Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has been facing prolonged upheaval, punctuated by hyperinflation, corruption, and a resultant humanitarian crisis. Recent developments, including the US removal of Nicolas Maduro, offer hope for meaningful improvement, though the situation is still evolving. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has been facing prolonged upheaval, punctuated by hyperinflation, corruption, and a resultant humanitarian crisis. Recent developments, including the US removal of Nicolas Maduro, offer hope for meaningful improvement, though the situation is still evolving. Given the country’s vast oil reserves, the changing dynamics have also naturally raised questions related to the implications for global energy markets.
With more resources than any other country—some 300 billion barrels—Venezuela represents an important potential source of future oil and gas. There are various ways to measure reserves, and Venezuela tops them all.
However, significant challenges must be confronted before production can meaningfully increase, and it will take years to overcome a variety of issues. One problem is that the necessary infrastructure is insufficient, outdated, and extensively damaged. Substantial capital investments would be required, and energy-related infrastructure is but one of many aspects of the economy and society requiring immediate attention.
The government also remains somewhat unstable, with various factions attempting to gain power. In addition, critical structural aspects of the economy are currently problematic, particularly currency and the banking system. This substantial uncertainty will deter major long-term private investments for any type of meaningful infrastructure.
Drilling and production outlays (including by US oil companies) will also take time to implement due to difficulties with property rights and the legal environment. Major energy firms have extensive and adverse prior experiences in Venezuela, including the loss of billions in private assets as fields and production were nationalized. Until confidence rises that the commitments will be protected, such activity remains unlikely. The risk-adjusted shareholder returns are not yet sufficient to attract resources as compared to other deployment alternatives.
The situation is evolving, and it is unclear whether it will be possible to substantially enhance oil and gas activity in the immediate horizon. Over time, it is possible that obstacles can be resolved and resources can be tapped, but given the measured pace of increase, major market reactions appear unlikely. Particularly relevant to the Texas energy sector, the crude in Venezuela is largely of the “heavy” variety, which is not a viable substitute for the oil produced in the Permian Basin and most other areas in the state. It could be beneficial to refineries in Texas, however, as many of them are designed to use this type of oil as one part of their mix.
There are pressing needs in Venezuela to address shortages of basic necessities, and developing oil and gas reserves can provide much-needed capital inflows. However, it will be a long and likely bumpy process to ramp up production, and major effects on oil markets will tend to be muted in the near future. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
Long before Texas became a state or established a modern military department, its defense rested on citizen volunteers who organized locally to protect their communities, maintain civil order and respond to crisis. Image: Texas Military Department
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By: Master Sergeant John Gately, Texas State Guard / Texas Military Department
AUSTIN, Texas — Long before Texas became a state or established a modern military department, its defense rested on citizen volunteers who organized locally to protect their communities, maintain civil order and respond to crisis.
That tradition, born during the Texas Revolution in 1836, forms the historical foundation of the Texas State Guard, a state-controlled force whose lineage reflects nearly two centuries of Texans serving Texas.
When Texas declared independence from Mexico, volunteer companies formed the backbone of the Republic of Texas army. After independence was secured, those citizen-soldiers continued serving in locally organized militia units responsible for frontier defense, law enforcement support and emergency response. Units such as the Travis Guards and Milam Guards exemplified a system in which communities relied on themselves for security.
That model persisted after Texas joined the United States in 1845. Through the 19th century, volunteer militia companies adapted to population growth, internal unrest, natural disasters and border threats. Though organizational structures evolved, the principle remained unchanged: Texans would defend Texas.
A major shift occurred in 1903, when Congress passed the Militia Act — commonly known as the Dick Act — creating the modern National Guard as a federally integrated reserve force. While the law strengthened national defense, it also introduced a challenge for states. When National Guard units were federalized for overseas service, states could be left without organized military forces to respond to emergencies at home.
That vulnerability became reality during World War II.
