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Luminary Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the region. Image courtesy of PSJA ISD
Texas Border Business
ALAMO, Texas – PSJA Memorial Early College High School (ECHS) senior Celeste Mora has been named a finalist for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Luminary Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the region.
The UTRGV Luminary Scholarship program recognizes exceptional incoming college freshman who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a strong commitment to community involvement. Luminary Scholars are selected for their ability to bring unique skills, perspectives, and service-minded leadership to UTRGV and the Rio Grande Valley, serving as ambassadors for the university and helping elevate UTRGV’s impact locally and globally.
In addition, the scholarship eliminates financial barriers to higher education by covering education-related expenses for an undergraduate degree and, in some cases, extending to graduate or professional programs such as medical school.
To qualify, the student must demonstrate excellence across multiple areas, including academic performance, leadership experience, community involvement, college admission, on-campus residency, and a commitment to employment within the Rio Grande Valley.
The Growing Gardners Club at Cesar Chavez Elementary, led by Science Lab teacher Tami Bhadai, has been selected as the National Junior Master Gardner (JMG) Group of the Month for February. Image courtesy of PSJA ISD
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – The Growing Gardners Club at Cesar Chavez Elementary, led by Science Lab teacher Tami Bhadai, has been selected as the National Junior Master Gardner (JMG) Group of the Month for February.
Students working in the garden. Image courtesy of PSJA ISD
This national recognition highlights the campus’s Growing Gardners Club for exemplifying the JMG mission of “Growing Kids by Igniting a Passion for Learning, Success & Service.” As Group of the Month, club will be featured throughout February on the National Junior Master Gardener Program website and homepage, showcasing the students’ hands-on learning, teamwork, and commitment to service through gardening.
Students proud of their hard work. Image courtesy of PSJA ISD
Each month, the National JMG Program selects one local group or class from across the country that best reflects its mission. This recognition celebrates the meaningful work taking place at Cesar Chavez Elementary, where students are cultivating leadership skills, environmental awareness, and a love for learning.
Congratulations to the Growing Gardners Club and Ms. Bhadai on this national honor.
Suspects to Credit Card Abuse captured on surveillance camera. Images courtesy of McAllen PD
Texas Border Business
McAllen Police Officers are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two persons of interest in a Credit Card Abuse investigation. McAllen Police Officers investigate a report of Credit Card Abuse that occurred at two business location in McAllen, Texas on or about February 5, 2026. McAllen Investigators obtained surveillance images of two persons believed to be involved with the unauthorized use and transactions of credit or debit cards.
Courtesy image
A female is generally described as having a light complexion, dark hair, wearing eyeglasses, about 5’ 5” to 5’ 7” in height, and has a visible tattoo on her chest area. A male is generally described as having a dark complexion, a medium build, about 5’ 8” to 5’ 10” in height, and has a locs hairstyle. These persons of interest may be involved in similar activity in the Weslaco area. Business locations are asked to be mindful of fraudulent activity and report suspicious persons to police.
courtesy image
If you know the identity or location of either subject, you are urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687- 8477. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to call.
You can remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash
“The highlight of my military career was serving Soldiers and their families across multiple roles while remaining mission-focused,” Velez said. “Knowing my leadership had a lasting impact on both the force and individual lives is what I’m most proud of.” USCBP image. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
After more than 21 years in the U.S. Army, Sgt. 1st Class Angel Velez understood one thing clearly: mission first, people always. His military career began as an infantryman, where he spent 7 years leading from the front. He later transitioned into recruiting and medical recruiting roles for more than 13 years, shaping the Army’s future by mentoring young men and women, guiding experienced Soldiers into the right career paths, and supporting Soldiers and their families across multiple assignments.
“The highlight of my military career was serving Soldiers and their families across multiple roles while remaining mission-focused,” Velez said. “Knowing my leadership had a lasting impact on both the force and individual lives is what I’m most proud of.”
As retirement approached, Velez faced a new mission: transitioning from military service to a meaningful civilian career. That path became clear through the Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge program.
Velez learned about SkillBridge through his DoW Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and deliberate research into opportunities aligned with his background in recruiting, mentorship, and outreach. That search led him to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and to Jeffrey Jack, CBP’s national Veterans Employment Program Manager (VEPM).
“My engagement with Jeff was professional, informative, and supportive from start to finish,” Velez said. “He provided clear guidance, mentorship, and insight into CBP’s mission and workforce needs, ensuring my SkillBridge experience was purposeful and aligned with both my career goals and CBP’s objectives.”
Assigned to Jeff Jack’s very own Office of Human Resources Management, National Recruitment Division team, Velez quickly immersed himself in the agency’s recruiting and outreach mission. Working under Jeff during his SkillBridge internship gave him hands-on exposure to veteran and non-law enforcement recruiting initiatives, social media job postings, Salesforce-driven recruiting campaigns, and outreach and hiring events. He worked directly with transitioning service-members as they explored careers with CBP, gaining firsthand knowledge of CBP’s hiring pipelines, organizational structure, and mission.
“The internship allowed me to bridge the gap between military service and federal civilian employment seamlessly,” Velez said. “The environment emphasized civilian collaboration, customer engagement, and hiring processes, all while maintaining a strong mission focus.”
Jeff Jack said Velez set the standard for SkillBridge interns.
“I couldn’t have asked for a more professional, skilled, impressive, and tireless worker than Angel,” Jack said. “Throughout his SkillBridge internship, he performed at a high level with meticulous attention to detail. CBP leads all of DHS in Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge program metrics for a reason—because of talented military leaders like Angel who bring their all in every facet of the roles they assume.”
Jack added that SkillBridge internships allow their post military resumes to “come to life,” giving service-members an opportunity to demonstrate their value in real time. He noted that SkillBridge interns bring major advantages: a completed CBP background investigation, a finalized qualifications review, and the ability to be hired non-competitively, away from the typical USAJOBS process, by leveraging their veterans’ preference—capabilities not available to most USAJOBS applicants.
For Velez, that distinction made all the difference.
“Instead of competing against hundreds of applicants on USAJOBS, SkillBridge allowed me to compete with myself,” he said. “I was evaluated on performance, work ethic, and cultural fit—not just a resume. It reduced uncertainty and created a potential direct pathway into CBP.”
Velez credits his long-held mantra—“Adapt & Overcome”—for guiding him through both military service and transition.
“Nothing stays the same,” he said. “Understanding that we must constantly adapt and overcome helped me lead Soldiers, mentor recruits, and transition successfully into a civilian federal agency after more than 20 years in uniform.”
His advice to other transitioning service-members is straightforward: start early, research agencies that align with your experience, and treat SkillBridge as both a learning opportunity and an extended interview.
“CBP expects accountability, adaptability, and mission focus—the same qualities service-members already possess,” Velez said. “Show initiative, ask questions, build relationships, and prove your value from the inside.”
At CBP, we are proud to support dedicated service-members like Angel Velez in their continued commitment to serving and protecting our nation. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career through the DoW SkillBridge program, contact Jeffrey Jack, CBP’s national VEPM, at Jeffrey.R.Jack@cbp.dhs.gov
