Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Maria Antonia Chapa, a former executive to McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, publicly expressed her opinion after watching a video released by the South Texas Builders Association (STBA). The video, introduced by STBA Executive Director and CEO Mario Guerrero, invites mayors, federal officials, community leaders, and members of the media to discuss the growing tension between immigration enforcement efforts and the stability of the South Texas construction workforce.
Chapa took to social media to respond to the tone and content of the video, urging caution before assigning blame to local officials. “Before threatening or calling out local leaders for not showing up, do your research,” she wrote. “This isn’t just a municipal issue, and many local leaders have already taken public positions on it, speaking to CNN, local outlets, and others.”
She went on to criticize some members of the construction industry, saying, “About 80% of the construction owners and builders I know supported MAGA and voted against their own interests. They didn’t care about workers’ rights or immigration when it benefited them, but now that it’s hitting their pockets, they’re quick to shift the blame onto mayors and municipalities.”
Chapa emphasized the importance of accuracy and accountability in the ongoing debate, writing, “Facts matter. If we want accountability, it starts with being honest about who supported what and when.”
She also expressed strong support for McAllen’s mayor, adding, “Thankfully, here in McAllen, we have an amazing Mayor who has consistently addressed these issues from the start and has always stood up in support of our community.”
To support her remarks, Chapa shared several public statements and media links related to Mayor Villalobos’s stance on immigration and workforce issues. One of them is a June 18, 2025, Facebook post by Mayor Villalobos, where he wrote, “Had a good conversation with Congressman Henry Cuellar, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. The subject was the hot topic of immigration enforcement and how it is negatively affecting all sectors of our economy.”
In the same post, Villalobos added, “The general consensus of the population is that criminals, people posing a danger to our national security, and people with final deportation orders be deported. However, people on either side of the political spectrum have quickly realized that we need human labor.” He continued, “The administration has changed course to be more lax on some industries, but we need to add all industries in need of labor. Please contact your legislators and urge them to continue the fight to keep our country strong. Together, Republicans and Democrats thinking logically and with common sense can solve this. God bless and save the USA.”
Mayor Villalobos Facebook Post – June 18, 2025.
Chapa also linked to a Newsweek article published on December 30, 2024, titled “Texas Mayor Voices Concerns Over Mass Deportations.” The article includes an interview with Villalobos in which he expressed concern that large-scale deportations could harm both the economy and workforce stability.
A third link shared by Chapa refers to a post by the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) dated October 31, 2024. The organization quoted Villalobos as saying that while he supports deporting dangerous individuals, he opposes removing law-abiding immigrants who pay taxes and fill essential jobs. “He called for practical reforms that address DACA recipients and allow productive workers to obtain legal employment visas,” the post reads.
Chapa further referenced a Texas Border Business article from July 3, 2025, titled “Mayor Villalobos Engages Congressional Leaders and Border Mayors in Push for Balanced Immigration Reform.” The piece highlighted Villalobos’s efforts to engage with federal lawmakers and local mayors to promote balanced immigration policies.
Texas Border Business Article.
She also cited another Texas Border Business publication containing a statement from the South Texas Alliance of Cities (STARC), which sought to correct claims that local mayors were not representing the region in immigration discussions. The statement read, “The South Texas Alliance of Cities is aware of the ongoing immigration enforcement operations being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in various parts of our region. We have heard from local business owners and community members who are understandably concerned about the disruptions to their daily lives and livelihoods.”
To better understand the situation, watch the video invitation led by Mario Guerrero, STBA’s Executive Director and CEO. The initiative seeks to bring together local elected officials, community leaders, and members of the media to discuss the growing tension between immigration enforcement efforts and the stability of South Texas’s construction workforce.
We invite readers and the protagonists mentioned in this article to share their perspectives by emailing info@tbbmega.com.
Watch the video invitation for the open discussion below:
For additional context, readers can view the original STBA video invitation led by Mario Guerrero. The video aims to gather leaders and stakeholders to address the impact of immigration enforcement on the South Texas construction industry.
For reference:
Mayor Villalobos Facebook Post – June 18, 2025.
Newsweek Article – December 30, 2024.
Texas Border Business Article – July 3, 2025.
South Texas Alliance of Cities STARC Statement – Texas Border Business
(STARC): “EDINBURG, Texas – The South Texas Alliance of Cities is aware of the ongoing immigration enforcement operations being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in various parts of our region. We have heard from local business owners and community members who are understandably concerned about the disruptions to their daily lives and livelihoods.”