On Oct. 21, 1940, Congress amended the National Defense Act to authorize states to organize local defense forces during the absence of the National Guard. Texans had already begun organizing unofficial units by the end of that year. On Feb. 10, 1941, the Texas Legislature formally authorized the Texas Defense Guard.
Public response was immediate. Nearly 17,500 Texans volunteered, often providing their own uniforms and drilling in schoolyards and vacant lots. Civic organizations and local governments helped sponsor units, reflecting widespread support for a home-defense force while the Texas National Guard served overseas.
In May 1943, the Texas Defense Guard was renamed the Texas State Guard. That same year, Guardsmen were mobilized during the Beaumont riot, when martial law was declared following widespread violence. State Guard units deployed alongside Texas Rangers and state police to restore order, marking one of the organization’s earliest large-scale domestic security missions.
Throughout World War II and the immediate postwar period, the Texas State Guard protected critical infrastructure, transportation corridors and war plants; assisted civil authorities during floods and storms; and provided security during civil disturbances. Guardsmen also supported response efforts following the catastrophic Texas City disaster in April 1947, one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U.S. history.
With the return of the National Guard from federal service, the Texas State Guard was disbanded on Aug. 28, 1947. State leaders soon recognized, however, that the need for a state-controlled defense force had not disappeared. In 1948, Texas activated the Texas State Guard Reserve Corps, preserving institutional knowledge and the ability to respond during future federal mobilizations.
That capability proved essential during the Berlin Wall crisis of 1961, when National Guard units were again called into federal service and State Guard personnel secured armories across Texas.
In 1965, the Texas Legislature formally reestablished the Texas State Guard as a permanent component of the Texas Military Forces, alongside the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.
Over the decades that followed, the Guard evolved into a modern, professional volunteer force. Training expanded beyond traditional security roles to include disaster response, engineering, communications, medical support and logistical operations, all conducted under the exclusive authority of the governor.
In recent years, Texas State Guard personnel have supported border security missions under Operation Lone Star, working alongside state and federal partners. Guardsmen have provided observation, logistics, communications, engineering assistance and security support, enabling law enforcement and National Guard forces to focus on their primary missions.
From frontier defense in the 19th century to modern security operations, the Guard’s mission has remained consistent: support civil authorities and protect the people of Texas when state-controlled forces are needed.
Today, the Texas State Guard stands as the governor’s force — organized, trained and ready. Its members are volunteers drawn from communities across the state, continuing a tradition that began when Texas was its own nation.
From the citizen-soldiers of 1836 to Guardsmen serving today, the Texas State Guard represents a living legacy of Texans stepping forward to serve Texas.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced Davie Defense Inc. will expand their shipbuilding capacity in Galveston and Port Arthur to build Arctic icebreakers, creating more than 2,400 new jobs and representing more than $730 million in capital investment. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today announced Davie Defense Inc. will expand their shipbuilding capacity in Galveston and Port Arthur to build Arctic icebreakers, creating more than 2,400 new jobs and representing more than $730 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $21,771,000 has been extended to Davie Defense.
“With the best business climate in the nation, Texas is a magnet for complex, critical manufacturing,” said Governor Abbott. “This significant capital investment by Davie Defense will expand economic opportunity in Galveston and Port Arthur and create thousands of good-paying jobs and further bolster national defense by expanding capacity for the manufacture of icebreakers and other specialized vessels for the U.S. government and commercial customers. Texas is positioned to be a national hub for critical shipbuilding and, with our strong workforce, we will be for generations to come.”
Davie Defense intends to make its Texas operations ground-zero for the revitalization of the American shipbuilding industry — advancing American economic and national security by adding much-needed capacity to the U.S. industrial base. This historic investment in Texas will help promote American manufacturing, reindustrialization, and the nation’s warfighting readiness by building complex vessels for government and commercial clients.
