Lone Star National Bank is proud to announce that it will continue to work in partnership with the Starr County Industrial Foundation to promote financial literacy to our Starr County residents. Image for illustration purposes.
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas –Lone Star National Bank is proud to announce that it will continue to work in partnership with the Starr County Industrial Foundation to promote financial literacy to our Starr County residents. This partnership is geared towards providing financial education resources to South Texas College students who are obtaining training and education in careers that employ them as contractors/sole-proprietors. Lone Star National Bank recognizes the struggles of small business owners and entrepreneurs and is fully invested on ensuring that the Valley’s small business owners and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed. This partnership will provide trainings and workshops to STC’s CDL, Welding, Electrical and Nursing program among others. More details on dates and registration to be released in the coming weeks.
Established in 1983, Lone Star National Bank has provided banking services to communities in South Texas for over 39 years. Lone Star National Bank, the largest Hispanic owned independent community bank in the country, with over 3 billion in total assets and thirty five (35) banking centers throughout Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron and Bexar Counties. The Corporate Office is located at 520 E. Nolana Ave., McAllen, Texas.
Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling out his failure to enforce immigration law and address the drug and human trafficking crisis. Graham Source: U.S. Senate Photo Office, Brett Flashnick, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Cruz Source: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Mayorkas Source: Zachary Hupp/U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling out his failure to enforce immigration law and address the drug and human trafficking crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border as “a gross dereliction of duty and a violation of your oath of office.” They note, “This is gross dereliction of duty and, if not corrected swiftly, could provide grounds for impeachment.”
The senators wrote:
“Your failure to faithfully enforce this nation’s immigration laws and willful blindness to the very real humanitarian crisis at our southern border amounts to a gross dereliction of duty and a violation of your oath of office. Historically high levels of illegal immigration and illicit drug trafficking demonstrate that our southern border is open for every kind of public health and national security threat imaginable. Despite the heroic efforts by the men and women of Border Patrol, who operate with very little support from Washington, D.C., you have failed to achieve any semblance of operational control of the southern border. We have grave concerns about what this failure means for both national security and the health and safety of American citizens. These failures cannot go unaddressed, and your actions cannot be unaccounted for. The American people deserve better.”
…
“Far from taking steps to address this crisis and secure the southern border, you have allowed the situation to worsen and pursued policies that have greatly exacerbated the problem while continuing to insist that ‘the border is secure.’ This is gross dereliction of duty and, if not corrected swiftly, could provide grounds for impeachment.”
The senators note the shocking statistics that are occurring under Secretary Mayorkas:
2,150,639 illegal alien encounters by CBP on the southern border in fiscal year 2022, the most ever in a single year.
1,734,686 encounters in fiscal year 2021, the second-most ever in a single year.
241,166 encounters in May 2022 alone, the most ever encounters in a single month.
235,706 encounters in April 2022 alone, the second-most ever encounters in a single
month.
12,861 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP in fiscal year 2022, a 219% increase over the same point in fiscal year 2020.
2,287 pounds seized just last month, enough to kill over 500 million people.
5,133 pounds seized in just the last three months, more than was seized in all of fiscal year 2020 and more than twice as much as in all of fiscal year 2019.
The New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with Attorney General Paxton and Secretary of State John Scott after several groups attempted to sue Secretary Scott for information about efforts to ensure that non-U.S. citizens are not voting in Texas elections. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – The New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit sided with Attorney General Paxton and Secretary of State John Scott after several groups attempted to sue Secretary Scott for information about efforts to ensure that non-U.S. citizens are not voting in Texas elections.
Secretary of State Scott, following his legal duty, compares voter registration information with citizenship information to help guarantee that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. If suspicion arises that an individual has illegally registered to vote, local officials initiate a multi-step process before investigating and, if necessary, canceling his or her unlawful voter registration. If, during this process, the Secretary of State receives information evidencing criminal conduct related to elections, that information is referred to Attorney General Paxton’s office.
