Governor Greg Abbott supported U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in directing the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to launch an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. Anisa Bhatti, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott supported U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner in directing the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to launch an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act.
“‘EPIC City,’ now known as ‘The Meadow,’ was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America,’” said Governor Abbott. “Last year, I directed the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate EPIC and any affiliated entities for violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act. After a thorough investigation, Commission staff later filed a detailed complaint, which HUD has now accepted for federal investigation. I support HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s efforts to hold EPIC and its affiliates accountable to our anti-discrimination laws. Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable. The Meadow will remain just that—an empty field.”
Governor Abbott and the State of Texas continue to take action to uphold the rule of law and defend Texas communities from any threats posed by EPIC:
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality forced EPIC and its affiliates to admit they lacked authority to undertake any construction or development
Texas State Securities Board referred its investigatory findings about EPIC and its affiliates to the Attorney General for possible securities law violations
Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering EPIC to immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations
Texas Rangers are investigating EPIC and any affiliated entities for potential criminal activities
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a major victory for election integrity as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed a federal district court ruling that had blocked enforcement of Texas’s ban on ballot harvesting under the Texas Election Integrity Act. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a major victory for election integrity as the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed a federal district court ruling that had blocked enforcement of Texas’s ban on ballot harvesting under the Texas Election Integrity Act.
In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1 (“SB 1”) to strengthen election integrity, protect ballot secrecy, and reduce the risk of fraud—especially in the mail-in voting context, where fraud risks are higher and harder to detect. The law specifically targets professional, compensated vote harvesting, making it a crime to knowingly provide or offer to provide “vote harvesting services” in exchange for compensation or other benefit when the activity is intended to deliver votes for a specific candidate or measure. This type of activity is now banned when it is conducted in person and in the physical presence of an official ballot or a voted mail ballot.
On the eve of the 2024 election, a district court declared the section of SB 1 that bans paid vote harvesting unconstitutional and enjoined its enforcement. Attorney General Paxton immediately requested that the Fifth Circuit stay that decision pending appeal, which it did. Now, the Fifth Circuit has reversed the district court’s judgment, holding that Texas’s paid vote harvesting ban is fully constitutional, as it is consistent with the First Amendment and does not contain any unconstitutionally vague provisions.
“Texas will not allow our election system to be exploited with paid ballot harvesting schemes that threaten ballot secrecy and invite coercion and fraud,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This is a huge win for Texas voters and for secure, honest elections. We fought hard to keep common-sense protections in place, and I will continue to do everything in my power to defend the integrity of our elections.”
Attorney General Paxton has led a years-long legal battle to defend Texas election integrity laws and set the standard for election integrity defense nationwide. Attorney General Ken Paxton has previously successfully defeated an attempt to challenge Texas’s requirement that voters put their ID number on mail-in ballots and vote-by-mail applications. Attorney General Paxton will continue to defend laws that protect lawful voters, deter fraud, and ensure Texans can trust election outcomes.
This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – This week, Governor Greg Abbott selected multiple qualified candidates to serve on behalf of Texans.
Governor’s Criminal Justice Division Director – Governor Greg Abbott appointed Andrew Friedrichs as the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division Director, effective March 1, 2026, for a term set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor.
One-Call Board of Texas – Governor Abbott appointed Tina Polin and reappointed Joe Canales, Roberto De Leon, and Derek Delgado to the One-Call Board of Texas for terms set to expire on August 31, 2028. Additionally, the Governor appointed Andrew Keefer to the board for a term set to expire on August 31, 2027. The Board has authority over “Call Before You Dig” systems that notify the underground facility operators for excavation plans so pipelines and utility lines can be marked to prevent accidents.
Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners – Governor Abbott appointed Erin Smith, O.T.D., and Lynn Wilde and reappointed Eddie Jessie to the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners for terms set to expire on February 1, 2031. The Board licenses and regulates occupational therapy services in the state of Texas.
Texas Transportation Commission – Governor Abbott appointed Pat Gordon to the Texas Transportation Commission for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. The Commission governs the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and is responsible for policymaking regarding the state’s highway system, developing a statewide transportation plan, assisting the development of public transportation, and adopting rules for TxDOT’s operation.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division (DOJ) filed a lawsuit today against Harvard University (Harvard), accusing Harvard of unlawfully withholding from the United States admissions data information necessary to determine whether Harvard is continuing to discriminate in its admissions process, even after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. Image: David Adam Kess, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
Note: View complaint here. The release has been updated to reflect that the action took place today, February 13.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division (DOJ) filed a lawsuit today against Harvard University (Harvard), accusing Harvard of unlawfully withholding from the United States admissions data information necessary to determine whether Harvard is continuing to discriminate in its admissions process, even after the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice is demanding better from our nation’s educational institutions,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Harvard has failed to disclose the data we need to ensure that its admissions are free of discrimination — we will continue fighting to put merit over DEI across America.”