“Davie Defense is proud to deepen our commitment to Texas,” said Davie Defense CEO Kai Skvarla. “Texas has one of the world’s most business-friendly environments and the scale to support complex shipbuilding — a capability we’re bringing back to Texas for the first time in generations. Our investment will serve American industry and the U.S. government for decades to come — starting with Davie’s globally recognized specialty: the polar-capable icebreakers critical to U.S. national security.”
“Congratulations to the City of Port Arthur and Davie Defense for their investment and award from the Texas Enterprise Fund,” said Senator Robert Nichols. “Southeast Texas is a growing hub for manufacturing and development. This investment will help further protect our national and economic security and help create more opportunities for Southeast Texas to grow.”
“This is good news for Port Arthur,” said Representative Christian Manuel. “It brings skilled jobs and new investment to our community. I welcome the opportunity this project creates for local workers. It also reflects the strength of our region’s workforce and industrial base.”
“Galveston is proud to have been selected by Davie Defense as the location of their shipbuilding facility, and we congratulate them on being the recipient of a Texas Enterprise Fund grant,” said Galveston Mayor Dr. Craig Brown. “Their presence is vital to our economic growth and benefits not only Galveston, but the entire nation.”
“This Texas Enterprise Fund award for Davie Defense, Inc. is great news for Port Arthur and for the people who call this city home,” said Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte M. Moses. “It reflects the steady work being done to bring new opportunities to our community. Davie Defense’s expansion means new jobs, new investment, and real opportunity for our residents. As a city, we are focused on economic growth that supports families, strengthens neighborhoods, and builds a better future for the next generation. We stand ready to work with Davie Defense as this project moves forward and to seeing the positive impact it will have across our community.”
“I am extremely excited learn that Davie, a world-renowned shipbuilder, has decided to locate significant operations in Jefferson County and that Governor Abbott has come alongside local governments to incentivize their operations here in Port Arthur,” said Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick. “I am also encouraged by Davie’s partnership with Lamar State College to develop and train ship fitters and others who will be employed in their significant operations contributing to our local economy and our national security.”
“Davie Defense chose Galveston because we are a pro-business community with a highly skilled workforce and a deep-water port,” said Galveston Economic Development Partnership Executive Director Joshua Owens. “The support from the Texas Enterprise Fund was crucial in making Texas the clear choice as the next domestic shipbuilding powerhouse. We are confident that Davie’s market leadership will spur other defense and maritime manufactures to consider the Texas Gulf Coast as their next location.
“On behalf of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, we are honored to celebrate the State of Texas’ award of a Texas Enterprise Fund grant to Davie Defense, Inc.,” said Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation Interim CEO Krystle Villarreal Muller. “This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our community’s workforce, resilience, and business climate. We are proud to have worked alongside Davie Defense, Inc., the State of Texas, and our local partners to support this expansion that will drive the creation of new jobs and significant capital investment in Port Arthur, further strengthening our local economy and providing new opportunities for our residents.”
TEF is a performance-based grant that may be awarded to a business relocation or expansion project for which one Texas site is in competition with out-of-state locations to create new, good-paying jobs in the community and attract significant new capital investment to the state.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has agreed to pay nearly $130,000 to resolve allegations it defrauded the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Image: Billy Hathorn, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – The University of Texas at San Antonio has agreed to pay nearly $130,000 to resolve allegations it defrauded the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The settlement stems from a NASA cooperative agreement intended to establish a Center for Advanced Measurements in Extreme Environments.
Federal law prohibits NASA from using its funds, including through grants or cooperative agreements, with any institutions or individuals that collaborate or partner with China or Chinese-owned companies. UTSA agreed to comply with those restrictions during both the application and award process.
The settlement resolves allegations that Dr. Hongjie Xie, the initial principal investigator, maintained close ties with researchers in China and contributed to multiple academic papers published by Chinese universities.