Aiming to impede this process, several organizations sued Secretary of State Scott after his office refused a request from these groups to access substantial amounts of nonpublic voter information. In order to protect the integrity of this ongoing investigation process, the security of Texas elections, and the privacy of lawful Texas voters, Attorney General Paxton defended Secretary Scott’s decision.
A lower court ruled that the plaintiffs should receive the private voter data under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, but the Fifth Circuit overruled that decision and sided with Secretary Scott. Agreeing with Attorney General Paxton’s lead argument on appeal, the Fifth Circuit noted that these organizations have no standing to request this private information, highlighting that “not a single Plaintiff is a Texas voter.”
Because of this lack of standing, the court of appeals ordered the lower court to dismiss the case: “Reversing the district court, we hold that the organizations constituting the Plaintiffs lack standing to bring their claim under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (“NVRA”). Consequently, we Reverse and Remand with instructions to Dismiss.”
To read the court’s full explanation for the decision, click here.
(Left)DPS Seizes 126 Lbs. Of Cocaine Worth Over $1.2 Million During Traffic Stop. Texas DPS Photo. (Right) Texas National Guard Platoon Apprehends Over 30 Illegal Immigrants A Week. Photo: Texas Military Department
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 311,000 migrant apprehensions and more than 20,500 criminal arrests, with more than 18,000 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 337 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 3,100 migrants to New York City since August 5, and more than 920 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.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez told Fox News this week that his agency is observing a significant increase in weapons smuggling. He said DPS has seized thousands of weapons associated with border-related criminal activity statewide, with AR-15s, AK-47s, and 50 caliber rifles among the seized weapons. He also notes that DPS is noticing more smugglers with firearms in the human smuggling attempts involving high-speed chases with DPS troopers.
“We’re seeing weapons, human smuggling, and drug smuggling, as well as currency and illicit funds that are being smuggled back into Mexico to supply the cartels,” said Lt. Olivarez. “Cartels have been able to expand their criminal networks throughout the southern border because there is essentially an open border policy, and they’re taking full advantage of that. Policies need to be in place to slow down the flow of mass migration so that law enforcement can focus on the criminal elements.”
DPS Seizes 126 Lbs. Of Cocaine Worth Over $1.2 Million During Traffic Stop
On Wednesday morning, DPS seized 126 lbs. of cocaine after a traffic stop in Hidalgo County. The DPS Criminal Investigations Division with assistance from Texas Highway Patrol stopped a pickup truck towing a travel trailer in McAllen for a traffic violation. During the vehicle inspection, a trooper discovered 55 tape-wrapped bundles containing cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment inside the trailer.
The driver from Michigan was arrested and charged with felony manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. The seized drugs have a street value of more than $1.2 million.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined Fox News this week to discuss how the federal government’s open border policies are enabling transnational criminal organizations to expand their enterprises further into the United States by chartering private flights for human smuggling. Within a 30-day timeframe, DPS stopped three separate human smuggling attempts by plane from three different airports in the Rio Grande Valley bound for Houston, a known hub for smuggling.
“The situation of illegal immigrants who are being smuggled on planes by these criminal organizations is a serious threat to national security,” said Lt. Olivarez. “For example, one of those immigrants was in possession of a fraudulent Texas ID card. We apprehended him, and he was a deported felon with an active warrant out of Wisconsin for sexual assault of a child.”
A Texas National Guard soldier described how the Tactical Response Unit is able to use real data compiled for the week to set up operations in areas where non-family units are coming across the border in order to focus on the criminal side of illegal border crossings. He explained how one recent group they encountered included members of Mexican gangs.
“We’re able to track gang members coming over from the other side [of the border] and apprehend them to take them to the proper areas,” said Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Mata.
DPS troopers in Maverick County attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a gravel hauler for a traffic violation. After a vehicle pursuit, the driver bailed out and ran toward the brush.
A total of 17 illegal immigrants were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.
Texas National Guard Platoon Apprehends Over 30 Illegal Immigrants A Week
A Texas National Guard soldier detailed how his platoon apprehends more than 30 to 40 illegal immigrants crossing the border each week, the majority of which are gang members, scouts and lookouts for the gangs, or coyotes charging money to guide illegal immigrants across the border. He notes, however, that soldiers’ proactive approach to patrolling the area near Hidalgo has improved with the help of sensors and cameras, which make locating illegal immigrants more strategic.
