Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted four smuggling events leading to 117 arrests. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted four smuggling events leading to 117 arrests.
Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint agents discovered 96 migrants from a sealed tractor trailer on November 10. Agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area following a K-9 alert. Agents discovered the migrants hidden among rotten produce. The driver, a U.S. citizen was placed under arrest. The migrants are nationals of Mexico and South and Central America. All subjects were found to be in good health.
On November 8, a McAllen Border Patrol Station camera operator spotted several subjects running northbound from the Rio Grande near Abram. A Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) helicopter responded and observed several subjects loading into a black Volvo hatchback. A responding agent attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield. The vehicle came to stop, and the occupants bailed out. Agents apprehended eight migrants from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. The driver was not located.
Later that evening, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents observed several suspected migrants move north from the Rio Grande and load into a white Dodge Ram near Roma. As agents attempted to initiate an immigration inspection, the driver veered off the road and crashed into a cinderblock wall. The occupants absconded from the vehicle. Agents apprehended three migrants who were not injured. The driver was not located.
That same day, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Nissan Xterra near Yturria. After agent’s activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment, the driver veered off the road into a ranch fence before coming to a stop. The occupants bailed out and absconded into nearby brush. Agents, with the assistance of CBP AMO helicopter, encountered 9 subjects determined to be in the U.S. illegally. The migrants were arrested, and the vehicle seized. The driver was not located.
All subjects were processed accordingly.
Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have continuously demonstrated their callous nature of putting monetary gains above regard for human life and safety. These dangers are not all inclusive of the risks associated to crossing illegally. With winter approaching, individuals being smuggled into the U.S. in these horrendous conditions are susceptible to serious injury or death. RGV urges migrants not to place their lives at risk attempting to cross illegally.
“Criminal organizations continue to exploit our South Texas border region disregarding public safety and placing human lives in danger using various types of conveyances to smuggle migrants into the United States,” stated RGV Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “I’m incredibly proud of our RGV Border Patrol Agents for keeping the pace and disrupting these dangerous smuggling attempts.”
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers conducting inspections at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad crossing just west of the Paso Del Norte port of entry in El Paso intercepted 215 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of more than $420,000.
“CBP employs a layered enforcement approach in the rail environment to identify and stop drug loads like this one from passing into the U.S.,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “All arriving trains are x-rayed. CBP officers also inspect and visually scan the train as it passes, and we use canine assets as well to check rail traffic.”
The seizure occurred on Nov. 9 when CBP officers conducting non-intrusive (x-ray) railroad inspections on a train making entry into the U.S. from Mexico identified an anomaly in one of the empty railcar hoppers. A CBP canine assisted and conducted a search of the railcar hopper leading CBP officers to locate bundles within the support beam. A thorough search by CBP officers resulted in the discovery of 189 bundles filled with methamphetamine with a combined weight of 215 pounds.
The narcotics were seized by CBP. No arrests were immediately made. The case remains under investigation.
Mercedes, TX – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) President & CEO, Felida Villarreal was named a Finalist in the Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –11 to 2,500 Employees category in the 19th annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, and will ultimately be a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Stevie Award winner in the program.
The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and the companies they run – worldwide. The Stevie Awards have been hailed as the world’s premier business awards.
Felida Villarreal was named a Finalist in the Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –11 to 2,500 Employees category in the 19th annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business. Courtesy image
Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners will be announced during a gala event at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Friday, November 11. Nominated women executives and entrepreneurs from the U.S.A and several other countries are expected to attend. The event will be broadcast on Livestream.
At the young age of 20 years old, Felida received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accounting from the University of Texas Pan American. She then went on to complete her Master of Accountancy from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and currently holds her CPA license from the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. With over 8 years of financial management experience, she is proactively involved in keeping up to date with everchanging accounting policy and regulations. As an innovative millennial and advocate of equitable education opportunities, Felida has utilized her financial background to build effective resource development strategies and expand public funding opportunities for VIDA, as the youngest President & CEO of the non-profit organization in VIDA’s history.
Finalists were determined by the average scores of more than 200 business professionals around the world, working on seven juries. Their scores will also determine the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award placements that will be revealed at the 19th annual awards dinner and presentations in Las Vegas.
“In its 19th year, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business received a remarkable collection of outstanding nominations,” said Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie Awards. “We’re looking forward to recognizing the Stevie Award winners in Las Vegas in November.”
“I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized as a finalist by the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. I am incredibly grateful to my team at VIDA for their dedication and commitment to improve education outcomes and promote workforce development across our region to achieve social mobility among our underserved demographic,” said Felida Villarreal.
Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of Finalists in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women.
About Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA)
VIDA is a nationally recognized evidence-based college completion program, serving the Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas, including Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr, and Willacy counties for 27 years. VIDA integrates a career pathways approach, such as stackable credentials, to provide underserved residents with the opportunity to pursue career training programs in target demand occupations leading to family sustaining wage employment and continuous professional growth. VIDA’s program operates through a dual component model incorporating both direct financial assistance and intensive case management services from professional counselors to ensure successful student outcomes. VIDA counselors offer students individualized profile assessment, evaluation, career coaching, academic mentoring, personal and group counseling sessions, mental health awareness, financial literacy workshops, job placement services, and more.
About The Stevie Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 nominations each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at www.StevieAwards.com.
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. (PHOTO: Texas Department Of Public Safety)
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry.
Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 323,000 migrant apprehensions and more than 21,600 criminal arrests, with more than 19,200 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 350 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
Texas has also bused almost 8,300 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 3,700 migrants to New York City since August 5, and more than 1,200 migrants to Chicago since August 31. The busing mission is providing much-needed relief to our overwhelmed border communities.
Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s open border policies.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR:
Texas National Guard Soldiers Assist In Seizure Of 100 lbs. Of Marijuana
(PHOTO: Texas Military Department)
Texas National Guard soldiers assisted law enforcement with the seizure of 100 lbs. of marijuana and the apprehension of four illegal immigrants. After crossing the border, two illegal immigrants attempted to evade federal law enforcement agents. Soldiers moved south to intercept the remaining two illegal immigrants on foot.
The four smugglers were in possession of two 50-pound bundles of marijuana with an approximate street value of $150,000.
DPS Stops Drug Smuggling Attempt, Seizes Nearly 300 Lbs. Of Marijuana
(PHOTO: Texas Department Of Public Safety)
DPS troopers noticed a blacked-out ATV leaving the river and travelling toward them. The ATV struck the patrol unit, causing one passenger to be thrown off the ATV. Border Patrol apprehended two of the male suspects after they attempted to run. Troopers uncovered and seized bundles with nearly 300 pounds of marijuana.
A DPS Tactical Flight Officer working as part of Operation Lone Star discovered 300 lbs. of marijuana in a remote section of Big Bend National Park after tracking footprints for four miles. Five bundles each weighing about 60 pounds were discovered in compressed sacks spray-painted to blend in with the terrain.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez told Fox News the Big Bend region is frequented by drug smugglers because of the harsh, remote terrain. During the extreme summer months, illegal immigrants have also died attempting the trek from Mexico through the region.
A human smuggler led a DPS trooper on a high-speed vehicle pursuit in Hidalgo County. After crashing into a gate, the smuggler bailed out and ran into a gated community. Eight illegal immigrants also bailed out and ran.
The smuggler was arrested and charged with human smuggling. All eight illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
While serving the Operation Lone Star mission, DPS Special Operations Group personnel and Border Patrol agents encountered a group of illegal immigrants on board a stationary train and nearby culvert. A total of 34 illegal immigrants from Mexico were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.
As part of Operation Lone Star, the Texas National Guard recently expanded its area of operations to assist DPS in addressing the surge in illegal immigration and border activity in the El Paso region. Soldiers continue assisting DPS troopers in deterring and disrupting transnational criminal activity, such as human smuggling. Soldiers described one recent duty monitoring a storm drain where several illegal immigrants had been hiding.
“Success for us is close partnership with DPS and being able to quickly react to what their needs are for public safety,” said Col. Brian Fletcher, Operation Lone Star deputy commander of operations. “Success is in active deterrents, being able to observe, report, and improve the response time.”
“Having soldiers here helps to increase the amount of surveillance we can conduct on some of these areas so we can identify other smuggling locations,” said Jose Sanchez, DPS regional director in El Paso. “With the coordination with [the Texas Military Department] and DPS, we can identify some of the vehicle or groups that are crossing and easily intercept them.”
DPS troopers apprehended six illegal immigrants during a traffic stop in Kinney County. The Arkansas driver and passenger, who was also a fugitive, were both arrested for human smuggling. All six illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
The Topping Off Ceremony for Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, currently being built in Edinburg, is Driscoll’s latest milestone in bringing the best pediatric healthcare possible to the children of the RGV. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – The Topping Off Ceremony for Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, currently being built in Edinburg, is Driscoll’s latest milestone in bringing the best pediatric healthcare possible to the children of the RGV.
Held Thursday, Nov. 10, the Topping Off Ceremony celebrated placing the last steel beam on the building, which is expected to open in late 2023. During the ceremony, a Mexican White Oak Topping Tree was included, symbolizing good wishes for future occupants and continued growth.