“The Justice Department will not allow universities to flout our nation’s federal civil rights laws by refusing to provide the information required for our review,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Providing requested data is a basic expectation of any credible compliance process, and refusal to cooperate creates concerns about university practices. If Harvard has stopped discriminating, it should happily share the data necessary to prove it.”
The lawsuit alleges that Harvard repeatedly slow-walked the pace of production and refused to produce pertinent data and documents requested by the DOJ, including individualized applicant admissions data, admissions policies, and correspondence related to race; ethnicity; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and Students for Fair Admissions. The suit alleges that Harvard — a recipient of DOJ funding — violated Title VI by failing to comply with the DOJ’s request for sufficient document production for compliance review. The suit also notes that by failing to make timely and complete document productions or otherwise permitting the DOJ to access Harvard’s applicant-level admissions data, Harvard breached a material term of DOJ federal financial assistance.
The lawsuit seeks only to compel Harvard to produce documents related to any consideration of race in admissions and does not accuse Harvard of racial discrimination.
McAllen’s momentum continues with the announcement of an exciting new destination golf course to be developed adjacent to Champion Lakes Golf Course, marking a historic first for the city, the state, and World Golf Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa. Image: Screengrab from City of McAllen Video
Texas Border Business
McAllen’s momentum continues with the announcement of an exciting new destination golf course to be developed adjacent to Champion Lakes Golf Course, marking a historic first for the city, the state, and World Golf Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa.
Unveiled during the 2026 State of the City Address, this transformational partnership with Ochoa, alongside renowned designers Rafael Alarcón and Carter Morrish, will deliver a one-of-a-kind golf experience in south Texas.
Watch the video from the City of McAllen below:
The new course will be located at 2701–3501 South Ware Road, directly west of the existing Champion Lakes Golf Course, further strengthening McAllen’s reputation as a regional hub for recreation, tourism, and quality-of-life investments.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. Courtesy image
“This project reflects exactly where McAllen is headed, bold, thoughtful and community focused,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “We are investing in amenities that bring people together, elevate our city’s profile, and create places our residents can truly be proud of while delivering world class experiences.”
The course will be designed by ALARCON–MORRISH–OCHOA Golf Design, who will lead construction, promotion, and marketing efforts with period visits to the area planned as the project progresses.
McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. Courtesy image
“This is a milestone for the game of golf,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “Lorena Ochoa’s first U.S. golf course design speaks volumes about McAllen’s growing national credibility and our commitment to creating meaningful recreational opportunities thoughtfully designed for players of all skill levels.”
The new course will be a short-course concept, offering far more than a traditional par-3 layout. Drawing inspiration from the most memorable holes Ochoa and Alarcón have played around the world, the design will balance recreation, accessibility, and deliver a competitive challenge.
Key features include:
• Holes ranging from under 100 yards to more than 250 yards, requiring golfers to use every club in their bag
• Engaging, attainable challenges designed for all ages and skill levels, while still testing top collegiate and amateur players
• Unique global design elements such as:
• Beach-style bunkers
• Raised greens
• Rolling fairways and phased in undulations
• Tree clusters, water features, and native Rio Grande Valley vegetation
The course will incorporate best-in-class construction practices and premium materials to ensure quality, durability, and long-term sustainability in a high-use environment. Design considerations will also emphasize water conservation, environmental protection, education, and youth development.
“It will be a golf course the local golfer will be proud to call home, and one the visitor will talk about when they return home,” said Rafael Alarcón, co-designer.
This expansion builds upon Champion Lakes Golf Course’s long-standing role as a cornerstone of McAllen’s parks and recreation system, reinforcing the city’s commitment to accessible, high-quality amenities that enhance daily life and drive economic impact.
Additional details, including construction timelines and future programming, will be announced in the coming months.
The projects in Bejar Estates and Angels Park, which started in the planning stage in 2018 and 2022 respectively, will benefit residents in Socorro and Clint, Texas. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO COUNTY, Texas — The projects in Bejar Estates and Angels Park, which started in the planning stage in 2018 and 2022 respectively, will benefit residents in Socorro and Clint, Texas.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by NADBank, El Paso County and the Lower Valley Water District (LVWD) marked the completion of new wastewater collection systems serving residents in Angels Park and Bejar Estates. Those in attendance were State Representative Mary Gonzalez, who also serves as a NADBank board member; the office of El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguin, Alejandro Olivo, NADBank Deputy Managing Director and LVWD General Manager Gerald Grijalva.