The agreement also required UTSA to submit accurate semiannual and annual reports identifying publications supported by NASA funding. The settlement also resolves claims that UTSA falsely listed multiple publications as funded under the cooperative agreement in those reports.
“Truthful disclosures by research universities are critical when making decisions about federal awards,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Universities that provide false information unfairly skew the award process in their favor and place our technological and scientific superiority at risk. Prof. Hongjie Xie’s close relationship with Chinese researchers, universities, and publications was in direct violation of UTSA’s agreement with NASA. Now, UTSA will pay for its lack of candor.”
“When universities fail to disclose affiliations with foreign entities, it compromises scientific integrity and takes advantage of NASA’s valuable resources,” said Robert Steinau, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “Institutions entrusted with taxpayer-funded awards have a responsibility to provide accurate information and adhere to all program requirements.”
NASA – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Green handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2026 recipients of Women of Distinction Awards. Left to right are: Emerging Leader: Karla Garza, STEM & Digital Innovation: Dr. Cristina Villalobos, Financial Leadership: Susie Neaville, Media & Journalism: Benita Mendel, Community & Social Leadership: Rashmi Chandran, Educational Innovation: Jennifer Mendoza, Healthcare Champion: Thalia Munoz, Diversity & Inclusion: Sonia Quintero, Environmental & Agricultural Achievement: Wendy Knight, and Justice & Legal Advocacy: Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt. Courtesy images
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MISSION, Texas — The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will honor the 2026 recipients of its Women of Distinction Awards during the annual Hats Off to Women of Distinction Awards & Expo on Thursday, March 5, at the Mission Event Center (200 N. Shary Road).
The Women of Distinction Awards celebrate women whose leadership, innovation, and service are shaping the Rio Grande Valley across business, education, healthcare, media, justice, environmental advancement, and community development. Honorees are nominated by members of the Rio Grande Valley community and selected by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Women’s Initiatives Committee.
Awards will be presented during an evening program bringing together regional leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates to recognize women whose work strengthens the regional economy and expands opportunity throughout South Texas.
“These honorees reflect the strength, talent, and leadership found throughout our region,” said Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “They were nominated by their community and selected for the meaningful impact they continue to make.”
The Hats Off to Women of Distinction Awards & Expo is a signature annual event of the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, dedicated to elevating women leaders and celebrating excellence across industries.
Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Additional information can be found at bit.ly/HOWOD26.
The McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted during its February 10, 2026 meeting to call a bond election scheduled for May 2, 2026. Image: Google Earth for illustration puposes
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The McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees voted during its February 10, 2026 meeting to call a bond election scheduled for May 2, 2026. The proposed $335 million bond is intended to fund safety and security improvements, major facility repairs, classroom capacity upgrades, and updated learning environments across the district.
According to the district, planned projects include HVAC and roof replacements, security upgrades, classroom additions at growing campuses, Career and Technical Education expansions, fine arts improvements, cafeteria updates, and elementary gym facility improvements.
District officials said the current overall tax rate is expected to remain at $0.93 and that “an increase to the overall tax rate to support the Bond is not anticipated.” The district added that individual tax bills may vary based on property appraisals.
The proposal follows work by a Facilities Forecast Advisory Committee composed of parents, staff, and community members that began meeting in May 2025. The district noted that bond funds may be used only for facilities and infrastructure and cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses.
McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez. Image: McAllen ISD
“More than two years ago, we began efforts to assess the improvements of all our schools for both the present and the future. This was a systematic approach by our staff, parents, and community members,” said McAllen ISD Superintendent Dr. Rene Gutierrez.
Board President Trustee Aaron Rivera said community input shaped the proposal. “We involved our community from the beginning and continued to listen as this proposed bond took shape. Those conversations focused on keeping our schools up to date,” Rivera said.