A view from the ground to the top of the hospital. Image by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“The Topping Off Ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the construction industry. We are happy to be at this point in the building process and we are eager to open the doors of our new hospital to the Valley’s children,” said Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley.
Workers and the final beam to be raised. Courtesy ImageHospital officials and the last beam to be raised. Courtesy ImageThe final beam to be raised. Courtesy Image
Driscoll has had a strong presence in the Rio Grande Valley for decades, with specialty centers in Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen staffed by Driscoll pediatric subspecialists and other team members.
Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley speaks to the crowd. Courtesy Image
In addition to Wolthoff, other speakers included Eric Hamon, President and CEO of Driscoll Health System, Lenora Keas, Board Chair of Driscoll Children’s Hospital and Laurie Lozano, Board Member of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Development Foundation.
Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy Image
“We are proud that Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will be able to serve the children and families of the entire region 24/7/365. Best of all, the Valley’s newest hospital will get kids back to being kids,” said Hamon.
A Worker signs the beam. Courtesy Image
Ground was broken on the new hospital Nov. 16, 2021. It is located on the campus of DHR Health; however, it will be leased to and operated independently by Driscoll Children’s Hospital, implementing the passion-driven know-how of pediatric care that Driscoll has provided their service area for many decades.
Workers sign the beam. Courtesy Image
Driscoll has an almost 70-year history of providing expert care to the children of South Texas. As construction continues, the Driscoll team is busy recruiting staff and physicians, and ensuring the children of the Rio Grande Valley will have access to the best pediatric care in South Texas.
Workers sign the beam. Courtesy Image
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will operate with approximately 600 employees, creating significant economic impact and new job opportunities for clinical and support staff in the Valley, solidifying their role as an important part of the Valley’s community.
A Worker signs the beam. Courtesy Image
Wolthoff is pleased with the hospital’s progress and is excited about the opportunities it will offer families in the Valley.
A Worker signs the beam. Courtesy Image
“The entire Rio Grande Valley is looking forward to having a comprehensive free-standing children’s hospital here at home. The overwhelming support we are receiving from our community is incredibly inspiring,” said Wolthoff.
A happy hospital worker admiring the signatures. Courtesy Image
The new, freestanding, independently operated, eight-level pediatric hospital will further the mission of Driscoll Children’s Hospital founder Clara Driscoll to provide medical care to all the children of South Texas.
Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley, speaks with a worker at the site. Courtesy Image
“Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley is the next step in a long history of commitment to caring for the kids of South Texas. It aligns perfectly with the vision of Clara Driscoll to ensure children in South Texas have access to high quality healthcare,” said Wolthoff. “The goal is that our kids and families in the Rio Grande Valley will, with very few exceptions, no longer have to travel for specialty care.”
Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy Image
About Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley …
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will be a new state-of-the-art, independent and the only designated freestanding children’s hospital in the region. Patient services will include Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Emergency Services, and Acute Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery. The new hospital also will provide numerous other pediatric services including rehabilitation, imaging, laboratory, and specialty programs such as the Child Life Program. Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley will greatly enhance our commitment to providing children with more convenient access to specialty and acute care services in the Rio Grande Valley.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents halted a human smuggling attempt at the I-35 checkpoint. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents halted a human smuggling attempt at the I-35 checkpoint.
On Nov. 8, Border Patrol agents encountered a tractor-trailer at the primary inspection when a Service canine alerted to the trailer. Border Patrol agents referred the driver to secondary. After further inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered people hidden inside the trailer. A total of 27 individuals were removed from the trailer.
Record checks revealed that the individuals were in the country illegally. They were from the countries of Guatemala and Mexico. The driver and undocumented individuals were taken into custody and were 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.
Speaking of gifts, that’s one of the more exciting parts of Christmas, isn’t it? Starting today, text the word Southpole to 956-474-6767 to get a chance to win a bevy of prizes. Image courtesy of the City of Mcallen.
Texas Border Business
With only 24 days left to go until the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas steps off on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium at 6 PM, McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group still have a plenty of announcements and great features to get the community engaged, excited and rewarded about this year’s presentation of the annual holiday tradition. Aside from a special sweepstakes that includes a bevy of prizes, with a special prize package from Bert Ogden Auto Group, and additional parade route seating options that benefit local organizations, two additional Dallas Cowboys legends were added to the roster of former Super Bowl Champions joining the team of players making an appearance, including #24 cornerback Larry Brown and #58 strongside linebacker Dixon Edwards. If that wasn’t enough, iHeart Radio national syndicated morning show Host Tino Cochino will also be a part of this year’s celebrity appearances.
