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‘Se Busca Información’ Targeting Five Human Smugglers In El Paso Area

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‘Se Busca Información’ Targeting Five Human Smugglers In El Paso Area
The U.S. Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector have announced five criminal targets operating in the El Paso Sector region for their ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative. USCBP Image
The U.S. Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector have announced five criminal targets operating in the El Paso Sector region for their ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas — The U.S. Border Patrol in the El Paso Sector have announced five criminal targets operating in the El Paso Sector region for their ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative.

First launched in 2016, this initiative identifies individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations wanted for crimes associated with human and drug smuggling on both sides of the border. The ‘Se Busca Información’ initiative promotes unity and encourages the public to anonymously report information about wanted individuals.

El Paso “Se Busca” initiative targets. USCBP Image

“Transnational Criminal Organizations exploit migrants and treat them as a commodity as smugglers continue to place their lives in danger,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Peter Jaquez of the El Paso Sector. “Through this initiative, community members on both sides of the border will have an opportunity to provide us with information to capture these dangerous smuggling criminals who exploit vulnerable migrants for profit.”

Those who believe they have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement in El Paso by phone at 1-800-635-2509 or by ‘WhatsApp’ at (915) 314- 8194. The phone lines are open 24 hours a day to a special ‘Se Busca Información’ intelligence center.

It is important to note that an arrest or criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered evidence of guilt. Subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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 1-800-635- 2509.

Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions Opens in Edinburg

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Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions Opens in Edinburg
The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more. Courtesy Image
The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more. Courtesy Image

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EDINBURG, Texas – A new electronics repair shop, Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions™, has opened in Edinburg at 1616 West University Ave. The store offers professional fixes for most consumer electronics, from smartphones, tablets and computers to game consoles, smart speakers, drones and more. 

While common repairs include cracked screens, battery issues and water damage, the company’s repair experts have fixed millions of devices and can help with most any tech mishap, and many basic repairs can be completed in 45 minutes or less.

The store is owned by Reginald and Rene Jackson, who also own an additional location in South McAllen.

“We are looking forward to introducing Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions to Edinburg as we continue to serve this region,” said Reginald Jackson. “It is a joy working with a team who cares not only about satisfying customers but ensuring that our community stays connected with one another.”

The store’s expert repair technicians fix all kinds of technology, regardless of make or model, and the store is an authorized repair provider for Samsung Galaxy® and Google Pixel™ smartphones. Customers can book a repair appointment online or stop by the store for walk-in service. The store offers free, no-obligation diagnostics on all gadgets, as well as a 1-year limited warranty on all repairs. It even offers a price match guarantee on any local competitor’s regularly published price for the same repair. 

The new Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions store brings the company’s retail footprint to more than 750 locations across the U.S. Formerly known as uBreakiFix®, all U.S. locations are rebranding as Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions.

“We are excited to serve people in Edinburg with fast and affordable tech repair,” said Dave Barbuto, CEO of Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions. “We all rely on our phones and laptops more than ever before, and our mission is bigger than repairing shattered screens and broken charge ports. We fix tech because people depend on it to stay connected to things that are important to them. I look forward to serving this community through our new location.” 

The new store is located at: 

Asurion Tech Repair & Solutions 

1616 W University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539

(956) 329-1080

Mission Police Department Unveiling of Pink Police Unit

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Mission Police Department Unveiling of Pink Police Unit
Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza is joined by the Mission Police Chief and others for the unveiling of the Pink Police Unit. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza is joined by the Mission Police Chief and others for the unveiling of the Pink Police Unit. Image courtesy of the City of Mission

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The Mission Police Department hosted an unveiling of a special pink PD Unit this afternoon in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink patrol car will hit the streets immediately. It will be a tribute to breast cancer warriors year-round.

Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza Speaks to the people gathered for the unveiling. Image courtesy of the City of Mission
Mission Mayor Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza with the new pink police unit.

Watch the unveiling below:

CBP Officers Seize $600K Worth of Cocaine

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CBP Officers Seize $600K Worth of Cocaine
Cocaine load stopped at the Bridge of the Americas. USCBP Image
Cocaine load stopped at the Bridge of the Americas. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing seized 55.45 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $600,000.

“CBP officers continue to remain vigilant as they sort through the thousands of law abiding border crossers to root out those who choose to introduce dangerous drugs into our community,” said Ray Provencio, CBP El Paso Port Director.

The seizure took place on Oct. 4, when a 46-year-old male, U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. The individual was referred for a secondary inspection of the vehicle which included screening by a CBP canine and a non-intrusive inspection (x-ray). After conducting a thorough examination, CBP officers located multiple packages concealed within the vehicle containing a total of 55.45 pounds of cocaine.

The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations special agents to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.

Agents Apprehend 6 Gang Members, 3 Sex Offenders 

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Agents Apprehend 6 Gang Members, 3 Sex Offenders 
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested three sex offenders and six gang members. Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested three sex offenders and six gang members. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents arrested three sex offenders and six gang members.     