“We know a lot of them are gang members because if they get away and get into the river, they throw gang signs and antagonize us,” said Staff Sgt. Riener Mongerson, Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry platoon leader. “We don’t get a lot of people surrendering in our area, mostly people who run.”
An 18-year-old human smuggler led DPS troopers on a high-speed pursuit in Uvalde County. After disabling the vehicle, the smuggler bailed out and was later apprehended.
A total of 13 illegal immigrants from Mexico were apprehended and referred to Border Patrol.
The US DOJ FBI released its 2021 Crime Report on October 5, 2022. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
The US DOJ FBI released its 2021 Crime Report on October 5, 2022. The City of McAllen participates in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). These programs make possible the measurement and analysis of crime in a uniform manner.
The City of McAllen Analysis of 2021 Texas Uniformed Crime Report (UCR) and Crime Data reported by US DOJ FBI 2021 Crime Report as follows:
Texas Cities.
McAllen’s population is reported at 144,973.
There are twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s population ranks 23rd of the Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
All crime data is based upon the reported population.
Analysis of 2021 Texas UCR Crime Data
UCR: The Uniformed Crime Report (UCR) program’s traditional Summary Reporting System (SRS)is an aggregate monthly tally of the following crimes:
Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter.
Rape.
Robbery.
Aggravated Assault.
Burglary.
Larceny-Theft.
Motor Vehicle Theft.
McAllen’s total crime was 2,874.
McAllen ranked 6th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s total violent crime was 259.
McAllen ranked 6th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s total property crime was 2,615.
McAllen ranked 11th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
Analysis of 2021 Texas UCR Crime Data of Texas’ Border Cities and Texas’ Largest Cities.
This is an analysis of crime data of the following Texas’s four (4) largest border cities and Texas’ five (5) largest cities listed below, largest city to smallest city.
Houston, Texas.
Dallas, Texas.
San Antonio, Texas.
Fort Worth, Texas.
Austin, Texas.
Brownsville, Texas.
Laredo, Texas.
El Paso, Texas.
McAllen, Texas.
McAllen’s total crime was 2,874.
McAllen ranked 1st lowest of Texas’s four (4) largest border cities and Texas’ five (5) largest cities.
McAllen’s total violent crime was 259.
McAllen ranked 1st lowest of Texas’s four (4) largest border cities and Texas’ five (5) largest cities.
McAllen’s total property crime was 2,615.
McAllen ranked 1st lowest of Texas’s four (4) largest border cities and Texas’ five (5) largest cities.
Analysis of 2021 Texas NIBRS Crime Data
National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is an incident-based reporting system.
McAllen’s total NIBRS crime was 8,815.
McAllen ranked 8th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s total NIBRS crimes against persons was 2,955.
McAllen ranked 10th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s total NIBRS crimes against property was 4,329.
McAllen ranked 7th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
McAllen’s total NIBRS crimes against society was 1,531.
McAllen ranked 20th lowest of twenty-six (26) Texas Cities with a population of 140K or more.
Reporting under the NIBRS format reflects Group A offenses of the following twenty-four (24) crime categories.
Crimes Against Persons:
Assault Offenses.
Homicide Offenses.
Human Trafficking.
Kidnapping/Abduction Offense.
Sex Offenses.
Sex Offenses, Non-Forcible.
Crimes Against Property:
Arson Offenses.
Bribery Offenses.
Burglary Offenses.
Counterfeiting/Forgery Offenses.
Destruction/Damage/Vandalism.
Embezzlement Offenses.
Extortion/Blackmail Offenses.
Fraud Offenses.
Larceny Offenses.
Motor Vehicle Theft Offenses.
Robbery Offenses.
Stolen Property Offenses.
Crimes Against Society:
Animal Cruelty Offenses.
Drug/Narcotic Offenses.
Gambling Offenses.
Pornography/Obscene Material Offenses.
Prostitution Offenses.
Weapon Law Violations.
