South Padre Island KOA Holiday Campground has earned the 2023 KOA President’s Award and the KOA Founder’s Award. Image source: googlemaps for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
KOA NEWS SERVICE – Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA), the world’s largest family of family-friendly, open-to-the-public campgrounds, is pleased to announce that the South Padre Island KOA Holiday Campground has earned the 2023 KOA President’s Award and the KOA Founder’s Award. These prestigious awards were presented Tuesday, November 16 at Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s Annual International Convention in Orlando, Fla.
The KOA Founder’s Award, named in honor of Dave Drum, who founded KOA on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings, Mont. in 1962, is KOA’s highest service award. It is awarded exclusively to those KOA campground owners and managers who attain world-class scores in both customer service and the KOA Quality Review.
The KOA President’s Award is presented to those campgrounds meeting exceptional quality standards and who receive high customer service scores from their camping guests. KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience.
“Our campground owners and their employees work tirelessly to ensure every guest has a truly exceptional camping experience; it’s a pleasure to recognize their dedication,” said Toby O’Rourke, resident and CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. “Our President’s and Founder’s awards are driven by camper feedback and these KOA owners have made the right investments to their campgrounds to provide the best outdoor experience in North America.”
KOA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022. To find out more about this KOA campground, or the more than 500 KOAs across the U.S. or Canada, visit www.KOA.com.
ABOUT KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA
Kampgrounds of America, currently celebrating its 60th year of operations, is the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open to the public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.
As the City of McAllen moves forward with the 2018 Bond Group C1 Drainage Improvement project, storm infrastructure construction will cause a road closure along Martin Avenue. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
As the City of McAllen moves forward with the 2018 Bond Group C1 Drainage Improvement project, storm infrastructure construction will cause a road closure along Martin Avenue.
Map of the exact location of the road closure. Courtesy Image.
The roadway will be closed to all through traffic between Col. Rowe Boulevard (2nd St) and Cynthia Avenue and will begin on Friday, November 18, 2022.
Motorists are urged to find alternate routes during the road closure and exercise extreme caution and patience when traveling along the area. Motorists should expect some delays and congestion.
For a status on this project, please visit the City of McAllen Engineering Department website at https://mcallen.net/bondupdates and click on the projects link.
Governor Greg Abbott today announced the departure of the first group of migrants bused to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from Texas. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced the departure of the first group of migrants bused to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from Texas. In addition to Washington, D.C., New York City, and Chicago, sanctuary city Philadelphia will now be a drop-off location for the State of Texas’ busing strategy as part of the Governor’s unprecedented response to President Biden’s open border policies overwhelming border communities in Texas.
“Since April, Texas’ busing strategy has successfully provided much-needed relief to our border communities overwhelmed by the historic influx of migrants caused by President Biden’s reckless open border policies,” said Governor Abbott. “Until the Biden Administration does its job and provides Texans and the American people with sustainable border security, Texas will continue doing more than any other state in the nation’s history to defend against an invasion along the border, including adding more sanctuary cities like Philadelphia as drop-off locations for our busing strategy.”
The migrants will be dropped off at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station tomorrow morning. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has long-celebrated and fought for sanctuary city status, making the city an ideal addition to Texas’ list of drop-off locations.
In April, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. In August, the Governor added New York City and Chicago as additional drop-off locations. Since beginning of this busing strategy in the spring, thousands of migrants have been transported to these sanctuary cities while providing much-needed relief to Texas’ overwhelmed border communities.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for October 2022. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for October 2022, which can be viewed online here.
“In response to the change in populations we are encountering at the border, and continuing in our commitment to provide lawful pathways for admission so that desperate asylum seekers do not place their vulnerable lives in the hands of smugglers, we implemented a new process for Venezuelan nationals that has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of Venezuelan encounters at our border. The new process has seen Venezuelan encounters drop from approximately 1100 per day to about 300 per day by the end of October,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Troy Miller. “Encounters of Cuban and Nicaraguan asylum seekers fleeing their authoritarian regimes continues to be at an historic high. This reflects the challenge that is gripping the hemisphere, as displaced populations flee authoritarianism, corruption, violence, and poverty.”
CBP Southwest Border Enforcement Numbers for October 2022
The large number of individuals fleeing failing communist regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba is contributing to an increased number of migrants attempting to cross the border.
Due to this increase, DHS announced on October 12 a new process for Venezuelan nationals that enhances the security of our border and provides a lawful means for eligible Venezuelans to come to the United States.
As a result, there has been a significant drop of 35% from September to October in Venezuelan encounters. This initial data shows that when there is a lawful and orderly way, people are less inclined to put lives in the hands of smugglers.
