BOEM’s release of a Proposed Notice of Sale for Lease Sale BBG2 (Big Beautiful Gulf 2) scheduled for March 11, 2026, would offer approximately 15,000 unleased blocks covering nearly 80 million acres of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., submitted comments on behalf of the General Land Office (GLO) supporting the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) announcement of its proposed second Gulf of America offshore oil and gas lease sale under the One Big Beautiful Bill. This move is not only a critical step toward restoring American energy dominance but also toward bolstering national security.
“Texas is the energy capital of the world, and expanding responsible offshore production in the Gulf of America is essential to our nation’s economic strength and national security,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “I applaud BOEM for continuing to deliver on President Trump’s commitment to predictable, pro-energy leasing that puts America first.”
BOEM’s release of a Proposed Notice of Sale for Lease Sale BBG2 (Big Beautiful Gulf 2) scheduled for March 11, 2026, would offer approximately 15,000 unleased blocks covering nearly 80 million acres of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf in the Gulf of America.
In response to this proposal, Commissioner Buckingham formally submitted comments to BOEM signaling strong support for the lease sale and reaffirming the Texas GLO’s role as steward of energy-rich state lands and submerged offshore acreage.
As Texas Land Commissioner, Buckingham oversees more than 13 million acres of state land that generate revenue for Texas public education through oil and gas production, mineral leasing, and surface leasing. Since taking office, oil and gas activity on GLO-managed lands has generated roughly $6 billion for the Texas Permanent School Fund (PSF), a constitutionally protected endowment supporting K–12 education statewide.
The GLO manages all submerged state lands extending three marine leagues–approximately ten miles–into the Gulf of America and is the largest mineral owner on behalf of the schoolchildren of Texas. Since the creation of the PSF, it has grown from a $2 million endowment to a $60.6 billion endowment.
Read Commissioner Buckingham’s letter submitted as comments to BOEM below:
Representatives of the GIRAA Auto Cluster of Aguascalientes, Monica Mendoza, President, and COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cross-border collaboration in manufacturing and economic development. Image Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
COSTEP, Council for South Texas Economic Progress, and the GIRAA Auto Cluster of Aguascalientes signed a Memorandum of Understanding on January 21, 2026, marking a formal commitment to strengthen cross-border collaboration in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. The agreement was signed during a two-day visit to the Rio South Texas region that brought together Mexican industry representatives, regional economic development organizations, and local officials to explore investment and partnership opportunities.
The visit, held January 20 and 21, focused on introducing the GIRAA delegation to the region’s infrastructure, workforce, logistics assets, and economic development ecosystem. It marked the first formal engagement between COSTEP and a Mexican industry cluster, representing a significant step toward long-term binational cooperation.
The delegation included representatives from the GIRAA Auto Cluster, several manufacturing companies based in Aguascalientes, and regional economic development partners. According to COSTEP, the goal of the visit was to showcase Rio South Texas as a competitive location for manufacturing investment and to strengthen ties between industry leaders on both sides of the border.
Activities on Monday took place at the Port of Brownsville, where the delegation received presentations from port officials, Greater Brownsville Incentive Corporation, Harlingen EDC, and Cameron County Economic Development. The group participated in a driving tour of port facilities and surrounding industrial areas, and received briefings on manufacturing operations, aerospace activity, and transportation infrastructure. The visit also included a guided tour of SpaceX facilities.
Adam Gonzalez, chief executive officer of COSTEP, said the visit provided the delegation with important firsthand exposure. “Some of them had never been here,” Gonzalez said. “They were amazed at what we have, the opportunities they see, and the demographics of the region.”
On Tuesday, the delegation traveled to McAllen for meetings focused on investment readiness and long-term collaboration. The agenda included regional presentations from Weslaco EDC, Edinburg EDC, and McAllen EDC, the formal signing of the memorandum of understanding, and briefings on automotive and aerospace trends, tariffs, foreign trade zones, and the process of establishing businesses in the United States.
Gonzalez said education was a major theme throughout the visit. “A lot of companies set up operations without fully understanding the legal and structural requirements,” he said. “We want to make sure they understand how to do it the right way, so they don’t make costly mistakes.”