Statement by V. Rodriguez, Chief of Police:
“Our community strives to prevent crime, to promote public safety and to participate in the investigation of crime when it does occur.
To this end, the Department expresses sincere appreciation to all members of our community and to the McAllen City Commission for their diligence and dedication to making public safety a top priority.
The Department expresses special thanks to the men and women of the McAllen Police Department for their hard work and the successful outcomes reflected in this report and analysis.
As we go forward, the department will continue its diligence to the public safety service that our community deserves.
Lone Star National Bank proudly displays their prestigious awards. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas—The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT)—the largest state community banking association in the nation—recently honored Lone Star National Bank of McAllen with two Best of Community Banking (BOCB) Awards. It received a Gold Eagle award for its “Secret Teller” bank culture entry and a Gold Eagle award for its “Cowboy Cash Saving Habits” financial literacy entry.
Lone Star National Bank truly believes in giving back to the communities it serves. The Secret Teller program was inspired from its values as a company. Making a difference in the lives of its customers in big ways and small is something it strives for each day. Secret Teller features the executive vice president & marketing director acting as a teller at LSNB motor banks, and customers are randomly selected to receive $250 in cash as a surprise gift. As the country continues to live through challenging times, the bank believes that Secret Teller brightens the day of the randomly selected winners.
“The outcome has been beyond positive,”said Lone Star National Bank President S. David Deanda, Jr.. “The reaction from our customers is always genuine and warms our heart.”
Lone Star National Bank also believes in the importance of financial literacy and through its marketing department, has created different tools that deliver immediate recognition and serve as an outlet to convey educational messages to Valley and San Antonio students. Cowboy Cash is the bank mascot and most important banker on the team. He is the featured character, along with his horse Penny, in teaching children the importance of savings. The duo have been featured online and in-person educating children about the importance of saving, financial literacy and entertaining customers’ children.
2022 marks the 31st year that IBAT has celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of Texas community banks with the BOCB Awards. Community banks, such as Lone Star National Bank, play a critical role in their local communities. The Best of Community Banking competition is designed to honor local banks for their commitment to helping their customers, neighbors, employees and community. BOCB Awards recognize community banks throughout the state for their innovation, creativity and success in fulfilling a specific community or internal need. Each submission received a gold, silver or bronze eagle award in one of six categories: bank culture, community service, financial literacy, marketing and architectural design.
All BOCB gold, silver and bronze submissions can be viewed here. For more information about Lone Star National Bank’s submissions and the programs they highlight, please contact President S. David Deanda, Jr. at (956) 574-7344.
The Port of Brownsville is open for business, witnessing the uninterrupted flow of commodities to service a wide range of industries across North America. The port continues to prove itself as one of the most stable seaports in the U.S. to effectively weather today’s unique economic challenges. Image courtesy of The Port of Brownsville
Texas Border Business
After years of effort, planning and success, the Port of Brownsville is ready to begin one of its most important infrastructure projects to date, the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Congress have authorized the deepening of the port’s channel from 42 feet to 52 feet. The project may cost upwards of $300 million and construction, divided into two phases, is expected to commence at the end of 2022. Deepening the port’s channel means bigger ships, more cargo, and more jobs for the Rio Grande Valley.
The port expects to pay for the project with a combination of public, private and federal funds. Demonstrating confidence in the public-private partnership (P3) strategy, NextDecade, owner of the proposed Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction plant (largest of the proposed LNGs at the port), announced a landmark agreement with the port in April 2019, agreeing to pay 100 percent of Phase One of the deepening project from the western boundary of its lease site along the ship channel to the channel’s offshore origin (more than nine miles) – or more than half of the deepening project.
