Texas Border Business
Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), met Monday with the South Texas Builders Association (STBA) in Pharr to hear concerns about how recent immigration enforcement actions are affecting the region’s construction workforce and broader economy.
According to information provided about the meeting, Congressman Cuellar “heard directly from industry leaders about the challenges facing the construction sector, including labor shortages, project delays, and long-term implications for regional development.” Participants said the workforce has become increasingly unstable as employers deal with sudden disruptions tied to enforcement activity.
The information states that Congressman Cuellar “outlined federal efforts to support workforce stability, strengthen local economies, and ensure that law enforcement actions are carried out responsibly and effectively.” He also emphasized the need for stronger coordination between federal agencies, local employers, and community stakeholders.
The South Texas Builders Association “represents key partners in the region’s construction and development industries,” and works to “promote responsible growth, advocate for economic opportunity, and support the workforce that drives South Texas forward.” Association board members, local officials, and representatives from construction, lending, and supply companies were present during the conversation. Names listed in the meeting document include Dr. Ricardo Solis, Ronnie Cavazos, Julio Carranza, Efrain Gomez, Emigdio Villanueva, Ruben Ruiz, Jessie de Leon, Dan Cantu, Mario Guerrero, Isaac Smith, Victor Garza, Victor “Seby” Haddad, and Ariel Salinas.
Alongside concerns about workforce shortages, participants also pointed to cost pressures facing builders. According to the August 2025 Producer Price Index report, a wide range of construction inputs increased in price between August 2024 and August 2025. Steel mill products rose 13.1%, switchgear and industrial controls increased 10.5%, and nonferrous wire and cable increased 10.2%. Many other materials—including plumbing fixtures, asphalt products, structural metal, hardwood lumber, and concrete-related products—rose between 4% and 8% during the same period. Base inflation was listed at 3.0%.
The information from the meeting notes that Congressman Cuellar, described as “a strong advocate for economic development and workforce readiness,” emphasized “the importance of collaboration between federal agencies, local employers, and community stakeholders to ensure the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow safely, sustainably, and competitively.”
Participants expressed that stabilizing the construction workforce remains a critical need for the region’s economic health, especially as South Texas continues experiencing rapid growth. The discussion reflected shared concerns about how to maintain that growth while managing ongoing labor and cost challenges.
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