Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In a recent, vigorous statement, Congressman Henry Cuellar declared both his and his wife Imelda’s innocence against serious allegations made by the Justice Department. Cuellar, a long-standing representative of South Texas, has been charged along with his wife by the DOJ, accused of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from a foreign-controlled energy company and a Mexico-based bank between late 2014 and 2021.
“I want to be clear that my wife and I are innocent of these allegations,” Cuellar stated, emphasizing a commitment to prove this innocence in a court of law. He refuted any wrongdoing, saying, “Everything I have done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.” According to him, the actions in question were pre-approved by legal opinions from the House Ethics Committee and a national law firm, aligning his conduct with that of other congressional colleagues.
Despite the charges, Cuellar’s resolve remains unshaken as he continues his re-election campaign this November. “Let me be clear, I’m running for re-election and will win this November,” he declared after winning his 10th term in 2022 with a significant lead over his Republican opponent. The congressman highlighted his long service to his constituents, driven by a deep-rooted work ethic inherited from his migrant worker parents and a track record of contributions towards job creation, education, and border security in South Texas.
The indictment has put significant pressure on Cuellar and his family, but the congressman is confident of overcoming this challenge. He pointed out his wife’s qualifications and hard work, describing the allegations against her as “wrong and offensive.” Imelda Cuellar, noted for her career in banking, tax, and consulting, holds two degrees and is celebrated for her accomplishments as a professional and a family figure. Congressman Cuellar criticized the prosecutors in Washington D.C. for refusing a meeting to discuss the case, a gesture he interprets as denying their opportunity to present their side of the story. As the legal proceedings unfold, Cuellar remains committed, sustained by support from his community, and ready to continue his fight in court and at the polls.
Related: