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Texas Awards $4.16M Semiconductor Innovation Grant to Arm Inc. for Major Austin Expansion

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Texas Awards $4.16M Semiconductor Innovation Grant to Arm Inc. for Major Austin Expansion
Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $4,162,550 has been extended to Arm Inc. for an expansion of their Austin campus to include a new semiconductor lab with failure analysis capabilities. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $4,162,550 has been extended to Arm Inc. for an expansion of their Austin campus to include a new semiconductor lab with failure analysis capabilities. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $4,162,550 has been extended to Arm Inc. for an expansion of their Austin campus to include a new semiconductor lab with failure analysis capabilities. The expansion is expected to create more than 320 jobs and represents more than $71 million in capital investment.

“Texas is where the world innovates,” said Governor Abbott. “This $71 million expansion of Arm’s engineering and innovation hub in Austin will create hundreds of skilled jobs and enhance Texas’ leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. Partnering with industry leaders, Texas is investing in the tech advances of tomorrow – today.”

Arm, a U.K.-based global technology company, specializes in designing low-power, high-performance processor architectures including central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and neural processing units (NPUs). Arm’s Austin operation is central to designing advanced processors for mobile, cloud, and data center applications.

“Austin is home to Arm’s largest U.S. site and is a rapidly growing center for advanced chip design,” said Arm CEO Rene Haas. “This investment from the Governor’s Office accelerates that momentum and strengthens Texas’ position as a global semiconductor leader. We’re expanding our labs, strengthening our capabilities, and creating hundreds of new roles — building the future of compute and AI in the U.S. and developing the next generation of semiconductor talent.”

“I’m excited that global companies view Texas as an appealing destination for continued investment,” said Senator Sarah Eckhardt. “Companies like Arm Inc. don’t make big investments in Texas just because they like the weather or get hooked on the BBQ. They come because we attract talent here that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world. We can keep it that way by holding the door open to anyone who wants to lend their brilliant minds and skilled hands to building our future. Arm’s latest investment expands an essential workforce in our state and brings new neighbors who add to the vibrancy of Central Texas, so important to our ongoing prosperity.”

“For decades, Austin has invested and focused on transforming our region into a technology and innovation hub,” said Representative Donna Howard. “As a result, our community is driving the industry forward; this grant will build upon this mission by creating jobs and will spur continued capital investment in our region. This growth is not only good for Austin, but it is also good for Texas. I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure we continue to invest in programs that will provide economic benefits at the local, regional, and state levels.”

View more information about Arm.

Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023 to establish the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program to continue Texas’ leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs, administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, a division within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office in the Office of the Governor, are designed to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Olmito Nature Park to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting on February 14th

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Olmito Nature Park to Celebrate Ribbon Cutting on February 14th
Cameron County announced the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Olmito Nature Park on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., located at 9538 Hayes Rd, Olmito Texas 78575. Image for illustration purposes
Cameron County announced the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Olmito Nature Park on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., located at 9538 Hayes Rd, Olmito Texas 78575. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Cameron County announced the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the Olmito Nature Park on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., located at 9538 Hayes Rd, Olmito Texas 78575.

The 39-acre park, situated along 3,240 linear feet of waterfront on the Lake Olmito Resaca, offers a variety of amenities, including nature trails, park benches, fishing piers, birdwatch overlooks, wildlife viewing areas, educational pavilions, nature scape playground, picnic shelters, interpretive signage, wildlife friendly lighting, green open space, comfort stations, and a constable-substation. Parking areas consists of low impact development (LID) constructed with permeable material that allow water run off to infiltrate through the system.

The project was made possible through the generous land donation by Mr. Frank Michael McKinney and Mrs. Jane E. McKinney, along with funding from Texas Parks & Wildlife Non-Urban Outdoor Local Park Grant, Texas Parks & Wildlife State Funding, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Trail Grant, Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Cameron County Certificates of Obligation, for a Phase I project cost of $6,521,692.

“The Olmito Nature Park represents a major enhancement to Cameron County and a lasting investment in our community. We are deeply grateful to all our partners at the federal, state, and local non-profit levels whose support made it possible to preserve this land and develop a beautiful nature park that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come,” stated Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr.