Monthly Southwest Border Encounters:
September 2022 Southwest Land Border (SBO) Venezuelan encounters = 33,804
October 2022 Southwest Land Border (SBO) Venezuelan encounters = 22,044
The total number of unique Southwest Border encounters in October 2022 was 185,527, a 1.5%increase over the prior month, driven by an increased number of asylum seekers fleeing authoritarian regimes in Cuba and Nicaragua.
Of the unique SW Border encounters in October 2022, 69,960 were from Venezuela, Cuba, or Nicaragua, which represents 38% of unique encounters and a 149% increase over October 2021. By comparison, Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua migrants accounted for 24% of unique encounters in October 2021.
Individuals from Mexico and northern Central America accounted for 60,824 unique encounters in October 2022, which represents 33% of unique encounters and a 12% drop from October 2021. By comparison, Mexicans and Northern Central American migrants accounted for 60% of unique encounters in October 2021.
The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a higher-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts, which means that total encounters somewhat overstate the number of unique individuals arriving at the border.
The number of unique individuals encountered nationwide in October 2022 was 196,479, a 2.9%increase in the number of unique enforcement encounters than the prior month.
In total, there were 230,678 encounters along the southwest land border in October, a 1.3% increase compared to September. Of those, 19% involved individuals who had at least one prior encounter in the previous 12 months, compared to an average one-year re-encounter rate of 14% for FY2014-2019.
69% of all southwest land border encounters were single adults, with 158,639encounters in October, a 1.7% decrease compared to September.
78,477 encounters, 34% of the total, were processed for expulsion under Title 42. 152,201 encounters were processed under Title 8.
71,865 encounters involving single adults (45% of all single adult encounters) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 86,774 processed under Title 8.
6,409 encounters involving family unit individuals (11% of all family unit individuals) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 53,348 processed under Title 8.
Unaccompanied Children
Encounters of unaccompanied children increased 1.1%, with 12,034 encounters in October compared with 11,900 in September. In October, the average number of unaccompanied children in CBP custody was 491 per day, compared with an average of 485 per day in September.
Family Unit individuals
Encounters of family unit individuals increased by 11% from 54,079 in September to 59,757 in October —which is a 31% decrease from the peak of 86,631 in August 2021.
CBP Nationwide Total Encounters for FY23TD for October: 277,463
Ongoing Migration Management Efforts
CBP continues to enforce U.S. immigration law and apply consequences to those without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. Current restrictions at the U.S. border have not changed; single adults and families encountered at the southwest border will continue to be expelled, where appropriate, under CDC’s Title 42 Order. Those who are not expelled will be processed under long-standing Title 8 authorities and placed into removal proceedings.
Under Title 8, those who attempt to enter the United States without authorization, and who are unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States (such as a valid asylum claim), will be quickly removed. Individuals who have been removed under Title 8 are also subject to additional long-term consequences beyond removal from the United States, including bars to future immigration benefits.
DHS has been executing a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to secure our borders and build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. The strategy is based on six pillars: surging resources; increasing efficiency to reduce strain on the border; employing an aggressive consequence regime; bolstering the capacity of NGOs and partner with state and local partners; going after cartels and smugglers; and working with our regional partners. This comprehensive plan leverages a whole-of-government approach to prepare for and manage the current and anticipated increases in encounters of noncitizens at our southwest border. Read more here.
International Travel and Trade
One of CBP’s core mission objectives is to enhance the nation’s economic prosperity, including through the facilitation of lawful trade and travel. CBP continues to protect America’s national and economic security by facilitating legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing U.S. customs laws and regulations.
Count
October 2020
October 2021
% October 2021 Change from October 2020
October 2022
% October 2022 Change from October 2020
% October 2022Change from October 2021
Air Travelers
1,807,196
5,213,064
188%
9,472,590
424%
82%
PassengerVehicles
4,482,250
5,640,708
26%
8,063,278
80%
43%
Pedestrians
2,015,329
2,490,630
24%
3,642,021
81%
46%
Commercial Trucks
1,080,152
1,083,848
0.3%
1,097,264
1.6%
1.2%
Since travel restrictions were eased on November 8, CBP has processed increased numbers of arriving travelers without any significant delays. The new rules allow travelers who are non-U.S. persons to seek to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land ports of entry and ferry terminals, provided they are fully vaccinated and have appropriate documentation. The updated guidelines also allow most non-immigrants (non-U.S. citizens and other covered persons) who are fully vaccinated to travel by air to the United States, regardless of the reason for travel.
CBP will continue to track traveler numbers and wait times over the next few months and continue to adjust as needed to make the travel experience more efficient. In the meantime, travelers can plan by doing the following:
Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDCwebsite.
Verbally attest to their travel intent and COVID-19 vaccination status.
Be prepared to present any documents requested by the CBP officer.