Board President Trustee Aaron Rivera. Image McAllen ISD
The bond program is organized into five investment areas. Modernizations and Alignment, totaling $117.69 million, would support CTE expansions, cafeteria updates, and campus refresh projects at the district’s comprehensive high schools and selected elementary and middle schools.
Wellness, Safety, and Security projects account for $40.39 million and include secure front entries, districtwide cameras and access control, and elementary gym facilities. Fine Arts Multi-Purpose Buildings would receive $35 million for improvements and dedicated mariachi program spaces at all three comprehensive high schools.
District Equity and Growth, budgeted at $38.73 million, would fund classroom additions at Gonzalez Elementary, Milam Elementary, and Morris Middle School to address enrollment growth and reduce the use of portable classrooms. Capital Improvements represent $103.19 million and include HVAC and roof repairs, site paving and drainage improvements, HVAC control upgrades, and districtwide LED lighting.
The district stated that projects span elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Bonds would be issued in phases from summer 2026 through summer 2029.
McAllen ISD projects its total tax rate at approximately $0.9322 per $100 of assessed value and reports that the overall tax rate has decreased by 22 cents, or 20 percent, since 2015. Officials said bond funds would be used only for voter-approved capital projects completed over several years and would not affect operating funds or staffing levels.
Key dates for the election include April 2, 2026, as the last day to register to vote, early voting from April 20 through April 28, and Election Day on May 2, 2026.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members at the Washington Monument, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW via US Department of War
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More than 100 National Guard personnel from nine different states gathered in front of the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington today to recite the oath of enlistment and extend their service contracts.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth administered the oath.
Those guard members — from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia — are among the more than 2,600 guardsmen currently serving in Washington, at the behest of President Donald J. Trump, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force mission.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members at the Washington Monument in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Eric Brann, DOW via US Department of War
The task force stood up in August 2025, after the president declared a crime emergency in the nation’s capital.
Washington is safe again — thanks to the work of the thousands of guard personnel who have volunteered for the mission over the past six months, Hegseth said.
“What you’ve accomplished on your mission in this city is historic, life-changing, actually,” he said. “Anybody who arrived in this city in 2024, early 2025, knows exactly what we walked into — a city full of crime, graffiti, lawlessness. The folks that lived here kind of got used to it, but visitors showed up and asked what happened to the capital.”
Crime is down in the district, Hegseth said, both visitors and residents feel safe again, and it’s because National Guard members are working hand-in-hand with local law enforcement and federal partners to secure the city and make it safe and beautiful.
“This is a brand-new city; a fundamentally different city,” he said. “President Trump promised to deliver that. I talk about it. The Army talks about it. Your leadership talks about it. You guys do it every day … that gives assurances to the people that live here, the people that are visiting here, and you provide a capital that Americans deserve, that the world should see. You should be extremely proud.”
For a year now, Hegseth said, the U.S. military has seen phenomenal recruiting numbers — numbers that indicate young Americans want to sign up to serve their country. But just as important as recruiting numbers, he said, are retention numbers. When service members reenlist, it means the War Department and military services are doing things the right way, in terms of mission and providing the right kind of support to service members.
“It’s a great sign,” the secretary said. “It’s a great sign of your leadership. It’s a great sign of belief in the mission. You’ve got good leaders … taking care of you. And that’s the view that we’ve had from the department from the beginning. … We’re going to ask you to do tough things, but we’re also going to ensure that we have your back the entire time in every way that we can.”
While addressing the guardsmen, Hegseth pointed out the significance of where their reenlistment was happening — right at the center of a handful of landmarks that represent the very ideals U.S. military personnel are sworn to protect.
“When I heard there was some reenlistments, I said, let’s pile them all up — as many as we can — and do it as a group to show to the American people how dedicated [and] together we are to this beautiful mission, this beautiful city [and] this beautiful country,” Hegseth said.
This year, the United States commemorates 250 years as a nation, and Hegseth pointed out monuments that represent the nation’s history — each visible to those in attendance.