“The McKinney family’s generous donation created a unique opportunity to develop a nature park in Olmito. With the support of Texas Parks & Wildlife, the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, and ARPA funding, we are proud to see this project completed and ready to open for residents of all ages in Precinct 2,” said Cameron County Commissioner Pct. 2 Joey Lopez.

Cameron County Parks Director Joe E. Vega shared, “Olmito Nature Park offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, walking trails, birdwatching, and family picnicking, making it an exciting addition for the Olmito community and surrounding areas.”

The project’s architectural and engineering firm of record is Gomez Mendez Saenz Architects, with Holchemont, LTD serving as general contractor. Additional project partners include Archer Construction, Signs and More, and the PlayWell Group, Inc.

Senate Republicans Propose Update to Debit Card Fee Cap Structure

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Senate Republicans Propose Update to Debit Card Fee Cap Structure
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Community Bank Relief Act. The legislation raises the current $10 billion asset threshold that caps debit card fees for banks and index annually to inflation. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Community Bank Relief Act. The legislation raises the current $10 billion asset threshold that caps debit card fees for banks and index annually to inflation. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Community Bank Relief Act. The legislation raises the current $10 billion asset threshold that caps debit card fees for banks and index annually to inflation.

Sen. Cruz said, “The Durbin Amendment was not designed for the current economic and regulatory reality and subjects community banks to fee limits that the original language intended for much larger institutions. My legislation modernizes the interchange fee cap to reflect inflation, helping small banks support local economies while lowering banking costs for Americans.”

Sen. Britt said, “As we’ve seen in so many instances, countless regulations in the Dodd-Frank Act were not only onerous but set fixed thresholds that have become outdated over time, and the Durbin Amendment is no exception. The largest burden is on our smallest financial institutions who provide vital sources of credit to Main Streets that drive our local economies. This commonsense legislation would simply index, to both inflation and COLA, the outdated threshold in this provision of Dodd-Frank, ultimately providing relief for our community banks who were never intended to be burdened by this regulation.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY-6).

Rep. Barr said, “The Durbin Amendment was sold as a win for consumers in the Dodd-Frank Act by Democrats. Instead, it’s hurt Kentucky’s community banks and credit unions that do so much for underserved communities by limiting their ability to grow and compete with larger financial institutions. I’m working with Senator Cruz to fix this — because Washington shouldn’t be picking winners and losers at the expense of our local banks and the families they serve.”

This bill is supported by Americans for Tax Reform, Independent Bankers Association of Texas, and the Texas Bankers Association.

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist said, “Indexing the Durbin exemption cap to inflation prevents government price controls from expanding by default. Price controls on interchange were a mistake from the start. They have raised costs for cardholders, reduced benefits, and entrenched government interference in the payments market. Senator Cruz should be commended for his bill to fix the harms caused by Dodd-Frank.”

Texas Bankers Association President and CEO Chris Furlow said, “The success of the nation’s economy depends on healthy community banks that provide capital and critical financial resources for small businesses and families. We thank Sen. Cruz for the Community Bank Relief Act that will right-size regulation and help strengthen the ability of community banks to bolster local economies in Texas and across America.”

Independent Bankers Association of Texas President and CEO Christopher Willston said, “Indexing the Durbin threshold to inflation is a smart, targeted update that keeps community banks where Congress intended—outside the regulatory regime meant for the largest players. By directing the Federal Reserve to make both the initial catch-up adjustment and annual CPI updates, this amendment brings needed certainty and proportionality to the payments system. We appreciate Senators Cruz and Britt for their thoughtful leadership.”

Click here to read the full bill text. 


BACKGROUND:

The Durbin amendment to the Dodd–Frank Act, enacted in 2010, authorized the Federal Reserve to cap debit card interchange fees charged by large card issuers and limits transaction fees for debit card purchases by capping fees at 21 cents plus 0.05% of the transaction for banks with assets of $10 billion or more. Currently, the cap stands at roughly 22 cents per transaction.

When Dodd-Frank passed, roughly 80 banks exceeded the $10 billion threshold. Today, roughly 130 banks have exceeded the $10 billion threshold, bringing a larger share of the banking sector under the fee cap that was unintentionally captured under the existing limit.

The Community Bank Relief Act raises the $10 billion asset threshold for covered bank issuers and ties it to an annual cost-of-living adjustment measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to enable more community banks to remain exempt from the Durbin restrictions, allowing them to strengthen their financial flexibility and ultimately reduce costs for American families.

