U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio was formally sworn into office at a CBP change of command ceremony. Family, friends, colleagues and local dignitaries gathered as Mr. Provencio recited the oath of office during a ceremony at the Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas. USCBP Image for Illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio was formally sworn into office at a CBP change of command ceremony. Family, friends, colleagues and local dignitaries gathered as Mr. Provencio recited the oath of office during a ceremony at the Chamizal National Memorial in El Paso, Texas.
Port Director Provencio is the first, native El Pasoan in U.S. Customs and Border Protection history, to serve as the Port Director, El Paso. USCBP Image
“I am honored and humbled to be the Port Director of El Paso and look forward to leading the men and women of CBP assigned to this facility. The port of El Paso is vitally important to the overall economic security of El Paso and the region,” said Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso port director. “I will strive to make certain that CBP remains a positive contributor to our community, and I pledge to expand our working relationship with stakeholders, while protecting the community, public and country from those that wish them harm.”
As the El Paso Port Director, Mr. Provencio will direct operations and enforcement activities at the Bridge of the Americas, Paso Del Norte crossing, The Stanton Street SENTRI lanes, two rail crossing as well as CBP operations at the El Paso international airport. He will oversee CBP employees at these locations including CBP officers, Agriculture Specialists, Canine Enforcement Officers, support personnel and others.
Port Director Provencio began his career with the U.S. Customs Service in 1998. During his tenure with both the U.S. Customs Service and CBP, he has served in various high-level positions and performed duties that require the ability to think strategically, provide pragmatic guidance, articulate the Agency’s vision, and manage national projects of significance to completion.
Prior to this appointment, Mr. Provencio served as Deputy Director, Field Operations, in El Paso, Texas. In this role, he provided oversight of operational matters in New Mexico and West Texas extending to the Big Bend region. As the Deputy Director, Mr. Provencio provided subject matter expertise related to all federal inspectional laws, rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to anti-terrorism, border protection, and facilitation. During his tenure at Customs and Border Protection, Mr. Provencio has established a rather unique career path, having worked at all levels in the field and field office to include Supervisor, Chief, Watch Commander, Port Director, Assistant Director-Field Operations and Deputy Director-Field Operations. Mr. Provencio has also worked in permanent headquarters assignments, as well as several temporary assignments overseeing national policy up to the Director level.
Mr. Provencio has led numerous efforts to continuously improve Office of Field Operations (OFO) operations, to include the implementation of Unified Cargo Processing—a binational effort that reduces redundancies in commercial inspections, reduces wait times for cross border trade, and further rewards participants of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs. He has been involved in various high-level projects that are national in scope, to include the negotiation of two Collective Bargaining Agreements, served as acting Chief of Staff for the OFO, Chief of Staff for the Southwest Border Coordination Center at the Department of Homeland Security and Team Lead in Kuwait during Operation Allies Welcome.
Mr. Provencio will work to ensure that the agency’s primary mission of preventing terrorists or weapons of terror from entering the United States is accomplished daily. Port Director Provencio is also responsible for all immigration issues related to the admission and exclusion of persons applying for entry into the United States. He also is responsible for customs and agriculture inspections at the ports of entry to ensure that all goods and people entering the United States do so in accordance with our laws and regulations, while ensuring that they are facilitated in their processing to support the global marketplace and the international tourism industries.
Mr. Provencio is native to the Southwest Texas and Southern New Mexico region, attended the University of Texas at El Paso, is a 2010 graduate of the CBP Command Leadership Academy, a 2018 graduate of the CBP Leadership Institute and a career member of the Senior Executive Service. He is married and has three children. Port Director Provencio is the first, native El Pasoan in U.S. Customs and Border Protection history, to serve as the Port Director, El Paso.
In 2008, CBP adopted formal change of command ceremonies as another way to unify the workforce and highlight the agency mission. Since its inception in March 2003, CBP has developed and implemented standards, policies, and symbols to advance the internal and external recognition of the agency and to demonstrate the strides the agency has made as the guardians of the nation’s borders. The change of command ceremony is designed to meet those goals.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents apprehend 37 migrants from two failed smuggling attempts and a stash house. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents apprehend 37 migrants from two failed smuggling attempts and a stash house.