The GIRAA delegation included representatives from three manufacturing companies currently operating in Aguascalientes. According to COSTEP, those companies are actively exploring opportunities in Rio South Texas, drawn by the region’s logistics network, workforce availability, and access to international trade routes.
COSTEP’s current strategy focuses on building a manufacturing pre-cluster in key sectors, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, electronics, and energy-related manufacturing. Gonzalez said the visit represented an important step in advancing that strategy.
“Our role is to connect these companies with the local ecosystem,” he said. “We bring them here, and then our economic development partners help show them what the region can offer.”
Throughout the visit, COSTEP emphasized the importance of foreign trade zones, immigration guidance, and regulatory compliance as key considerations for international investors. Gonzalez noted that providing this information early helps companies make informed decisions and improves the likelihood of successful investment.
COSTEP works in coordination with cities, counties, economic development corporations, educational institutions, and industry partners to promote the Rio South Texas region as a unified economic region. The organization’s efforts span from Brownsville to Laredo and leverage the manufacturing strength of neighboring regions in Northern Mexico.
Gonzalez said the regional manufacturing report is close to completion and will serve as an important tool for attracting new investment. “This information has not existed in this form before,” he said. “It will help us clearly show what we have and how we can compete, in order to continue to raise the socioeconomic level of the entire region.”
Marvin Davis, Tommy Wilkins, and Jose Bernal were among the honorees at the 2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame event in Mission. Courtesy images
Texas Border Business
Mission, Texas – The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) proudly hosted the 2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame on Monday evening at the Mission Events Center in Mission, Texas. The event welcomed nearly 300 industry members, partners, and guests for an evening honoring the past, present, and future of the Texas produce industry.
Held biennially, the Texas Produce Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and vision have left a lasting mark on Texas agriculture and the broader produce community.
“The Texas Produce Hall of Fame is one of the most meaningful events we host,” said Dante Galeazzi, President & CEO of TIPA. “It gives us the opportunity to honor the pioneers who built this industry, recognize today’s leaders, and invest in the next generation who will carry it forward.”
2026 Texas Produce Hall of Fame Inductees
TIPA congratulates the following leaders inducted into the Texas Produce Hall of Fame:
Steve Cargil, Cargil Farms Produce
Marvin Davis†, Tex-Mex Sales
James Peterson†, Starr Produce
Tommy Wilkins, Horton Fruit Co.
Each inductee was honored for their enduring contributions to the produce industry and their influence on Texas agriculture and the communities it supports.
“These inductees represent the values that define our industry—hard work, integrity, innovation, and service,” Galeazzi said. “Their legacies continue to shape Texas produce today.”
Additional Industry Awards
TIPA also recognized excellence and emerging leadership across the industry with the following awards:
Scott Toothaker Award
Craig Fox†, Fox Packaging
Rising Star Awards
Will Beckwith, Beckwith Produce
Jose Bernal, Sweet Seasons
Kristen Davis, Tex-Mex Sales
Johnny Garcia, The Veg Depot
“It’s equally important that we celebrate those who are building the future of our industry,” Galeazzi added. “These award recipients exemplify leadership, dedication, and promise.”
Scholarship Recipients Recognized
As part of TIPA’s commitment to education and workforce development, scholarships were awarded to:
Mariela Elizondo
Jonah Henderson
Sadie Smith
Macey Thomas
Bryson Whitlow
“Supporting students through scholarships ensures that our industry remains strong for generations to come,” Galeazzi said. “These students represent the future of Texas agriculture.”
An Evening of Reflection and Celebration
In addition to the awards program, attendees participated in a silent auction benefiting TexPAC initiatives and enjoyed browsing photo albums featuring past Texas Produce Hall of Fame inductees, offering a nostalgic look at the leaders who have shaped the industry over decades.
“Seeing the history of our Hall of Fame displayed alongside today’s honorees was a powerful reminder of how far this industry has come,” Galeazzi said. “It’s an honor to celebrate that legacy together.”
The total weight was 10.17 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $140,000. Further investigation also revealed this was the pair’s second time smuggling narcotics. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old U.S. citizen who resided in Mexico has been ordered to federal prison for drug smuggling, after falsely claiming he was traveling to see dying grandmother.