Texas Records Zero Job Growth in 2025

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Texas Records Zero Job Growth in 2025
Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo by By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo by By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business presents a four-part series featuring economic briefings from Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, offering business and community leaders a data-driven view of the forces shaping Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The presentations, shared during the RioPlex Leadership event organized by RioPlex and executed by its Executive Director, Mario Reyna, explore key trends including stalled job growth, rising artificial intelligence investment, the strength of trade with Mexico, and the outlook for 2026, helping regional stakeholders better understand the economic conditions influencing workforce demand, investment, and long-term competitiveness across South Texas.

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Mario Reyna. Image: Roberto Hugo González

When regional leaders gathered for the RioPlex Leadership event, organized by RioPlex and executed by Mario Reyna, Executive Director and Board Secretary of RioPlex, the focus was on understanding the forces shaping the future of the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. One message stood out clearly during the discussion: Texas experienced a year unlike any in recent history.

Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reported that “there was zero employment growth in the state of Texas in 2025. Zero.” He emphasized that the number was accurate and represented a sharp break from the state’s long-standing trend of steady job creation.

“For a state that historically grows employment at about two percent annually, this is significant,” Torres said. He noted that even during past economic slowdowns, Texas had typically continued adding jobs.

Despite flat employment, Torres said the state economy did not contract. “GDP is still growing,” he explained, adding that output was below average but remained positive, estimated at roughly 1.8 to 2 percent growth based on available data through midyear. The gap between output growth and job growth points to changes in how economic expansion is occurring.

Torres attributed the hiring slowdown to a combination of factors. He cited policy uncertainty related to tariffs, changes affecting immigration and labor supply, federal government cutbacks, and uncertainty that made firms more cautious about adding workers. “Those were the costs,” he said, referring to the factors weighing on employment growth.

At the same time, investment continued in certain areas of the economy. Torres pointed to construction activity tied to infrastructure and technology, noting that non-building construction helped support output even as residential construction weakened.

The labor market, however, has remained stable. Torres described the current conditions as “a low-hiring, low-firing economy.” He said unemployment claims have not increased, and the unemployment rate has remained relatively steady. “Companies are not hiring, but they’re also not firing,” he said.

Survey data collected by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas support that view. Torres reported that when Texas firms were asked about their top concerns, slowing demand ranked first, followed by inflation and domestic policy uncertainty. Even so, many businesses reported improved expectations for future activity and capital spending.

Trade continues to play a key role in supporting the Texas economy. Torres reminded the audience that Texas remains the nation’s top export state and said trade with Mexico remains a positive factor, particularly as the mix of goods traded evolves.

Looking ahead, Torres said employment growth is expected to return in 2026, though likely at a slower pace than the state’s historical average. “It’ll pick up from that zero growth in 2025,” he said, “but probably will not get to that two percent trend.”

He added that productivity gains and innovation are enabling firms to grow without adding many workers, while labor supply constraints continue to limit hiring.

Summarizing the year, Torres said, “Texas in 2025 grew without adding any jobs.” For South Texas leaders, the message was clear: economic growth is continuing, but the relationship between growth and employment is changing, requiring closer attention to productivity, workforce preparation, and long-term planning.

See related Stories:

AI Investment Drives Texas Economy as Hiring Growth Remains Limited
Mild Growth Expected for Texas Economy in 2026
Trade With Mexico Remains a Key Driver of Texas Economic Strength

25th Infantry Division Sharpens Skills on Army’s New M7 Rifle

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25th Infantry Division Sharpens Skills on Army’s New M7 Rifle
Army Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit instructor, trains soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division during M7 rifle training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. Image: Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit via US Department of War
Army Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit instructor, trains soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division during M7 rifle training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. Image: Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit via US Department of War

Texas Border Business

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit / US Department of War

Soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division trained at the Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in January on the Army’s newest service rifle, the M7, with instructors from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit providing hands-on support focused on marksmanship fundamentals.

The instructors worked alongside soldiers to reinforce proven shooting techniques that apply across weapon systems and assisted with ongoing M7 fielding efforts alongside program partners.


Soldiers assigned to 25th Infantry Division conduct positional shooting drills with the M7 rifle during training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. Image: Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit via US Department of War

“We are working with instructors from [the program executive office] and [the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command] to assist in the net fielding efforts and provide marksmanship instruction and guidance to both the students and instructors as they field the next generation squad weapon,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Deal, team chief for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Rifle Team, adding fundamentals remain critical when soldiers transition to a new platform.