On October 20, Weslaco Border Patrol agents received a call for assistance from the Pharr Police Department (PPD) regarding migrants encountered during a smuggling event. PPD advised they had received a call regarding a trailer suspected of being used to smuggle migrants. When authorities arrived at the location, the vehicle was abandoned, and a search of the utility trailer revealed a total of 22 migrants all determined to be illegally present in the U.S. All the migrants were in good health and the driver was not located.
That afternoon, RGV agents, with assistance from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, apprehended four subjects in a human smuggling stash house in Mission. Agents identified all subjects to be illegally present in the U.S. The subjects were citizens of Mexico. No caretaker was identified.
On October 19, RGV agents working near Falcon Heights, Texas initiated a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Trailblazer. The driver refused to stop, and a pursuit ensued until the driver crashed into a fence and several subjects fled the vehicle. A search of the immediate area resulted in the apprehension of six migrants. The driver was not located.
Hours later, Rio Grande City Border Patrol agents with the assistance of the Starr County Sheriff’s Office, attempted a vehicle stop on a white GMC Acadia suspected of transporting migrants near Rio Grande City. When law enforcement officials turned on their emergency equipment, the driver veered off the road and crashed into a tree. The occupants absconded from the vehicle. Agents apprehended five migrants who were determined to be illegally present in the U.S. No injuries were reported, and the driver was not located.
Natasha Del Barrio, Chief Executive Officer of Bert Ogden Auto Group, was a guest during the monthly “Coffee with the CEO” webinars that the RGV Hispanic Chamber hosts every month. President/CEO Cynthia M. Sakulenzki talked to Del Barrio about the auto dealership industry, how COVID has affected them, business with our neighbors to the south, etc. The free webinar occurred on Tuesday, October 25th, at 9 am.
A lifelong Valley native, Natasha received her BBA in Marketing and MBA from The University of Texas. She began her career while attending high school at Bert Ogden Auto Group as a part-time Marketing Assistant in 1999. She worked for Citi Group and JP Morgan Chase as a Dealer Development Manager and Assistant Vice President, respectively. She managed business portfolios for 140 automotive dealers throughout Texas, generating over $14 MM monthly revenue.
During her tenure in the banking industry, Natasha became considered a leader and subject matter expert for several cross-functional initiatives designed to grow profitability and training within financial services. In 2012, she returned to Bert Ogden as the Corporate Strategist.
With Mr. Vackar as her mentor, Natasha quickly rose through the Group’s hierarchy, eventually being promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Natasha has the vast responsibility of carrying out the strategic vision of the company by overseeing the operations of Bert Ogden’s 22 dealerships and numerous franchises
Members of the RGV Hispanic Chamber were encouraged to tune in to get an idea of how the car dealerships function, what opportunities there are in the industry, etc., stated Cynthia Sakulenki, President and CEO of the RGVCC. “We like to give a variety of Coffee Interviews with different CEOs of different industries so people can get a better idea of the different industries,” Sakulenzki added.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for September 2022. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for September 2022, which can be viewed online here.
“While failing regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua continued to drive a new wave of migration across the western Hemisphere, the number of Venezuelans arriving at the southern border decreased sharply nearly every day since we launched additional joint actions with Mexico to reduce irregular migration and create a more fair, orderly and safe process for people fleeing the humanitarian and economic crisis in their country,” said CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus. “Over the past week, the number of Venezuelans attempting to enter the country fell more than 80 percent compared to the week prior to the launch of the joint enforcement actions. While this early data is not reflected in the latest report, it confirms what we’ve said all along: when there is a lawful and orderly way to enter the country, individuals will be less likely to put their lives in the hands of smugglers and try to cross the border unlawfully.
“CBP and DHS will continue to work with our partners in the region to address the root causes of migration, expand legal pathways, facilitate removals, and take thousands of smugglers off the streets. No matter what smugglers say, those who do not have a legal basis to remain in the country will be removed and people should not make the dangerous journey.”