Jimmy Vasquez Gonzalez pleaded guilty Sept. 2, 2025.
U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On May 3, 2025, Gonzalez entered the United States from Mexico driving a Ford Edge with Walter Diaz Nino in the front passenger seat. He approached the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo and provided a negative declaration. However, a preliminary examination detected an anomaly in the vehicle.
At secondary inspection, a K-9 alerted, and authorities discovered 15 bundles within the floorboard of the backseat which field tested positive for cocaine.
Gonzalez claimed they were headed to Houston to pick up his sister to take her to see their dying grandmother. The investigation revealed his relative, whom Nino claimed was his girlfriend, was not in Houston and the story was false. They were actually intending to deliver narcotics. Nino expected to be paid $4,500 upon their return to Mexico and promised a portion of the proceeds to Vasquez.
The total weight was 10.17 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $140,000. Further investigation also revealed this was the pair’s second time smuggling narcotics.
Nino, 41, a Mexican citizen with a visa allowing him to enter the United States, had also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 130 months in federal prison. He is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
Both have been and will remain in custody.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel A. Cardenas Jr. prosecuted the case.
Congressional leaders have agreed to a bicameral, bipartisan package of health care proposals that includes parts of the American Medical Association’s (AMA) policy agenda. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
American Medical Association
Congressional leaders have agreed to a bicameral, bipartisan package of health care proposals that includes parts of the American Medical Association’s (AMA) policy agenda.
“To get the finish line, individual negotiators didn’t get everything they wanted, perhaps, yet good policy emerged from the negotiations. These proposals will benefit our patients in their everyday encounters with physicians,” said David H. Aizuss, MD, chair of the AMA Board of Trustees. “Whether it’s telehealth, or diabetes, or Medicare directories, these policies have real-world, beneficial impacts.”
Read the full starry and see the benefits of the package at:
Helen Ramirez, AICP. Courtesy photo. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The City of San Marcos has appointed Helen Ramirez, AICP, as its first Director of the Economic and Local Business Development Department, marking the creation of a new City department focused on economic growth, business retention, and local business development.
According to the City, the department was established to strengthen San Marcos’ economic foundation while supporting both long-standing local businesses and future investment. The department will oversee the Main Street and Business Retention and Expansion programs.
As director, Ramirez will lead efforts in business recruitment, retention, and expansion; public-private partnerships; workforce collaboration; and incentive strategies that align with community values, including environmental protections.
“We’re pleased to welcome Helen to the City of San Marcos,” said City Manager Stephanie Reyes. “She brings a thoughtful approach to economic development that recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses while protecting the natural and community assets that make San Marcos unique. Her leadership will help guide responsible, community-centered economic strategies for our city.”
Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales said the new department represents an important organizational step for the city. “Helen’s experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, and organizational leadership makes her well-suited to help shape this function from the ground up and ensure our efforts support both local businesses and long-term economic vitality,” Gonzales said.
Ramirez said she looks forward to working with the community and City leadership. “I’m both excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the City of San Marcos and help guide the establishment of this new department,” she said. “I look forward to working closely with local businesses, regional partners, City Council, and staff to support sustainable economic growth that reflects San Marcos’ values.”
Ramirez holds a bachelor’s degree in city and regional planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a Certified Municipal Manager, a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is fluent in Spanish. Her background includes work with diverse communities and regional partners.
In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Ramirez said she was “excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the City of San Marcos team” and to help establish the new Economic and Local Business Development Department.
Ramirez is scheduled to begin her role with the City on February 16, 2026.
South Texas College President Dr. Ricardo Solis told regional leaders at RioPlex meeting that higher education must continue shifting toward workforce training and career-focused programs as students demand clearer returns on their investment.
Speaking at RioPlex regional economic development meeting in Weslaco, Solis welcomed attendees to one of the college’s six campuses and outlined how STC is adapting to changes in higher education and the workforce.
“Good morning, everybody. My name is Ricardo Solis, president of South Texas College, and welcome to one of the six campuses that we have throughout the valley,” Solis said. “We have over 30,000 students here throughout the region with three campuses in McAllen, one in Pharr, one in Starr County, and of course here in Weslaco.”