As he spoke, he pointed to the Washington Monument, representing the father of the nation, George Washington; the Lincoln Memorial, representing the American president who kept the nation together despite having endured a brutal civil war; the U.S. Capitol, where the laws that define a nation are written; and finally the White House, where the words that are written in the Capitol become the nation’s laws.
“Our job is to be willing to raise our right hand and defend it all,” Hegseth said. “There’s laws that are made, declarations that are made, and then there are men and women who defend [them]. That’s exactly what you do.”
Army Sgt. Christian N. Brown, a public affairs specialist assigned to the Mississippi National Guard, was one of those reenlisting in the frigid cold on Friday morning. He’s been in the Army for seven years, he said, and he’s been on mission in Washington since September 2025, as part of Joint Task Force Magnolia, which comprises units from the Louisiana and Mississippi National Guards supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force.
Army Sgt. Christian Brown poses for a photo prior to a reenlistment ceremony hosted by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Washington Monument in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026.Photo; Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW via US Deprtment of War
“I pretty much document everything that Joint Task Force Magnolia does throughout the area of operations, both inside the [area of operation] and back at command,” Brown said.
Being able to reenlist with the secretary of war administering the oath, he said, means a lot, as does his military service.
“I’m very proud to be both in the Mississippi National Guard and to be in the Army,” Brown said. “I joined when I was 19; I didn’t expect much when joining, but I’ve actually found a family here with the military, and I love my job. I’ve always loved being in the military and being in the Army, and it is such a great honor.”
Army Spc. Cristal Sanchez, a field artillery specialist assigned to the Alabama National Guard, has been in Washington since September 2025, as part of Task Force Yellow Hammer.
Army Spc. Cristal Sanchez poses for a photo prior to a reenlistment ceremony hosted by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Washington Monument in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026.Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW via US Department of War
“We’re patrolling the streets; we’re helping law enforcement maintain the city,” Sanchez said, adding that she feels good about what she’s doing. “I am proud; I think we’re doing a good job maintaining D.C., safe and beautiful.”
This is Sanchez’s third year in the Army, and she said it’s an honor to be reenlisted by the secretary of war.
“I feel privileged,” she said. “It’s not an opportunity you get every day.”
Army Master Sgt. Michael E. Eschenfelder is assigned to the Florida National Guard and has been in the Army for 36 years, both active duty and with the guard.
Army Master Sgt. Michael E. Eschenfelder poses for a photo prior to a reenlistment ceremony hosted by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Washington Monument in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW via US Department of War
“We’re making D.C. beautiful and safe again for the people to walk around,” Eschenfelder said. “I think every American should have the right to walk their streets without fear, and if we’re out here helping them do that — it’s an honor to do that.”
Eschenfelder said the work he and his team of soldiers typically do involves disaster response, such as hurricanes, so this work is new to them.
“We always get Florida back up and running real quick,” he said. “But here we’re on a different mission. We’re not doing logistics. We’re doing security. My people work in Foggy Bottom … there’s a lot of people coming up to us … and they’re talking about how great it is to see us here. They can feel that everything is relaxing.”
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth poses for a photo with National Guard members after a reenlistment ceremony at the Washington Monument in Washington, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza, DOW via US Department of War
Eschenfelder is mostly proud of what he is involved in, and proud to be reenlisted by the secretary of war.
“It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “I’ve never been more proud to be a soldier. I’m telling you right now, this is a good time to be a soldier. I’m just so happy and pumped up to be here for this event. It’s amazing.”
A 29-year-old Belize national illegally residing in Conroe has pleaded guilty to assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A 29-year-old Belize national illegally residing in Conroe has pleaded guilty to assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
On Sept. 23, 2025, authorities conducted a targeted enforcement operation in Houston to locate Sindi Vanessa Moreno-Flores. Law enforcement encountered Moreno-Flores as she was entering her vehicle. When authorities attempted to place her under arrest, Moreno-Flores pulled away and scratched an ICE agent’s upper left arm and hands. She also swung her arm in an attempt to strike the officer while wearing a handcuff on her wrist. Moreno-Flores then fled into a group of bystanders. Law enforcement eventually restrained Moreno-Flores and placed her under arrest.