CBP Southwest Border Enforcement Numbers for September 2022
The large number of individuals fleeing failing authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba is contributing to an increased number of migrants attempting to cross the border.
The number of unique individuals encountered nationwide in September 2022 was 182,704, a 15 percent increase in the number of unique enforcement encounters over the prior month, driven largely by an increased number of asylum seekers fleeing authoritarian regimes in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.
Of the total unique encounters in September 2022, 77,302 were from Venezuela, Cuba, or Nicaragua, which represents 42% of unique encounters, a 245% increase over September 2021.
Of the total unique encounters in September 2022, 58,068 were from Mexico and northern Central America, which represents 32% of unique encounters, a 23% decrease over September 2021.
Unique SW Border Encounters by Select Citizenships
Venezuela / Cuba / Nicaragua
Mexico / N. Central America
Sep 2022
77,302
58,068
% Unique Encounters
42%
32%
% Change from Sep. 2021
245%
-23%
Note: Unique encounters include persons not previously encountered in the prior 12 months. Source: OIS analysis of CBP data.
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.
In total, there were 227,547 encounters along the southwest land border in September, a 12 percent increase compared to August. Of those, 19 percent 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 percent for FY2014-2019
Almost three-fourths (71 percent) of all southwest land border encounters were single adults, with 161,381 encounters in September, a 15 percent increase compared to August.
74,252 encounters, 33 percent of the total, were processed for expulsion under Title 42, consistent with the court order. 153,295encounters were processed under Title 8.
68,402 encounters involving single adults (42 percent of all single adult encounters) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 92,979 processed under Title 8.
5,714 encounters involving family unit individuals (11 percent of all family unit individuals) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 48,365 processed under Title 8.
Unaccompanied Children
Encounters of unaccompanied children increased 5 percent, with 11,900 encounters in September compared with 11,341 in August. In September, the average number of unaccompanied children in CBP custody was 485 per day, compared with an average of 422 per day in August.
Family Unit individuals
Encounters of family unit individuals increased by 4 percent from 51,773 in August to 54,079 in September —which is a 38 percent decrease from the peak of 86,631 in August 2021.
CBP Nationwide Total Encounters for FY22TD through September: 2,766,582
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 United States. 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, consistent with the court 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 about the DHS Plan for Southwest Border Security and Preparedness page.
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.
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 CDC website.
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 September 2022 alone, CBP processed more than 2.8 million entry summaries valued at more than $291 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $8.2 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In September, trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 39.94 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
In September 2022, CBP targeted 491 entries valued at more than $158.6 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 September 2022, CBP seized nearly 1,623 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $205 million.
CBP completed 80 audits that identified $58.4 million 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 $37.4 million of this identified revenue.
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, CBP drug seizures (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana) by weight were down 39 percent in September compared to August. Seizures were as follows:
Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture
In September 2022, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.
CBP issued 6,959 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.
CBP conducted 85,777 positive passenger inspections and issued 615 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.
Valley Baptist provides around-the-clock critical services to child and adult victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual assault. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – For victims of abuse and domestic violence, the road to healing and justice can be a difficult one to travel, but Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is ensuring that some of the most vulnerable in the Rio Grande Valley do not have to travel that road alone.
Through its comprehensive medical forensic program, the Child to Adult Abuse Response Team (CAART)– the only program of its kind in the Valley – Valley Baptist provides around-the-clock critical services to child and adult victims of abuse, neglect, and sexual assault.
Offering services since 2006, the abuse response team provides care to more than 100 patients each month, in addition to working with partners and advocates throughout the community and testifying in legal court cases involving abuse.
As part of the services offered by the abuse response team, specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners who are also skilled as forensic nurses care for patients in a calming and secure treatment room designed specifically for victims of abuse, where doctors and nurses can provide medical care to the community’s most vulnerable.