Solis said the college’s direction reflects a broader nationwide shift, as students increasingly seek direct connections between education and employment.
“I was reading an article this morning about the whole erosion of higher education,” he said. “In the last five years, 1,671 institutions of higher education have closed in the United States. Most of them are private.”
He said the closures are tied to changing student expectations.
“Students now are focused. They want to come into higher education, and they want to guarantee a pathway of career education to the workforce,” Solis said. “They want to know about the return on their investment.”
Solis compared the decision to enroll in college to paying for a meal without knowing what would be served.
“How would you feel if you go to a restaurant and you have to pay upfront and you don’t know what you’re going to get?” he said. “That’s what students are facing now. They want relevance. They want to know where this is going to take them.”
He said that shift is why South Texas College has emphasized workforce education, certificates, and industry-aligned programs.
“Our focus is to guarantee every student who comes in a viable career path,” Solis said. “That’s why we’re focusing on workforce programs and certificates. That’s where the future is.”
Solis said many students returning to college today are older and more career focused.
“We’re seeing students in their late 20s, 30s, and 40s coming back,” he said. “They want to buy a career. They want something that connects directly to a job.”
He stressed that higher education must work hand in hand with regional economic development efforts, including initiatives like Rioplex.
“For the Rio Grande Valley to be successful, higher education has to be tied to economic development strategies,” Solis said. “That’s how you attract industry and create jobs.”
He pointed to health care and technology programs as examples where students can move directly into the workforce.
“In those areas, we can practically say our students are guaranteed a job when they finish,” he said. “That’s the key.”
Solis also emphasized the importance of collaboration among local institutions.
“You’re going to hear more about certificates, professional development, and professional credit,” he said. “That’s where the solution is, and that’s where institutions like STC, UTRGV, Texas A&M, and others come together.”
He said workforce development is central to regional growth.
“That’s going to be the key to workforce,” Solis said. “The workforce is available. That’s why we’re focusing on it.”
Solis closed by welcoming attendees to the STC campus and reaffirming the college’s role in regional development.
“We’re glad you’re here, and we’re glad you’re using one of our campuses,” he said. “We’re excited to be part of this effort, and we’re committed to supporting this work moving forward.”
Prior to joining Terracon full-time, Arantxa Burgos Montes de Oca interned with the firm, gaining hands-on experience supporting geotechnical investigations and engineering services. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas –Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces the addition of Arantxa Burgos Montes de Oca, E.I.T., to its Pharr office as a staff engineer in the Geotechnical department.
Arantxa earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in May 2023 and recently completed her Master of Science in Civil Engineering from UTRGV in May 2025. She obtained her Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) certification in January 2025 and is actively pursuing continued professional development toward professional licensure.
Prior to joining Terracon full-time, Arantxa interned with the firm, gaining hands-on experience supporting geotechnical investigations and engineering services. Her transition from intern to staff engineer reflects Terracon’s commitment to developing talent and investing in future leaders within the engineering profession.
Arantxa is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Geo-Institute (GI). She was drawn to geotechnical engineering through her academic studies, appreciating the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects and solve real-world engineering challenges.
“We are excited to welcome Arantxa to our Pharr office as we continue to strengthen our geotechnical practice,” said Jorge A. Flores, P.G., senior principal and Pharr operations manager. “Her academic background, internship experience with Terracon, and enthusiasm for geotechnical engineering make her a strong addition to our team. We look forward to supporting her continued growth and success.”
Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
Judge Richard Cortez. Image by Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez told regional leaders that the Rio Grande Valley must work as a single, unified region if it wants to compete for major investment and long-term economic growth.
Speaking at a RioPlex meeting at South Texas College in Weslaco on Jan. 17, Cortez said the Valley can no longer afford to promote itself city by city or county by county.
“We have to make a choice,” Cortez said. “Do we keep doing what we’ve been doing in the past, or do we really aim higher and move toward something stronger and better?”
Cortez said Rioplex was created because business leaders repeatedly told local officials that companies outside the region did not understand where the Rio Grande Valley was or what it had to offer.
“One of the reasons that Rioplex came to be is because the businesspeople were telling us that when they went out to conduct business around the world, no one knew where we were,” he said. “They told us, ‘You need to create a region that you can promote.’”