“It’s hard to say what fundamentals matter the most. They’re all equally important, but establishing a consistent and stable position, consistent head placement, proper sight alignment, and trigger control are going to make shooting a new weapon system a lot easier,” Deal said.


Army Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Riegel, a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit instructor, demonstrates shooting procedures on the M7 rifle to soldiers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. Image: Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit via Us Department of war

According to Deal, competition-style training exposes shooters to stressful and unfamiliar scenarios that highlight their strengths and weaknesses.

“[It] can help soldiers’ combat effectiveness by putting them into new scenarios they may not have been in before and putting them under the stress of time, speed or accuracy to assess their level of training and where there may be room for improvement,” he said.

Deal emphasized that consistency must come before speed, especially for developing shooters.

“It’s hard to start fast and figure out what you’re doing wrong versus slowing things down, assessing fundamentals and building up speed and distance [over time],” he said.

The training course is focused on noncommissioned officers returning to their units.


Soldiers assigned to 25th Infantry Division conduct positional shooting drills with the M7 rifle during training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 21, 2026. Image: Army Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Hamlin, U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit via US Department of War

“The NCOs are getting familiarized with the weapon systems and optics so they can go back and train other NCOs, officers and their soldiers, and begin proper marksmanship training,” Deal said, adding that the long-term goal is to sustain improvement across Army units.

“They’re going to transfer that knowledge to their soldiers and peers and hopefully make improvements to their marksmanship programs that carry over into better practices and increased lethality,” he said

Information source: US Department of War

Major Milestone Reached in $40M Cargo Dock 3 Reconstruction Project

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Major Milestone Reached in $40M Cargo Dock 3 Reconstruction Project
The Port of Brownsville continues to make strong progress on the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, with demolition now 95 percent complete, marking another significant milestone in the modernization of infrastructure along the port’s turning basin. Image courtesy of The Port of Brownsville
The Port of Brownsville continues to make strong progress on the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, with demolition now 95 percent complete, marking another significant milestone in the modernization of infrastructure along the port’s turning basin. Image courtesy of The Port of Brownsville

Texas Border Business

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Port of Brownsville continues to make strong progress on the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, with demolition now 95 percent complete, marking another significant milestone in the modernization of infrastructure along the port’s turning basin.

Originally built in the 1940s, Cargo Dock 3 served the port for nearly nine decades. Its reconstruction is critical to meeting modern safety and operational standards and to supporting larger vessels following the deepening of the Brownsville Ship Channel to 52 feet. The $40 million project is funded through a partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Maritime Division and the Brownsville Navigation District, including an $11.5 million Maritime Infrastructure Program grant awarded in 2023 as part of TxDOT’s historic $240 million statewide port investment.

Watch the video form the Port of Brownsville Below:

With demolition nearing completion, pile driving has begun, marking a major step forward in building the foundation of the new dock. Russell Marine is performing specialized welding services, and procurement of 495 coated steel piles, has been completed to support long-term durability. Existing concrete from the original dock is being repurposed as bank protection material, reinforcing the port’s commitment to sustainable construction practices.

Following pile installation, construction will continue with concrete decking and pavement, with project completion anticipated in 2027. Cargo Dock 3 is a key component of the Port of Brownsville’s long-term turning basin improvement plan and will enhance cargo-handling capacity, efficiency, and safety, supporting continued economic growth for the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and international trade partners.

Information source: Port of Brownsville

Mayor Villalobos reports strong growth in 2026 State of the City address

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Mayor Villalobos reports strong growth in 2026 State of the City address
Mayor Javier Villalobos. Photo by Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business
Mayor Javier Villalobos. Photo by Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Mayor Javier Villalobos delivered the City of McAllen’s State of the City address on February 11, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, telling attendees that “the state of McAllen is strong, advancing, and serving residents better than ever.” The event drew more than 1,300 participants, setting a new attendance record and reflecting what the mayor described as continued civic engagement and investment in the city’s future.

Villalobos emphasized momentum across housing, business development, and infrastructure, repeating the city’s guiding message that “Next is Now.” He told the audience that when he walks the city’s streets and sees “the movement, the energy, the success,” he can feel the progress taking place.