“Water infrastructure is critical to long-term health and success within our communities. Our borderland region has for too long gone without basic infrastructure that other areas across the nation have seen as an everyday item. These two projects will provide necessary wastewater services to residents in our region. I’m honored to have been able to support these investments through my service on the NADBank Board,” said State Representative Mary E. González, PhD.
The Angels Park Residential Wastewater Connections Project provides first-time access to centralized wastewater collection and treatment for area residents, replacing failing septic systems that pose risks to groundwater quality and public health. The US$1.35 million project was supported by a US$750,000 grant from NADBank through its Community Assistance Program (CAP).
The second project, located in the Bejar Estates community in Socorro, also delivers first-time wastewater service to 65 existing residences and eliminates aging septic systems. The US$571,500 project was fully funded with a NADBank CAP grant and part of the proceeds of LVWD bond purchased by NADBank in 2021.
“These projects are a clear example of how investing in basic infrastructure transforms communities,” said Alejandro Olivo, NADBank Deputy Managing Director. “Residents in Clint and Socorro now have access to essential wastewater services that protect public health, safeguard groundwater and improve overall quality of life. NADBank is honored to help deliver these critical services to El Paso County.”
Together, the two projects represent a major step forward in addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps in underserved communities across the region by providing first-time wastewater and collection services to almost 400 existing residences.
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has appointed Tom Castañeda as chair, highlighting its commitment to regional advocacy and economic development. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas — The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has appointed Tom Castañeda as chair, highlighting its commitment to regional advocacy and economic development.
Castañeda, system director of marketing and public relations for South Texas Health System, brings a background in journalism, marketing, and communications. A Valley native, he has overseen marketing, advertising, community engagement, and public relations for the system’s 12 facilities since 2020.
He said the Chamber will continue serving as a unified voice for businesses across the four-county region by advocating for employer priorities, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a competitive business environment. Castañeda also encouraged businesses to join the Chamber to expand connections and opportunities through collaboration.
As chair, he plans to focus on relationship-building, guiding the board’s long-term vision, supporting leadership continuity, and positioning the organization for sustained growth. He noted that his leadership approach is influenced by his family’s entrepreneurial roots, which emphasized resilience and purposeful work.
“Under Tom’s leadership, the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is poised to expand its impact across the region,” said President and CEO Cynthia Sakulenzki, citing his strategic vision and deep understanding of the community.
Unsealed indictment alleges RICO violations, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – An 18-count superseding indictment has been unsealed charging 20 alleged members and associates of a violent Houston-based street gang for their purported roles in a racketeering conspiracy (RICO) involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Law enforcement arrested 10 of the defendants today and they will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in Houston on these charges this week. The remaining ten defendants are already in custody on related federal charges.
According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money allegedly engaged in acts of violence, intimidation, drive-by shootings and murder to further the gang’s criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, both of Houston, committed a murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group.
“The indictment unsealed today alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston. That ends now,” said United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number.”
“This gang terrorized the streets of Houston with their drive-by shootings in public places like grocery store parking lots and with their brazen, armed robberies,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.”
“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office Jason Hudson. “Today’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are ‘free’ no more.”
On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly followed a Chevrolet Equinox carrying two individuals into a shopping center parking lot while driving a black Nissan Altima. After the driver entered a nearby store and the passenger remained inside the vehicle, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on the vehicle. Multiple rounds struck the passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased.
The indictment alleges Free Money members targeted rival gang members throughout Houston. On Aug. 3, 2022, Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other alleged Free Money members fired multiple rounds into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.
According to the charges, the gang allegedly financed firearms purchases and provided money to incarcerated members through robberies and drug sales. On June 3, 2024, Walter Tolbert, 21, and other alleged Free Money members allegedly robbed a pawn shop at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, Sony PlayStations and cash.
The indictment also alleges Free Money members targeted rival gangs for robbery. On Aug. 14, 2022, several alleged members attempted to rob a rival gang member’s stash house and kill the occupants. Joci Barley, 26, Terrel Davis, 28, Tolbert, Anderson, Jakobe Anderson, 24, Chase Franklin-Williams, 21, Terry Adroin, Travonte Ardoin, Deandre Thompson, 22, Emery Goodley, 26, Jymonte McClendon, 28, and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery during a gang meeting, during which they stated they would “kill and do everything they needed to do” to obtain the drugs and money they believed were inside, despite knowing the home was likely occupied.