Sonja Eddleman, a nationally certified sexual assault nurse examiner, Child Abuse Resource and Evaluation Team clinical coordinator with Driscoll Children’s Hospital and CAART clinical director for Valley Baptist Health System, said the abuse response team is an important tool in caring for patients, especially as the community continues to deal with the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When patients come to the hospital, they expect that their medical needs will be met including: a comprehensive medical history, injuries documented and treated, testing and treatment for pertinent diseases, collection of items that have potential evidentiary value and providing resources for the next steps along the path,” she said. “The forensic nurses on the Child to Adult Abuse Response Team along with other medical team members provide comprehensive services wrapped in compassion. The compassionate services provided are instrumental in helping the patient with the next steps of the investigation and the potential for the case to go to court.”
The month of October serves as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and there is a dire need of increased awareness for the victims of assault and abuse who suffer throughout the community. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 1.3 million women and 835,000 men are victims of physical violence by a partner every year. In addition to those statistics, 2.9 million cases of child abuse are reported annually in the United States.
The services provided by Valley Baptist are vital to the physical and emotional well-being of the victims – children, women, and men who are often shrouded in social stigma, Eddleman said.“Valley Baptist has established community relationships with law enforcement and local nonprofits to connect our patients with the resources they need to be safe after discharge,” she said. “We are committed to providing quality, around-the-clock, compassionate care to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities, and to supporting all efforts to reduce further violence
Peñitas, Texas – The City of Peñitas was awarded its application for a Temporary Restraining Order against Hidalgo County to prevent the County from holding its 2022 General Election. Judge Rogelio Valdez approved the order on Thursday, October 20, 2022, which orders Hidalgo County Interim Elections Administrator Hilda A. Salinas and Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, in both his official capacity as Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner and individual capacity to “immediately cease and desist from proceeding with the early voting elections starting on October 24, 2022, and the November 8, 2022, General Election without opening the Peñitas Public Library polling location, from the date of entry of this order until fourteen (14) days thereafter, or until further order of this court.” (View the Order at the end of the story)
Furthermore, the order decreed that Hidalgo County Interim Elections Administrator Hilda A. Salinas and Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, in both his official capacity as Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner and individual capacity are ordered to “immediately post a Notice of Election that include a list of Election Day and Early voting polling locations to the Hidalgo County Election Department’s website no later than Friday, October 21, 2022, at 7:00 am and that the list of polling locations shall include the Peñitas Public Library polling location.”
The judge ordered defendants to open the Peñitas Public Library polling location for the entire early voting period and General Election Day as ordered by La Joya ISD and Agua SUD. As of 3:30 pm on Friday, October 21, 2022, the Early Voting and Election Day schedules and locations did not list the Peñitas Public Library as a poll location, in direct violation of the Order. View the listed poll sites at https://www.hidalgocounty.us/3101/2022-General-Election-Local-Entities-Ele
“The City of Peñitas and our residents would like to extend our appreciation to Judge Valdez for upholding the law and working in fairness to abide by our constitutional and Voting Rights,” said Mayor Ramiro Loya. “Disenfranchising our citizens is unacceptable, inexcusable, and unjust,” he added. “We look forward to resolving this situation and trust in due process of the law,” added Loya.
A Temporary Injunction hearing has been scheduled for 1:30 pm at November 3, 2022, in the 92nd District Court. Hidalgo County Interim Elections Administrator Hilda A. Salinas and Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Ever Villarreal, in both his official capacity as Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner and individual capacity are commanded to appear before the judge.
The TRO, which was filed October 20, 2022, claims that Agua SUD and La Joya ISD both specifically ordered and designated the Peñitas Public Library as a polling place in the November 2022 General Election and both forwarded their election order to the Hidalgo County, who was contracted to conduct the election for both entities.
The TRO further states that the Defendants ignored the election orders of both entities and “in blatant disregard for the wishes of the elected officials of these two entities,” the County decided to remove the Peñitas Library as a polling place.
The TRO further asserts that the Defendants’ removing of the Peñitas Public Library has left multiple voting precincts located in the City of Peñitas without a polling place, which will disenfranchise the citizens of Peñitas in their fundamental right to vote by closing their city’s poll location.