On Oct. 5, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents arrested a Mexican national who was convicted in 2012 of statutory rape in Mississippi. MCS agents also arrested a Mexican national in Mission, on Oct. 4. Record checks revealed he was previously convicted of annoy/molest children and convicted to 36 months of incarceration in California.

Also on Oct. 4, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station agents arrested a Mexican national whose criminal history revealed he was convicted of child molesting in 2006 and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration and four years of probation in Indiana.

On Oct. 3, MCS agents processed a Mexican national Paisa gang member with extensive immigration history. The subject was sentenced to 82 months of incarceration after being previously removed from the U.S. multiple times.

Additionally, RGV agents apprehended five other gang members associated to MS-13 and 18th Street gangs.   

All subjects were processed accordingly.  

Laredo Sector stops a human smuggling attempt

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Laredo Sector stops a human smuggling attempt
 Laredo Sector Border Patrol stops a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
 Laredo Sector Border Patrol stops a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol stops a human smuggling attempt in Laredo, Texas.

 On October 5, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties responded to a report of a group crossing the Rio Grande. Border Patrol agents managing Remote Video Surveillance System (RVSS) cameras noticed a group of undocumented individuals attempting to cross the Rio Grande illegally into the United States. RVSS operators quickly notified agents in the area.

 Border Patrol agents encountered the subjects attempting to get into a vehicle in the area. As agents arrived, four subjects were observed swimming back towards Mexico, seven remained in the vehicle, all illegally present in the United States.

 The vehicle was seized, and all subjects were repatriated to their country of origin under Title 42.

Produce Season Has Begun!

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Produce Season Has Begun!
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Eddie Lucio and other officials opened the produce season. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Traditional Cutting of the Fruit – Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and special guests including Texas State Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio Jr., Chairman of the Pharr International Bridge Board Edgar Delgadillo and board members, and Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan participate in the ceremonial cutting of the fruit. Image courtesy of the City of Pharr

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The official opening to the produce season with the cutting of the fruit. Image courtesy of the City of Pharr
Pharr, Texas – City of Pharr officials and Pharr International Bridge leaders celebrated the start of the 2022-2023 Produce Season by welcoming guests to this year’s themed event “A Taste of Trade” which featured an array of brightly displayed fresh fruits and vegetables and local chefs preparing meal samplings out of the displays of produce. The event was attended by elected officials, dignitaries, produce growers, importers, distributors, and consumers representing the United States and Mexico.  

The Pharr International Bridge continues to be the #1 bridge for produce crossings in the nation, with over 65% of all produce from Mexico crossing through Pharr.
Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan speaking to the crowd. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

“We feed the world through our bridge,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Everything goes from this bridge throughout the United States from the East Coast, Midwest, and ultimately winds up in other countries such as Germany and we are so proud of that,” he continued. “Today we also recognize and celebrate the hard work of our bridge staff and board for the great success our port of entry continues to experience,” added Hernandez. “It takes a team and we have been working diligently with many partners to ensure that our bridge continues to have the infrastructure, resources, and funding to meet our future needs,” he said.

On average, the Pharr International Bridge crosses 200,000 produce shipments per year. Fresh fruits and vegetables including avocados, pineapples, mangoes, tomatoes, carrots, and more make their way through the bridge every day.

Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan and others at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

“Each year our annual event continues to grow and we are so proud to have the opportunity to showcase our trading power, highlight our bi-national partnerships, and celebrate our produce ranking amongst our many produce and logistic partners,” said Bazan. As part of our theme “A Taste of Trade”, we showcased several dishes prepared by local chefs and restaurants using fresh produce from our bridge,” he added. “This is something new we added this year, and we hope everyone enjoyed visually seeing just how many of our produce products cross through Pharr,” he continued. 

Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez MD, speaking at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

The U.S. has consistently remained Mexico’s No.1 trading partner for produce and goods. Pharr’s ideal geographical location has resulted in a successful and fruitful partnership between the two countries and in the growth of their produce trading capacity which breaks new records year after year. 

Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa was in attendance as well. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

“Trade with Mexico supports almost 500,000 jobs,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa during his remarks. “Texas could not be so strong economically without Mexico being a partner,” added Sen. Hinojosa. 

A small sample of produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the fruit and the distribution of fresh produce to guests. 

Pharr International Bridge Director Luis A. Bazan (Right) enjoying the ceremony.https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Mayor Hernandez showing off some of the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Crowds gathered for the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Sampling the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
City officials and others at the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Mayor Hernandez and others sampling the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Senator Hinojosa enjoying the ceremony. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr
Bringing in the produce. Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

Photo Sources: https://www.facebook.com/cityofpharr

Potential for Future Success in Manufacturing

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Potential for Future Success in Manufacturing
TSTC Precision Machining Technology student Alfredo Aldape uses a vertical milling machine to create a precision vise assembly during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
TSTC Precision Machining Technology student Alfredo Aldape uses a vertical milling machine to create a precision vise assembly during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas – There is growing demand for jobs for machinists and welders in modern engineering and manufacturing. This offers an excellent career outlook for students at Texas State Technical College who seek to fill those positions.