Law enforcement stopped the group while en route to the location, according to the charges. During the subsequent pursuit, Travonte Ardoin allegedly threw a firearm from the vehicle.
The indictment further alleges the gang trafficked crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Orlando Calloway, 52, allegedly supplied crack cocaine to the gang by converting powder cocaine for redistribution.
The defendants face maximum sentences of life in prison for the RICO charges, and from ten years to life in prison on the drug trafficking and firearms charges. In addition, defendants Terry Ardoin and Travante Ardoin each face either mandatory life in prison or the death penalty if they are convicted of the charge of murder in aid of racketeering.
The FBI Houston field office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Brown and Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
This joint effort includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement and addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division has also dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, such as narcotics trafficking.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information in the 1980 murder of 31-year-old Estella Salinas and her 14-year-old son, Andrew Salinas, in Houston. Photo: Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information in the 1980 murder of 31-year-old Estella Salinas and her 14-year-old son, Andrew Salinas, in Houston. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for these murders is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information is asked to please come forward.
Photo: Texas DPS
On Dec. 25, 1980, the bodies of Estella and Andrew Salinas were found strangled to death on the east side of White Oak Bayou and the Pinemont Bridge, near the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive. Earlier that Christmas morning, the pair had left their residence to spend the holiday with family at Estella’s parents’ home across town. Estella and Andrew were last seen by witnesses in a blue-colored 1972 Mercury Cougar near the intersection of Cavalcade Street and the US-59 northbound frontage road in front of a McDonald’s. Family members later found the vehicle near the intersection of Cavalcade and the Eastex Freeway. The vehicle’s keys, along with personal items, were still inside.
Several witnesses in the Salinas’ case have been interviewed and provided information over the years, but no arrests have been made. Now, 45 years later, evidence from this case has been submitted for analysis using modern DNA technology. The Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers are actively investigating the Salinas’ murder and believe members of the community have critical information that could help them solve this case.
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 those responsible for any Texas Rangers cold case listed on the DPS website — which provides information on more than 140 cases to garner public interest in unsolved or cold cases.
To be eligible for cash rewards for this case, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of these two methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Submit a tip online through this link only and select “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the type of crime and offense type sections.
As part of a DPS public awareness program, one case from the Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation (Cold Case) Program is featured bi-monthly to generate new investigative leads and bring attention to these cold cases. Texas Crime Stoppers rewards are increased up to $6,000 for featured cases in hopes of generating additional tips. The higher reward amount will only be paid if the tip is submitted before the next cold case is featured.
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies in investigating unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.
Stephanie Lynn Lucio with her certificate of recognition from the City of San Juan for being the first graduate of The PossAble Dream Adult High School. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
SAN JUAN, Texas — San Juan resident Stephanie Lynn Lucio was recognized by the San Juan City Commission during a City Council meeting on Feb. 11 at the San Juan Memorial Library for becoming the first graduate of The PossAble Dream Adult High School.
Mayor Mario Garza and members of the City Commission honored Lucio with a certificate celebrating her determination and accomplishment.
The PossAble Dream Adult High School Pharr Site Coordinator Angelica Gonzalez, Superintendent Darcia Cuellar and Board President and Founder Dr. Daniel P. King with the City of San Juan Mayor and City Commission during a city council meeting on Feb. 11 at San Juan Memorial Library. Courtesy image
Lucio left school at age 16 to support and care for her family. Years later, she found her way back to completing her education through The PossAble Dream Adult High School. After enrolling, she worked closely with her counselor to develop a focused plan, recover needed credits and graduate in just four weeks in October.
The PossAble Dream Adult High School Pharr Site Coordinator Angelica Gonzalez, Stephanie Lynn Lucio and Superintendent Darcia Cuellar. Courtesy image
She is now continuing her education tuition-free through The PossAble Dream’s phlebotomy career pathway.
“I am grateful for all the challenges that I have experienced,” Lucio said. “If it were not for those challenges, I would not be able to be where I am today. I know my life was hard, but others may have had it harder. I want to do my part to help in any way.”
Lucio said she acted quickly once she learned about the opportunity and credits the program’s structure and support system for helping her succeed.
The PossAble Dream Adult High School Superintendent Darcia Cuellar. Courtesy image
“I wanted it, so I put my mind to it,” she said. “I am grateful to my student success coach, teachers, counselor and the superintendent for helping me. Thank you to City of San Juan for recognizing my efforts.”
Enrollment at The PossAble Dream Adult High School is open for adults 18-50 ready to complete their high school diploma while working toward industry-based certifications. Interested individuals can learn more and begin the enrollment process at www.thepossabledream.net.