Governor Abbott this week announced the launch of the State of Texas’ coordinated “One Pill Kills” campaign to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis. Photo: Office of the Governor
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 317,000 migrant apprehensions and more than 21,000 criminal arrests, with more than 18,600 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 342 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
Texas has also bused over 8,200 migrants to our nation’s capital since April, over 3,400 migrants to New York City since August 5, and more than 1,000 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.
Governor Abbott this week announced the launch of the State of Texas’ coordinated “One Pill Kills” campaign to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis, which is a deadly byproduct of President Biden’s open border policies. Governor Abbott also announced new laws to be considered this upcoming legislative session that would classify fentanyl as a poisoning, allow charging an individual for murder if they distribute fentanyl or drugs laced with fentanyl that kill someone, and make NARCAN more readily available across the state for Texans exposed to fentanyl.
Image: Office of the Governor
“Fentanyl remains the single deadliest drug threat our state and nation has ever encountered, killing four Texans every day,” said Governor Abbott. “In the Biden Administration’s negligence to address this national security threat, Texas has designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and is launching a statewide public awareness campaign to fight the fentanyl crisis in our state.”
Last month, Governor Abbott directed state agency leadersto ramp up efforts to respond to the crisis, including coordinating outreach to raise awareness of fentanyl’s lethality and prevalence.
Read the press release announcing the statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign.
Governor Abbott held a press conference following a roundtable discussion with state and local law enforcement at the DPS Waco Regional Laboratory on Tuesday to highlight the newly launched “One Pill Kills” campaign.
“Fentanyl is killing innocent Texans, with well over a thousand lives lost from communities across our state due to the pervasiveness of deadly synthetic opioids,” said Governor Abbott. “This clandestine killer is produced and distributed by Mexican drug cartels, which cunningly disguise fentanyl to look like legitimate prescription medications, and even candy to appeal to children.”
Governor Abbott issued an executive order last month designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and instructing DPS to take immediate action to keep Texans safe amid the growing fentanyl crisis. The Governor also sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris requesting federal terrorist classifications for the Sinaloa Cartel and Jalisco New Generation Cartel, as well as other cartels producing and distributing deadly fentanyl.
In an op-ed for the El Paso Times, Governor Abbott explains the significance of his recent designation of Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations and why President Biden must take action to confront the dangers these transnational criminal organizations pose to Texans across the state, as well as the whole nation.
“President Biden has already declared the cartel-driven fentanyl and opioid crisis a national emergency on paper but is doing little to solve it in practice,” wrote Governor Abbott. “If our nation’s leaders truly care about ensuring Americans’ safety, President Biden will declare Mexican drug cartels foreign terrorist organizations, as Texas already has, and take actions to mitigate against increasingly deadly cartel threats surging across our border.”
A federal designation of Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations would freeze cartel assets, weakening the financial support of trafficking activities. Federal investigators and prosecutors could also aggressively pursue the enhanced criminal sentences applicable to drug traffickers who fund foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, designating cartels as federal terrorist organizations would heighten public awareness, while signaling to the international community that America will not tolerate terrorists who poison its citizens.
DPS Director Steve McCraw joined Fox News this week to discuss Governor Abbott’s statewide “One Pill Kills” campaign to combat the growing national fentanyl crisis and the Mexican drug cartels that produce and distribute the deadly synthetic opioid. Because the federal government is failing to secure the southern border and address the deadly threat of fentanyl, Governor Abbott has had to deploy unprecedented resources to stop cartels from smuggling illegal drugs into Texas communities.
“The Governor is not just focused on the enforcement portion [of combatting the crisis] but also education—enlisting state agencies, enlisting the communities across Texas, and enlisting the media to educate parents and adults about the dangers of fentanyl,” said Director McCraw. “Mexican cartels are the most powerful, ruthless, and depraved criminal organizations in the world. They care only about making money. People are a commodity when they move them across the border, and they couldn’t care less about overdose deaths in Texas.”
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez spoke with Fox News’ Neil Cavuto about how transnational criminal organizations are taking advantage of President Biden’s failure to secure the border and implement long-term solutions to mass migration. Lt. Olivarez says DPS continues to deal with a record influx of illegal immigrants and human smuggling at the border as the Biden Administration fails to act.