Accountability and Transparency
As part of the agency’s continuing effort to promote organizational accountability and transparency, CBP announced the release of its Report on Internal Investigations and Employee Accountability: Fiscal Year 2020. For FY2020, CBP leadership directed the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and Human Resources Management (HRM) to generate a joint report combining information regarding allegation intake and misconduct investigations with information regarding disciplinary outcomes. CBP is committed to being a leader in law enforcement accountability and transparency by providing multiple ways to report incidents as well as timely, accurate, and appropriate information regarding CBP-related deaths, use of force incidents, and other critical incidents resulting in serious injuries. The Accountability and Transparency page provides the public with statements, policies, reports, and other important information concerning critical incidents and related OPR reviews and investigations.
Trade Stats/Seizures – Protecting the American Consumer
CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible. CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. There are several programs by which CBP works with importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers to advance information about the shipments and expedite the inspection process at the ports of entry. CBP is available to conduct exams and is ready and willing to expand hours of operations if necessary to meet the growing demand for imported goods.
In October 2022 alone, CBP processed more than 2.9 million entry summaries valued at more than $365 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $7.9 billionto be collected by the U.S. government. In October, trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 33.62% of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
In October 2022, CBP targeted 398 entries valued at more than $129.8 million for suspected use of forced labor in the production of imported goods, including goods subject to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and Withhold Release Orders.
Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers.
In October 2022, CBP seized nearly 1,174 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $302 million.
CBP completed 12 audits that identified $2,000 in duties and fees owed to the U.S. government, stemming from goods that had been improperly declared in accordance with U.S. trade laws and customs regulations. CBP collected over $1.2 million of identified revenue from previously completed audits.
Drug Seizures
CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, and Air and Marine Operations agents continue to interdict the flow of illicit narcotics across the border. Nationwide, drug seizures (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana) by weight were down 5.4 percent in October compared to September. Seizures were as follows:
Cocaine seizures increased 104%
Methamphetamine decreased 21%
Heroin seizures decreased 37%
Fentanyl seizures increased 3.5%
Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found here.
Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture
In September 2022, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.
CBP issued 6,319 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.
CBP conducted 87,675 positive passenger inspections and issued 616 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended a person with an extensive criminal history near El Cenizo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended a person with an extensive criminal history near El Cenizo, Texas.
On Nov. 10, agents assigned to the Laredo South Station took into custody an individual that was turned over by the Webb County Sheriff Office. After record checks were conducted, Juan Antonio Gonzalez-Castro, a 23-year-old male Mexican national, had an extensive criminal history, in the country illegally, and a member of the Paisa gang.
He was processed accordingly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
Texas State Representative Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) filed his first package of bills introduced for the upcoming 88th Texas Legislative Session. Image Source: Curtisbeaumont, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd f or illustration purposes.
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas State Representative Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) filed his first package of bills introduced for the upcoming 88th Texas Legislative Session. Today was the first day that a state lawmaker can introduce legislation into the legislative process for the 140-day legislative session that begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Thousands of bills will ultimately be filed throughout the legislative session.
Rep. Canales’ first filed bill, House Bill 332, would create a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) for our retired teachers. Earlier this year, Rep. Canales published an OP-ED in the Dallas Morning News calling for a meaningful COLA for our school employees. Texas teacher retirement benefits were recently ranked 49th in the country by a bipartisan, nonprofit group focused on pension plans. Rep. Canales also filed HJR 5, which would constitutionally set a minimum amount that the state must contribute to TRS and the Employees Retirement System of Texas. In the past, the legislature has often balanced the state’s budget by slashing investments in our retired state employees.
“We cannot hope to recruit and keep our best teachers, unless we ensure a suitable retirement”, said Representative Canales. Rep. Canales continued, “investing in these school employees, is investing in our children”. “Retired Texas teachers have not received a cost-of-living adjustment since 2004, meaning they have lost 38% of the value of their benefits to inflation over these 18 years. In 2019 and 2021, the Texas Legislature provided a 13th monthly check to retirees, but these payments were not nearly enough to make up for the loss of benefits over the past two decades. We must ask ourselves, if we don’t support our retired teachers, what does that say about our support for students and the overall Texas education system?”
Rep. Canales also filed the following bills:
· House Bill 71: would direct the Texas Department of Public Safety to create a digital Texas Driver License.
· House Bill 116: would create a distance learning law school at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
· House Bill 127: would bring the penalty for marijuana concentrates in line with marijuana
· House Bill 164: would create a sales tax exemption for college textbook.
Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, is the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Rep. Canales represents House District 40 in Hidalgo County, which includes portions or all of Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, La Blanca, Linn, Lópezville, McAllen, Pharr and Weslaco. He may be reached at his House District Office in Edinburg at (956) 383-0860 or at the Capitol at (512) 463-0426.