In observance of Manufacturing Day on Friday, Oct. 7, TSTC recognizes its Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology programs for ensuring that students receive the hands-on training required for success in the Texas workforce.

The Precision Machining Technology program teaches students about safety, cutting speeds and feeds, tooling, different types of machining, and other components.

“Our students are held to a high standard,” said Francisco Garcia, a TSTC Precision Machining Technology instructor. “This program creates a well-rounded individual to earn a great-paying career in the workforce.”

Garcia said his students learn various techniques that meet industry standards.

“They are trained in manual machining, computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining, manual programming, computer-aided drafting, computer-aid manufacturing, blueprint reading, and proper use of measuring tools,” Garcia said. “These skills allow the individual to receive a blueprint, interpret it, and produce the part from start to finish.”

Garcia said Manufacturing Day shines a light on the importance of manufacturing.

“Everything has to go through a machine shop,” he said. “Machinists either create a finished product or make the machines to produce the product.”

Alfredo Aldape, of Brownsville, is pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology. The fourth-semester student, who is projected to graduate in December, said he is ready to begin his career.

“The program has trained me well, and I have learned a lot,” Aldape said. “I’m able to utilize various machines. I have the experience to do manual machining and also program a CNC machine. I can read blueprints to machine the parts, and I’m able to work independently.”

The Welding Technology program educates its students on four main areas used in the industry: shielded metal arc, gas tungsten arc, flux-cored arc and gas metal arc welding processes.

“Blueprint reading, layout and fabrication, and welding automation are included,” said Manuel Ahumada, a TSTC Welding Technology instructor. “Our students touch base on all major processes, using different welding procedures. We also teach structural and pipe fitment, as well as the use of automated and mechanized welding systems.”

Ahumada said the program continues to include the latest welding equipment and techniques.

“We have introduced new areas in the program to simulate real-world experiences,” he said.

Ahumada said Manufacturing Day helps promote the importance of welding and signifies that the profession will always be in high demand.

Jonathan Anguiano, of Weslaco, is pursuing a certificate of completion in Structural Welding. The fourth-semester student said the program has molded him in many ways.

“It taught me to work hard because companies that will hire us expect us to know how to weld,” he said.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.

Juvenile Drug Smuggler Stopped by CBP Officers

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Juvenile Drug Smuggler Stopped by CBP Officers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled a methamphetamine smuggling attempt by a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. USCBP Image
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled a methamphetamine smuggling attempt by a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers working at the Paso Del Norte international border crossing in downtown El Paso, foiled a methamphetamine smuggling attempt by a 15-year-old U.S. citizen. 

“This seizure once again proves that smugglers can come in all ages,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio. “CBP officers have stopped U.S. citizens and foreign travelers, teens, senior citizens, single adults and family units attempting to smuggle drugs across the border. There is no one type of smuggler.”

The interception occurred on Oct. 4 when the young teen arrived from Mexico via the pedestrian lanes. A CBP canine conducting inspections alerted to the odor of narcotics emitting from the juvenile. The border crosser was then referred to secondary where a pat down search was conducted resulting in the discovery of packages secured to his thighs. The packages were found to contain .09 pounds of methamphetamine.

The juvenile was turned over to Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers

$11.2M for Webb Co. Head Start & Early Head Start

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$11.2M for Webb Co. Head Start & Early Head Start
Congressman Cuellar and others at the check presentation. Courtesy Image
Congressman Cuellar and others at the check presentation. Courtesy Image

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Congressman Cuellar announced $11,215,902 in federal funding for Webb County’s Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. These programs are dedicated to helping low-income children, ages 1 to 5, with their educational development as well as providing numerous healthcare services.

The best way that we can ensure sustainable development and growth in our communities is to provide for the education of the next generation. The Head Start and Early Head Start Programs play a critical role in preparing our children for the future and provide critical assistance for low-income families

Congressman Cuellar is committed to giving every child in our communities the opportunity to succeed and grow.

Webb County’s Head Start Program funds the education of 1,218 children and Early Head Start serves 144 children. 

Together these programs provide numerous services, such as:

  1. Education services
  2. Dental and vision services
  3. Mental health resources
  4. Nutrition services
  5. Family and community strengthening and
  6. Services for children with disabilities

These services allow parents of low income and disadvantaged parents to have a steady source of childcare and support while providing for their families.This award is part of a 5-year grant that began in 2019. Since 2019, Webb County has received over $47 million from the grant and supplemental COVID relief funding for the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.

“On behalf of the children, families, and staff of Webb County Head Start, I thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for once again being a leading voice of the Head Start community.  Because of his hard work in Washington, the Webb County Head Start program will be provided with Federal funds to improve staff salaries, purchase educational material for all 66 classrooms, provide staff with Personal Protective Equipment, and improve classroom and playground safety.  Thank you, Congressman Cuellar, for you have proven to the Head Start community that you believe strongly in the doors of opportunity being open for all!” 

-Aliza F. Oliveros, Head Start Director. 

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