“Criminals have been able to smuggle people since last year, and they feel they can now operate with no consequences,” said Lt. Olivarez. “If they come across our men and women of DPS, we will arrest them. There will be consequences for those individuals violating state law. But the fact that the federal government has allowed an open border policy, the criminal organizations exploit that. It’s a multibillion-dollar trade, and they’re not going to lose their profits.”
Texas National Guard Apprehends Over 103,000 Illegal Immigrants At Border
Migrants detained after illegally crossing to the U.S. Photo: Texas Military Department
Texas National Guard soldiers have apprehended or encountered more than 103,000 would-be illegal immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley alone since the launch of Operation Lone Star through mid-October 2022, according to Texas Military Department Task Force East data. While some people attempting to illegally cross the Texas-Mexico border are searching for a better life, criminals, drug smugglers, and human traffickers use those same routes. Because of Operation Lone Star, those criminal elements are now detected and apprehended at the border.
“Every day we come into work and notice that a lot of Border Patrol sections are understaffed, so I feel that having our presence here definitely helps,” said Staff Sgt. Joel Martinez, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry. “We go into a local gas station, and the locals are always thanking us for doing what we do here.”
Fox News correspondent Joy Addison rode along with DPS troopers near McAllen, and just minutes into the early morning patrol they encountered a group of illegal immigrants who had recently crossed a dangerous section of the Rio Grande River. A few minutes later, a second group was seen and apprehended. The Hidalgo County Sheriff told Fox News his office recently rescued 84 illegal immigrants from a tractor trailer transporting them to a stash house.
“The number of deaths that have taken place and immigrants who have lost their life because of this current border crisis is a record we’ve never seen before,” said DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez. “It’s hard to actually put a number on how many illegal immigrants have come across because there are so many. There are also those individuals that come across and don’t set off any cameras.”
DPS troopers stopped a truck towing a homemade horse trailer in Kinney County. As a trooper was approaching the vehicle, he noticed several individuals concealed inside the trailer. The driver was arrested and charged with human smuggling. Six illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
A Texas National Guard soldier stationed near Laredo described the recent illegal activity he detected at the border, including an encounter with nine illegal immigrants trespassing on a private ranch. Using assets to track the group through the brush, soldiers and Border Patrol agents were able to apprehend the illegal immigrants.
“Oftentimes, we’ll get a group that will disperse in areas like this,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Helton, Alpha Company Platoon Leader, Task Force Center. “Every night is different. Usually during the weekdays, we’ll get multiple groups, and we have to be smart and maneuver from one point to the other and maneuver our assets as well to make sure we get in position for other groups.”
DPS troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in Brooks County. During the roadside interview, the trooper learned the driver had her children—a 14-year-old and a 10-month-old baby—as she was attempting to smuggle three illegal immigrants from Mission to San Antonio. The driver was arrested for human smuggling, and the three illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
DPS troopers stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in Webb County when five illegal immigrants bailed out of the vehicle. They were later apprehended, and the driver was arrested and charged with human smuggling.
Illegal Migrants stashed in the back of a tractor trailer. Photo: Texas DPS
As part of Operation Lone Star, last Saturday night, DPS Criminal Investigations Special Agents responded to a possible human smuggling attempt in Laredo. After further investigation, DPS agents discovered 11 illegal immigrants, including eight males and three females from Guatemala.
All illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol. The truck tractor and the trailer were impounded because of a missing vehicle identification number. The investigation is still under way.
Border Patrol agents discovered four bundles inside the vehicle that tested positive for marijuana. The bundles had a weight of 243 lbs., with an estimated street value of $194,480. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents prevent a narcotic smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas.
On October 19, Border Patrol agents were working their assigned duties when they noticed a black SUV loading what appeared to be bundles at the entrance of a park in west Laredo, Texas. Moments later, Border Patrol agents observed a vehicle matching the description of the vehicle traveling south on I-35. The vehicle exited the highway where the driver abandoned the vehicle near the intersection of Blair Street and Flores Avenue.