In March 2022, the federal government announced the allocation of $68 million to the project. The funds, to be utilized for Phase Two, are provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Appropriations Law. The BIH project was identified as part of the IIJA to strengthen port and waterway supply chains and climate resilience. Once the project is complete the Brownsville Ship Cannel will be one of the deepest ship channels in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG projects have received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and await final investment decisions (FID) for construction at the Port of Brownsville, leveraging the port’s unique location, capabilities and land availability as a center for natural gas from West Texas, the Permian Basin and beyond. NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG project, which includes the Rio Bravo Pipeline, is on target to announce FID on a minimum of two of its proposed five trains in the second half of 2022. The company has taken a number of steps to lower its project’s carbon footprint with plans to achieve carbon neutrality in Brownsville. Texas LNG also is on track to announce FID in 2022. Together, these multi-billion dollar projects could add thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of permanent good-paying industrial jobs to the local economy.
Other continued investments include the completed rehabilitation of Bulk Cargo Dock, improving access to the 3-million-bushel grain elevator operated by WestPlains LLC. In 2020, the U.S. Maritime Administration awarded the port a $14.5 million grant to improve railroad, road and ship-loading infrastructure at the Bulk Cargo Dock and further expand WestPlains’ grain handling operations at the facility. The company and the port are partnering to modernize and enhance the operational capacity of the specialized dock, with shared investments of more than $13 million to date, in an effort to create a new cost-efficient port option for all U.S. farmers to load outbound international vessels from the Port of Brownsville.
The port held a ribbon cutting ceremony March 4, 2022, for the latest commerce route of the Rio Grande Valley, the 1.9 mile-long South Port Connector Road. The $25.6 million project is a partnership of the BND, Cameron County, the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority, the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Texas Department of Transportation. The port connector offers direct access to the southside of the Brownsville Ship Channel and an alternate route to nearby commercial lanes at the Veterans International Bridge. It also facilitates the flow of cargo and other goods related to the space industry from port docks to SpaceX’s neighboring facility Starbase.
The expansion of additional outside storage capacity continues at the port, now totaling more than 62-acres of purpose-built facilities to accommodate heavy point-load-bearing cargo, like wind energy nacelles – some weighing more than 112 tons each. Along with hubs, tower sections and windmill blades (the largest reaching 265-feet-long), the Port of Brownsville ranks among the leading U.S. ports capable of receiving, storing and moving these massive components. And due to the prevailing winds of south Texas, combined with the abundance of available land on both sides of the U.S. Mexico border, windmill farms are growing across the region.
Other important infrastructure developments, driven by the demands of growing industries at the port, include rehabilitation of docks and internal roads, utility infrastructure, among others.
STC and the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute have partnered to offer law enforcement agencies in the Rio Grande Valley high-level, executive-level leadership training previously not offered in the region. STC Image
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
South Texas College and the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute have entered a first-of-its-kind partnership to offer law enforcement leadership training for departments across the Rio Grande Valley at the college’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr.
The first cohort of about 20 law enforcement agents – from departments including San Benito, Edinburg, Pharr, as well as from STC – recently started executive-level training through the leadership development series that will span over two weeks.
The UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute was created in 2008 through an innovative partnership between the Dallas Police Department and the University of North Texas at Dallas. Initially funded by the Communities Foundation of Texas, the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute originally focused on fulfilling the research, career advancement and leadership development needs of the Dallas Police Department, but today also serves law enforcement and public safety agencies throughout Texas, offering customized leadership courses, seminars, training and research design.
STC’s Vice President of Information Services, Planning, Performance and Strategic Innovation David Plummer, Ph.D. said the creation of this partnership is going to provide high-quality, high-impact training that benefits local and federal law enforcement throughout the Rio Grande Valley and state.
“The college strives to provide a full range of training from the entry-level police academy to advanced leadership courses,” said Plummer. “Our partnership with the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute is part of the higher-level training that will assist us in preparing our law enforcement community for leadership positions within their departments.”
Plummer added that this type of training, previously, was only offered outside of the Rio Grande Valley, requiring travel expenses that made this type of training difficult to receive. So, this partnership makes it more affordable and accessible.
Jeff Spivey, executive director of the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute said this training is going to help guide the future law enforcement leaders for the region.
“The UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute has for years provided excellent leadership development training and produced some of the most renown police leaders in the profession,” said Spivey. “The opportunity to offer that same training to a broader audience – which may have lacked access due to cost and distance – will ensure our profession has a larger pool of highly capable leaders to guide our future.”