Mayor Javier Villalobos and First Lady Annette Villalobos. Photo by Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business

Economic data presented during the address pointed to significant growth. The city reported a 27.6 percent increase in gross domestic product, nearly $5 billion in taxable retail sales, and a record $99,982,870.26 in tax revenues. McAllen ranked third in sales tax revenue per capita among Texas cities with populations above 100,000.

Business activity also expanded, with a 13 percent increase in business applications and nearly a 15 percent rise in applications from self-employed business owners. Villalobos summarized the trend by telling the audience, “Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, McAllen means business.”

Mayor Javier Villalobos and family. Photo by Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business

Construction activity contributed heavily to the city’s economic performance. Officials reported issuing 810 commercial permits totaling more than $265.5 million in construction value. When combined with residential permits, total construction reached approximately $507.1 million, representing a 40 percent year-over-year increase.

Residential development also showed strong gains. The city 

recorded a 29 percent increase in new subdivision development and issued nearly 1,300 residential construction permits totaling more than $241 million. Villalobos said these efforts were supported by the Unified Development Code, comprehensive rezoning, and an updated building code that helped lower insurance costs.

Mayor Javier Villalobos and Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. Photo by Noah Mangum González / Texas Border Business

The mayor connected construction growth to economic stability, stating that McAllen is “financially secure” and positioned to support families and businesses. He noted that consumer and investor confidence helped drive local growth even as many families nationwide entered 2026 “feeling the weight of uncertainty.”

Villalobos also framed the city’s progress as the result of community participation. “Your participation makes this event possible,” he told attendees earlier in the program. “None of this would happen without your generosity and continued support.”

Throughout the address, the mayor returned to the theme of forward momentum, saying the city is investing in projects designed to sustain long-term prosperity. “Last year, McAllen showed the world that next is now,” he said, pointing to strong retail activity, expanding housing opportunities, and ongoing development.

Closing his remarks, Villalobos reinforced the city’s outlook by repeating a familiar phrase used during the presentation: “Aquí se vive mejor,” translated as “Here, life is better.”

FBI Arrests Round Rock Man in Austin Telco FCU Robbery Case

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FBI Arrests Round Rock Man in Austin Telco FCU Robbery Case
A Round Rock man was arrested Monday on criminal charges related to his alleged robbery of an Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. Image for illustration purposes
A Round Rock man was arrested Monday on criminal charges related to his alleged robbery of an Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

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

AUSTIN, Texas – A Round Rock man was arrested Monday on criminal charges related to his alleged robbery of an Austin Telco Federal Credit Union.

According to court documents, Syntedrick Tramaine Brown allegedly entered the Austin Telco FCU at approximately 10:09 a.m. on Jan. 28, wearing a brown wig with a brightly colored headband, red reflective sunglasses, a black mask, along with a dark hooded sweatshirt and reflective yellow safety vest. A criminal complaint alleges Brown climbed over the teller counter holding what appeared to be a semiautomatic pistol and told employees to lie on the floor and not look at him. The complaint further alleges Brown instructed employees to move to the back room of the FCU, then directed the bank manager to remove U.S. currency from a cash machine. Brown allegedly placed the currency in a black plastic trash bag and asked if the U.S. currency included any “funny money” or contained any “trackers.”

After collecting the currency, Brown allegedly instructed employees to enter a bathroom and told them not to leave the bathroom. Surveillance images show Brown exiting the FCU at approximately 10:16 a.m. and driving away in the vehicle in which he arrived, which was later determined to be stolen. An investigation determined Brown stole approximately $113,000 from the FCU.

On Feb. 2, FBI agents served a search warrant at an apartment and allegedly discovered a variety of evidence connected to the FCU robbery, including a brown wig with a brightly colored headband, red reflective sunglasses, a hard black mask, and a green hooded sweatshirt similar to the one worn in the FCU surveillance images. The criminal complaint also alleges that agents found a substantial quantity of U.S. currency in the apartment.

Brown is charged with one count of bank robbery. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Austin Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Buie is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Border Prosecutions and Civil Immigration Cases Exceed 12,000 in West Texas District

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Border Prosecutions and Civil Immigration Cases Exceed 12,000 in West Texas District
United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced today that the district prosecuted 11,542 border security cases and defended 652 civil immigration cases in 2025. Image for illustration purposes
United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced today that the district prosecuted 11,542 border security cases and defended 652 civil immigration cases in 2025. Image for illustration purposes

Texa Border Business

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

SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced today that the district prosecuted 11,542 border security cases and defended 652 civil immigration cases in 2025.