U.S. District Judge George Hanks will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Moreno-Flores faces up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
ICE – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
“Sadly, as soon as the magnitude of the fraud was identified and amplified by an independent investigator, following an appropriate surge of DHS immigration resources into Minnesota, the mainstream media and the radical Left immediately began to call the U.S. government’s actions racist.” –Senator Cornyn Image: Screengrab of Senate panel via Cornyn’s Office
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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) delivered the following opening remarks during a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Border Security and Immigration hearing he chaired entitled, “Somali Fraud in Minnesota – The Tip of the Iceberg,” which comes as the Government Accountability Office estimates the federal government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually due to fraud and improper payments. Excerpts are below, and video can be found here.
“When the news broke about the level of childcare service fraud by Somali nationals in Minnesota, the American people were rightly shocked and outraged.”
“Sadly, as soon as the magnitude of the fraud was identified and amplified by an independent investigator, following an appropriate surge of DHS immigration resources into Minnesota, the mainstream media and the radical Left immediately began to call the U.S. government’s actions racist.”
“Fraud is fraud, and this recent episode, unfortunately, appears to be just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Recently, the Government Accountability Office estimated that the federal government loses between $233 billion [and] $521 billion annually due to fraud and improper payments.”
“President Trump’s team at the White House has uncovered numerous examples of illegal aliens arrested for crimes who have also been receiving Medicaid, and these individuals have been arrested for a variety of crimes ranging from child abuse to domestic battery to burglary to murder.”
“A quick internet search will reveal numerous instances of foreign nationals who’ve been convicted for fraud, everything from wire fraud, manufacturing and selling counterfeit documents, fraudulently obtaining mass numbers of H-2B visas and much more. None of these crimes are victimless.”
“What can the government do about it? First, we can begin by prioritizing the thoroughness of security vetting, rather than speed.”
“We can also require agencies to require biometric identification and verify each alien’s identity before they may be granted any federal, state, or local public benefit, loan, or grant. Furthermore, we can require automated and recurrent identity verification, random audits, and in-person identity verification for all federal and state programs that provide funds for public services or programs.”
“It is our responsibility as a U.S. government to protect the American people. It’s also our duty to protect the American people and preserve the integrity of our republic. If we fail in those duties, we won’t have a country any longer.”
The continued investigation identified Chad Michael Mollish as the suspect in this case and linked Mollish to a second Burglary of Vehicle in the same area. Mollish was found to be in possession of an electronic vehicle programming tool and various stolen credit cards. Photpcourtesy of McAllen Police Department
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McAllen Police Officers investigated the report of a burglary of a motor vehicle on January 27, 2026 in a business area of the 2200 block of South 10th Street. Various electronic and personal items were taken from an unoccupied Ford pickup. The continued investigation identified Chad Michael Mollish as the suspect in this case and linked Mollish to a second Burglary of Vehicle in the same area. Mollish was found to be in possession of an electronic vehicle programming tool and various stolen credit cards.
Chad Michael Mollish charge summary:
Burglary of Vehicle, Class “A” Misdemeanor (2 counts)
Unlawful Use of a Criminal Instrument, State Jail Felony
Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information, State Jail Felony
Credit Card Abuse, State Jail Felony (6 counts)
Bonds total $160,000 combined
Through multi-agency collaboration, Investigators determined Chad Michael Mollish is suspect to additional offenses within Cameron County and faces multiple charges related to the theft of motor vehicles. Mollish is suspected in Harlingen and Brownville, Texas for similar activity.
Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687- 8477. You can remain anonymous. Information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the “P3 Tips” smart phone app.