“Christmas is all about holiday wishes coming true and for the thousands and thousands of Dallas Cowboys fans here in the Rio Grande Valley, having these legends here for our amazing parade is like a holiday wish coming true on Christmas morning in a sea of blue and silver,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “I love it.”
Echoing that sentiment was Marsha Green, Vice-President of Marketing for the Bert Ogden Auto Group, highlighting how proud the auto group is to be the power behind pulling the 60 floats in the parade.
“This parade is magical. It embodies the spirit and wonder of Christmas, where fantasies and fairy tales come true as dazzling, animated and illuminated displays on the various floats, all pulled by a Bert Ogden vehicle no less,” said Green. “The floats, the lights, the balloons, the bands, and the entire team that puts this event together, help to give our entire Rio Grande Valley community and beyond a Christmas gift that will last a lifetime: the memory of this delightful parade, right here in McAllen.”
Speaking of gifts, that’s one of the more exciting parts of Christmas, isn’t it? Starting today, text the word Southpole to 956-474-6767 to get a chance to win a bevy of prizes, including:
$1 thousand dollars in holiday cash
two round trip tickets to Las Vegas or Orlando
iPhone 14
various gaming systems, including Nintendo Switch, XBox Series X, or a PS5
H-E-B gift cards
65-inch TV
And other great and amazing prizes.
Additionally, one special prize that will be given away is the Bert Ogden Prize Package, which includes McAllen Holiday Parade stadium tickets, Meet & Greet passes and – this one is an absolutely a gem – a parking pass for the day of the parade!
Also making a celebrity appearance is Tino Cochino, iHeart Radio’s national syndicated morning show host, who will serve as the DJ for the South Padre Island Vuelta Zone, where those giant helium balloons will make the famous 360-degree Vuelta, which doesn’t happen anywhere in the world, except at the McAllen Holiday Parade.
Additional ticketed seating options, which help benefit the community, were also announced. Chair seating along the parade route, for only $10, are being sold by 11 organizations, as a fundraiser for their group, including the McAllen High School Booster Clubs, for McHi Baseball; McHi Soccer; McHi Basketball; McHi Cheer; Havoc Baseball; Choose to Change; Mustang Cheer; Sanchez Elementary PTO; Road Runners; Nikki Rowe Softball; and the McAllen Parks & Recreation Senior Living Program. Contact any of these groups individually to purchase tickets or purchase at any of the McAllen community centers, including: Lark Community Center, 2601 Lark Ave.; Las Palmas Community Center, 1921 N. 25th St.; or Palmview Community Center, 3401 Jordan Rd.
As a reminder, anyone wishing to be a part of this year’s parade can do so in a variety of ways, including, submitting an entry for the McAllen Holiday Shoebox Parade; or volunteering as a banner carrier or balloon handlers.
Shoebox parade entries must be on a shoebox, and can include any type of arts & crafts, toys, holiday decorations, lights or countless elements to celebrate “South Pole & Beyond,” the theme of both the shoebox and the big parade. The winning shoebox float entry will be made into an actual float for the 2023 edition of the McAllen Holiday Parade.
See the link below to get your entry Forms:
Entries are due no later than Wednesday, November 23, 2022 by 3:00 p.m. to the City of McAllen Office of Communications, McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Ave., 3rd Floor. For more information, visit www.mcallen.net.
Balloon handler volunteers must be 18 years or over, while banner carriers must be 16 years or over. All volunteers must go through a background check and will receive gloves, t-shirt and snacks. Call 956-681-3350 for more information or sign up at pardvolunteers@mcallen.net.
The parade will step off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2022 from the McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium, 2001 N. Bicentennial Blvd. Ticket prices start at $10, plus service fees for stadium; SPI Vuelta Zone; Skybox Fan Experience; or any of the community group chair seating for the parade and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com; at the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office, 801Convention Center Blvd or from any of the community groups. There is also plenty of free seating along the parade route, on a first come basis.
For the past four years, the McAllen Holiday Parade has been named the Best Parade in the World, and this year, earned the Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Organization. The McAllen Holiday Parade has also been named the Best Parade in Texas for the past five years by international and state event industry organizations.