“In the first year of this administration, the Western District of Texas has worked tirelessly to prosecute thousands of cases that directly support border security and public safety, achieving strong and meaningful outcomes across a wide range of offenses,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Through Operation Take Back America, our prosecutors have partnered with the U.S. Border Patrol, ICE and Homeland Security Investigations, the DEA, the FBI, and our state and local law enforcement partners, targeting violent offenders, human smugglers, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten our communities and way of life. The many cases prosecuted last year in the Western District reflect our commitment to enforcing federal law, restoring order at the border, and ensuring that those who exploit or endanger others are held accountable in court.”

On Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump directed the Justice Department and other agencies to pursue the total elimination of Mexican drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations because of the serious threat they pose to the United States and the security and stability of the U.S. border with Mexico. On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State announced the designation of eight international cartels, including CJNG, as FTOs and specially designated global terrorists. These designations allow prosecutors to bring much stronger criminal charges in the ongoing effort to maintain the security of our nation’s borders.

According to court documents, members of an alien smuggling organization brought unaccompanied alien children between the ages of five and 13 illegally into the U.S. from Juarez, Mexico, sometimes using candy laced with THC to sedate them during smuggling events. The drivers and their coconspirators would then present U.S. documents to inspecting officers, falsely claiming the documents belonged to the children, and that they were the parents of the children. Once inside the United States, the children were then transported to El Paso. During one smuggling event, one of the children was taken to a local hospital and diagnosed with THC poisoning.

These investigations and prosecutions are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, which is primarily tasked with combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), is a highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

Multi‑State Child Trafficking Operation Leads to 50‑Year Sentence

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Multi‑State Child Trafficking Operation Leads to 50‑Year Sentence
Robert Franklin was sentenced to 50 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for trafficking and prostitution offenses and 20 years for sexual assault. He is not eligible for parole on the Trafficking of a Child charge and will serve the full sentence concurrently. The jury also imposed a $10,000 fine on each of the five counts. Image for illustration purposes
Robert Franklin was sentenced to 50 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for trafficking and prostitution offenses and 20 years for sexual assault. He is not eligible for parole on the Trafficking of a Child charge and will serve the full sentence concurrently. The jury also imposed a $10,000 fine on each of the five counts. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a major victory in the fight against human trafficking after a Grayson County jury sentenced Robert Franklin to over 50 years in prison for trafficking and sexually exploiting a child. Franklin’s case was connected to a multi-state prostitution scheme operating across North Texas and Oklahoma. 

Franklin was sentenced to 50 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for trafficking and prostitution offenses and 20 years for sexual assault. He is not eligible for parole on the Trafficking of a Child charge and will serve the full sentence concurrently. The jury also imposed a $10,000 fine on each of the five counts. 

Evidence revealed that, on September 26, 2021, a sixteen-year-old victim was recovered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she reported that Franklin had previously picked her up after she had run away from Child Protective Services custody. Franklin initially transported the victim to Texas in October 2020, where he began prostituting her. He then returned to Oklahoma with her to continue the criminal behavior before abandoning her at a hotel. Then, from December 2020 through January 2021, Franklin picked up the victim and brought her to Sherman, Texas, where he prostituted her and sexually assaulted her multiple times.  

The sentence followed expert testimony from a Sergeant with the Office of the Texas Attorney General’s Human Trafficking division. Franklin testified in his own defense and admitted to transporting the victim throughout North Texas and Oklahoma as part of the prostitution operation. 

“My office is committed to partnering with law enforcement and authorities across the state to investigate, prosecute, and secure just sentences against dangerous offenders who commit unconscionable crimes,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The evils of the human trafficking world are far beyond despicable, and I will continue to fight to uncover these crimes and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.” 

Attorney General Paxton created the Human Trafficking and Transnational Organized Crime (“HTTOC”) section of the Texas Attorney General’s office to fight back against the horrific crime of human trafficking through investigations, prosecutions, training, and raising awareness. The case was prosecuted by the OAG’s Assistant Attorneys General Helen Tschurr and Abbe Miller while working alongside the Grayson County District Attorney John Kermit Hill.  

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