Border Patrol agents discovered four bundles inside the vehicle that tested positive for marijuana. The bundles had a weight of 243 lbs., with an estimated street value of $194,480.
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.
If you can help please reach out to our Rescue Team. Email rescue@pvastx.org. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
This little lady came in today, and our team suspects her to be pregnant. Amara has just been here a few hours, and we can tell she is already stressed and timid.
We are seeking a rescue organization that has the time, space and resources to take care of this calm and scared little girl, especially due to her being pregnant.
If you can help please reach out to our Rescue Team. Email rescue@pvastx.org
Opportunity Finance Network awarded small business advocate Janie Barrera the 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Opportunity Finance Network awarded small business advocate Janie Barrera the 2022 Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance. Presented annually by OFN, a leading network of community development financial institutions, the Gramlich Award is the CDFI industry’s highest individual honor.
Barrera accepted the Gramlich Award in New York at OFN’s annual conference, where more than 2000 industry leaders, practitioners, and partners gathered for three days of learning and networking.
During her acceptance speech, Barrera walked the audience through milestones and lessons learned though her career and almost 30 years of leading one of the nation’s largest microlender. Founded in 1994, LiftFund is a nonprofit that provides capital to enterprises of all sizes across many industries. LiftFund has made almost a half billion dollars in loans and has a 96% repayment rate from its customers.
“I am grateful and honored to receive this award and recognition,” Barrera said. “I am reminded that our work is life-changing and life-giving. And we must continue to be of service to others.”
To celebrate the recognition and bring a little of her heritage to New York, Janie welcomed a band of mariachis on stage for a rendition of Selena’s Coma La Flor.
LiftFund launched in San Antonio, Texas, in 1994 with three employees. Today, LiftFund has more than a hundred employees and operates in 15 states, providing a variety of loan and business support services, such as marketing and management skills training, to help clients grow their business.
“Janie has spent three decades advocating for a more just and inclusive economy. More than that, she has helped to make it so,” said Donna Gambrell, president and CEO of Appalachian Community Capital and chair of OFN’s board of directors. “Janie has worked hard to level the financial playing field for entrepreneurs who have faced considerable obstacles to finance their dreams.”
LiftFund played an outsized role in supporting and uplifting small businesses during the pandemic, leveraging technology to meet unprecedented demand. In 2020 alone, LiftFund disbursed more than $43 million in loans, more than $54 million in grants, and delivered more than 7,000 hours of business support, serving small businesses at a rate never seen before in industry history.
“Janie is a pioneer in technology innovations that have helped expand small business and microenterprise financing, both at LiftFund and at CDFIs throughout the country,” said Beth Lipson, OFN’s chief financial officer and interim CEO. “Janie is a fearless – and extremely effective – financial justice change agent.”
Over her career, Barrera has received local and national recognition for her service and has served on many boards. She was appointed to President Barack Obama’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability and was named to the board of directors for the Federal Reserve of Dallas’ San Antonio Branch. In 2015, Barrera was named to the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame. Most recently, Barrera was invited to join the inaugural Treasury Advisory Committee on Racial Equity.
The award is named for Ned Gramlich, a staunch, longtime advocate for responsible finance. As former Board of Governors’ primary liaison to the Fed’s Consumer Advisory Council, Gramlich advised on community development and consumer finance policy matters. He was an outspoken voice against predatory lending and a strong defender of the Community Reinvestment Act. He served on OFN’s Board from October 2006 until his death in 2007.
Previous Gramlich awardees include Susan Tachau (2021); Inez Long (2020); Michael Swack (2019); Nancy O. Andrews (2018); Linda Davenport and John Berdes (2017); Elsie Meeks (2016); Moises Loiza (2015); Bill Bynum (2014); Ron Phillips (2013); Juliana Evades (2012); Jeremy Nowak (2011); Sister Corinne Floret (2010); Martin Eakes (2009); Cliff Rosenthal (2008); and Ned Gramlich (2007).