He said that is why leaders are pushing to market the area as a unified region rather than separate cities or counties.
“We want RioPlex to be understood the same way people understand the Rio Grande Valley or the Magic Valley,” Cortez said. “That didn’t happen overnight. It took years, and that’s what we’re doing now.”
Cortez stressed that large companies looking to invest do not evaluate communities in isolation. He said they look for regions that can meet multiple needs at once.
“They’re looking for reliable power, reliable water, a ready workforce, rail, air, ground, and sea access, and quality of life,” he said. “No single city or county can provide all of that by itself.”
He warned that if local governments continue working independently, the region will lose out to larger metropolitan areas.
“If we keep responding as individual communities, we’re going to lose,” Cortez said. “Other regions win because they speak with one voice.”
Cortez said RioPlex provides that unified voice by presenting the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas as a combined region of 3.5 million people.
“Why short ourselves?” he said. “Between the Valley and Mexico, we have 3.5 million people. That’s the region we should be talking about.”
He pointed to the region’s growing assets, including universities, medical schools, ports of entry, manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and health care.
“We have over 100,000 college students, growing industries, international bridges, ports, hospitals, and universities,” Cortez said. “We can present all of that if we market ourselves correctly.”
He emphasized that RioPlex is focused on industrial development because it leads to long-term economic stability.
“We’re interested in industrial development because that’s how you create prosperity,” he said. “That’s how you create better jobs and a stronger future for the people who live here.”
Cortez credited the Prosperity Task Force, formed several years ago, for helping shape the regional strategy now being carried out through RioPlex.
“That’s why we’re here today,” he said. “To make sure we’re aligned, working together, and moving in the same direction.”
He closed by urging continued cooperation across city and county lines.
“This is our moment,” Cortez said. “If we commit to working as a region, we can bring in better jobs, stronger infrastructure, and new opportunities. We have the resources. We have the talent. What we need now is the will to move forward together.”
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now imposed a four-month term of imprisonment for both and further ordered them to serve two years of supervised release and pay a fine of $21,300 each. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two owners of Abby’s Bakery, located in Los Fresnos, have been sentenced following the discovery of illegal aliens at their business.
The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before finding Leonardo Baez-Lara, 56, and Alicia Avila-Guel, 46, guilty on two counts of harboring aliens and conspiracy to do so after a three-day trial Aug. 13, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now imposed a four-month term of imprisonment for both and further ordered them to serve two years of supervised release and pay a fine of $21,300 each. At the hearing, the court heard the pair harbored six or more illegal aliens at their place of business. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Rodriguez noted they engaged in serious criminal conduct, contrary to the behavior of a law-abiding citizen. The two could also lose their status to reside in the United States.
“For years, these defendants knowingly employed and harbored illegal aliens, disregarding federal law for their own financial gain,” said Ganjei. “Today’s sentences serve as a warning to any business owner who believes they can distort fair competition by utilizing a workforce of illegal aliens. It’s not worth running afoul of the law just to make a quick buck.”
“The couple’s deliberate disregard for the law and the safety of their workers cannot go unpublished,” said acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of HSI San Antonio. “Those who exploit vulnerable individuals and undermine our immigration system will face firm and decisive consequences.”
The married couple, both legal permanent residents, owned and operated Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café since 2012. Authorities discovered they employed and housed workers who were in the country illegally or on B1/B2 visas without authorization to work.
The jury heard the couple housed employees in a small office at the shopping plaza near the restaurant. The room, originally built as an insurance office and later used for storage, had mattresses on the floor and unsafe conditions, including exposed wiring, only one entrance and no fire extinguisher. Between five and six workers lived there at times, including the head baker who stayed more than two years.
Testimony revealed workers were paid in cash, lacked paperwork and at times went months without hot water. One man testified he entered the United States illegally and was immediately hired after a brief interview. Another said Baez-Lara arranged his return after he was removed during the COVID-19 pandemic so he could continue working.
The defense argued the owners only offered shelter to the aliens and that testimony did not reveal harboring took place. The jury did not believe those claims and found them guilty as charged.
ICE-HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Baltazar Salazar and Luis Salazar prosecuted 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.