The Lone Star State is home to the nation’ssecond largest population of Dreamers, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. Image Source: Texas Association of Business for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By Glenn Hamer
The Lone Star State is home to the nation’ssecond largest population of Dreamers, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. On average, these immigrants arrived in America at just seven years old, knowing no other place to be home and having ample time to settle into routines and build careers here over the past decade.
The recent ruling in State of Texas v. USA by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will have detrimental effects on not only Dreamers, but the entire state of Texas and the nation. While current recipients under the policy can continue renewing their status to remain in the country and work, the program isn’t open to any new eligible Dreamers. It also sets the wheels in motion for the policy to be fully terminated by the courts in the months ahead.
This decision is worrisome, particularly as we recognize DACA recipients’ impressive contributions to our state over the ten years since the policy’s inception. If DACA is truly ended permanently, our state stands tolose 5,000 jobs each month, including 400 healthcare workers and 300 teachers. This would be a terrible blow to our workforce right now as we are already in a severe labor crunch.
DACA has allowed hundreds of thousands of eligible immigrants across the country to reach their full potential and contribute to our nation, but not without its share of hurdles to overcome. Time and again, the policy has faced threats in the form ofexecutive action, legal battles and overall instability due to the temporary nature of deportation protections and work authorizations. Up until now, DACA has survived multiple challenges, but this most recent court ruling is the end of the line for the policy without congressional intervention.
Additionally,89 percent of well-vetted DACA recipients in Texas have received high school diplomas, and 44 percent have completed some college education, proving that they are on a path towards great success that we all stand to benefit from. A thriving community of educated and hardworking Texans is what sets us all up for prosperity in the future, and Dreamers play an important role in that across the state.
Aside from being vital members and future members of our workforce – the DACA-eligible population in our state pays$963.4 million in taxes annually and has a total spending power of over $3 billion.
Texas truly relies on immigrants of all ages and skill levels to allow us to be the flourishing state we are today, with globally revered industries and capable workers keeping us on top – they are one reason that we are ranked as the Best State for Business. Dreamers deserve security and peace of mind. They should be able to continue to work without the fear of deportation.
Our leaders in Congress must finally work together in a bipartisan fashion to provide this protection by passing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. Compromise is necessary. TAB stands ready to help.
Dreamers are Texans in every sense of the word: keeping vetted contributors in this country, legally, would free up resources as well as efforts to improve border security and enhance commercial activity.
Glenn Hamer is the President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business.
A CBP officer escorts a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Javier Salgado, a male U.S. citizen from Harlingen, Texas wanted for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
“CBP is committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court, especially those wanted for heinous crimes such as sexual offenses against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.
On November 12, 2022, 28-year-old Javier Salgado, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Salgado was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from Harlingen Police Department. Salgado has been wanted since March of 2014. He is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony in the State of Texas.
A Harlingen police officer arrived to take custody of Salgado and transported him to the city jail.
Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.Visit CBP’s website for more information on the Immigration Inspection Program.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents rescued three people that were lost and one person was found unresponsive at Laredo Sector. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents rescued three people that were lost and one person was found unresponsive at Laredo Sector.
On Nov. 11, Border Patrol agents from the Zapata Station were notified by Zapata County Sheriff’s Office of two lost male subjects. Agents were able to quickly locate them when they noticed one of them needed medical attention. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician treated one of the individuals that was suffering from seizures until Zapata County paramedics arrived. The individual was transported to the nearest hospital for further medical attention. After record checks were conducted both male subjects were in the country illegally, from Mexico.
On Nov.13, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Hebbronville Station received a call from Jim Hogg County Sheriff’s Office of two lost male subjects. Agents located them but discovered one of the male subjects was unresponsive and in medical distress. A Border Patrol Emergency Medical Technician was on the scene and began CPR until Emergency Medical Services arrived. Despite efforts to revive the unresponsive male, he was pronounced deceased at the scene by Jim Hogg County Justice of the Peace.
After record checks were conducted both male subjects were in the country illegally, from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
“Texas has forcefully responded to Biden’s open border policies by doing more than any state in the history of America to do the federal government’s job to secure the border,” reads the letter. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter assuring county judges along the Texas-Mexico border that the State of Texas continues taking unprecedented action to address President Biden’s historic border crisis and urged them to remind members of the new U.S. Congress to fulfill their responsibility to secure the border:
“Texas has forcefully responded to Biden’s open border policies by doing more than any state in the history of America to do the federal government’s job to secure the border,” reads the letter. “In January 2023 when the next Congress is sworn in, we must remind our representatives in Washington that securing the border is the federal government’s responsibility under Article I, § 8 and Article IV, § 4 of the U.S. Constitution. Join me in sending this urgent message to our congressional delegation, which has the power to act under Article I, § 8 of the U.S. Constitution. Texas has done more than its fair share for far too long. The time has come for the federal government to do its job.”