The McAllen Holiday Parade is presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Auto Group and proudly sponsored by Reliant, McAllen International Airport and South Padre Island CVB. Other sponsors for the 2022 presentation of the McAllen Holiday Parade include Budweiser, McAllen International Bridge System; McAllen Public Utility; Metro McAllen; South Texas Vo-Tech; Matt’s Building Materials; PepsiCo.; Windfield Communities; South Texas College; McDonald’s; Valley Aids Council; Driscoll Children’s Hospital; Chick-fil-A Rio Grande Valley; AEP Texas; JP Morgan Chase; IBC; Lacks; McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Hermes; McAllen I.S.D.; Linebarger Attorneys at Law; General Mills; PNC Bank; O’Reilly Auto Parts; University of Texas-RGV; McAllen Economic Development Corp.; Peña Eye Institute; Doña Lula; Tres Lagos Master Planned Community; Pollux Castor Creative; McAllen Public Works; Explore McAllen; Plains Capital Bank; KSA Engineers; Cigna; Taco Palenque; Halff Associates; Carollo Engineers; S&B Infrastructure; Raba Kistner Consultants, Inc.
An interfaith delegation of 20 leaders and organizers from the West/Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation met with him to share their collective work of broad based organizing at a time when the Pope is guiding the global church in a historic Synod listening process. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
On Friday, October 14, 2022, Valley Interfaith and IAF had the rare opportunity to visit with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
An interfaith delegation of 20 leaders and organizers from the West/Southwest Industrial Areas Foundation met with him to share their collective work of broad based organizing at a time when the Pope is guiding the global church in a historic Synod listening process.
The Holy Father sat side by side with the group at his residence, thanking them for inconveniencing themselves to come see him. What ensued was a true dialogue, a 90-minute conversation in Spanish with a lot of back and forth engagement. The encounter was filled with many graced moments about both the joys and the struggles of their work, and the work of the Church, past, present, and to come.
This invitation to meet was in large part due to the recognition of the groups work by local Bishops, in particular those involved with the Recognizing the Stranger strategy, which is dedicated to formation and leadership development of immigrant parishioners. As well, their involvement to support the Synod process in multiple dioceses has helped to bring those in the margins to the center of the synodal dialogue.
Meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Courtesy Image
As experiences of organizing were shared, they were struck by how carefully he listened, asked questions, and engaged with a lot of humor. Early on, he reflected to them, “Usaron mucho las palabras ‘ver’ y ‘escuchar,’… Me impresiona que ninguno de ustedes es parte de alguna teoría. Ninguno dice ‘leí un libro y me interesó eso.’” (You constantly use the words “to see” and “to listen.. I am impressed that none of you start with any theory. No one says ‘I read a book and that interested me.’) “El peligro es intelectualizar el problema” (The danger is when you intellectualize a problem.)
He stressed the importance of being with people and paying attention to their reality, emphasizing Amor Concreto, love concretely in action, saying that he understood our work as seeing and hearing of injustice in the real lives of our people, acting to change the situation, and being changed themselves as a result. He expressed his appreciation for the groups focus on what they are doing, rather than to complain about what is not being done or to disparage anyone. “Ustedes no menospreciaron a nadie.”
Before concluding, he thanked them for the visit, saying that although he had never known of IAF before, he was glad that he knew us now, and he welcomed further conversation around our continuing work with the Synod process.
Some in our delegation were able to meet also with others at the Vatican, including leadership in the Dicastery for Integral Human Development, the General Secretariat of the Synod, and the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. It was a trip that opened many doors.
The group is grateful to the support of this historic visit. Many contributed with prayers, advice, encouragement, and financial investment. The group spent a full day in advance of the meeting with Pope Francis by conducting their own synodal process. They all felt an obligation to you and those who came before us in making this pilgrimage possible.
We teach that power recognizes power. Pope Francis said, “el verdadero poder es el servicio,” (“true power is service”). Recounting the Good Samaritan, he clearly stated that the Gospel cannot be understood without acting with those who are suffering. He recognized the leaders and organizations of the IAF and the powerful work that is happening every day at the margins. He referred to the IAF as “Good News for the United States.”
The group is humbled to represent the many decades of work from those who preceded them, and are encouraged in the continuation of their work into the future.
Valley Interfaith leaders along with industry partners founded VIDA in 1995 as a workforce development model to serve the Rio Grande Valley’s economically disadvantaged residents achieve career success. They remain active in workforce development initiatives, with currently 6 of VIDA’s board members representing Valley Interfaith leaders.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station working together with local law enforcement agencies closed on an apartment complex used as a stash house in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South station working together with local law enforcement agencies closed on an apartment complex used as a stash house in Laredo, Texas.
On Nov. 7, Border Patrol agents working together with CBP Air and Marine Operations, Webb County Constables from Precinct 2 and Webb County Attorney’s Office arrived at an apartment complex located west of Laredo. Border Patrol agents discovered a total of 17 people found inside the apartment.
All were illegally present in the U.S. All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and processed accordingly. Record checks revealed they were from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala.
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.