He added that the vision of the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute has always been to expand its reach, so after creating an advisory board in 2019, made up of law enforcement agents from across the state, the invitation to bring its training to the Rio Grande Valley was explored and accepted.
“Our partnership with STC has progressed fast. The willingness on both sides to see this succeed is invaluable,” said Spivey. “We’re proud of our curriculum, and our training is some of the best in the state, so we’re excited to share this with STC, a college that already offers impressive training centers, facilities and faculty. STC’s commitment to public safety training aligns with our mission. It’s a perfect match.”
Over the next two weeks, the class, which is designed for police officers and sergeants who want to move into executive-level leadership, will explore theoretical concepts of leadership and provide research and community service opportunities.
Upon successful completion of the 40-hour class, there will be a graduation ceremony to honor the agents.
Pharr Police Department Senior Officer Irving Segura said after a recent promotion, he was looking for a training that could help him expand on his leadership skills.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this first cohort. This partnership is instrumental for me, for our Pharr Police Department and the other departments that serve our region,” said Segura. “From day one I could tell that this training, compared to others I’ve been to, is unique. The hands-on projects, the groupwork and community service set this class apart. It’s been eye opening, and I know this is going to help me be a better leader.”
Through this partnership, STC will have access to all the UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute Curriculum that also includes a Civilian Supervisor Series, Sergeant-level and Lieutenant-level trainings, among others.
Both Plummer and Spivey agree that they hope to reach a place in the partnership that will afford local law enforcement agencies training from UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute’s entire curriculum.
“The agreement that we have with STC gives full access and as we grow, we hope we can garner interest and get each of these classes taught here,” said Spivey.
“The UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute has a great reputation for providing high-quality training,” said Plummer. “We’ll be working with our law enforcement partners to determine their training needs. It’s great that we can partner and continue to provide that level of excellent training.”
For more information on the STC, UNT Dallas Caruth Police Institute training programs, call 956-872-4208 or visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/
Laredo Sector Border Patrol halted several smuggling attempts at various Border Patrol checkpoints. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol halted several smuggling attempts at various Border Patrol checkpoints.
The first incident occurred on September 29, when a white pickup truck hauling a flatbed trailer approached the primary inspection lane at the U.S. Highway 59 checkpoint located in Freer, Texas. A Service canine alerted agents, subsequently the driver was referred to secondary. After further inspection, Border Patrol agents discovered a false compartment within the flatbed trailer, gained access, and discovered 17 undocumented individuals. All the individuals were from the country of Mexico. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was taken into Border Patrol custody and all the undocumented individuals will be processed accordingly.
Later that day, at the I-35 checkpoint, Border Patrol agents encountered a black sedan at the primary inspection lane. A Service canine alerted agents and the driver was referred to secondary inspection. Agents found a false compartment and subsequently discovered pills that were placed in bags. The pills tested positive for Fentanyl. The case was turned over to DEA.
On October 2, agents from the Laredo West Station encountered a tanker truck at the checkpoint on U.S. Highway 83. A Service canine alerted agents and the driver was directed to secondary inspection. During a search of the tanker, agents found 19 undocumented individuals inside. The undocumented individuals were from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was taken into Border Patrol custody and all the undocumented individuals were processed accordingly.
Later that day, a tractor-trailer approached the primary inspection lane at the I-35 checkpoint and was referred to secondary inspection after a Service canine alerted agents. At secondary, agents discovered 12 undocumented individuals inside the sleeper compartment. They were from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala. The driver, a U.S. citizen, was taken into Border Patrol custody and all the undocumented individuals were processed accordingly.
Over an hour later, agents at the I-35 checkpoint encountered an SUV with three occupants in the primary inspection lane. Agents discovered that one of the individuals was illegally in the U.S. and removed her from the vehicle. The driver was referred to secondary inspection but sped away from the checkpoint northbound on I-35. The vehicle came to a stop near Mile Marker 56, and the driver attempted to flee the area, but was apprehended. Agents discovered a juvenile inside the vehicle. All the occupants were taken into custody for processing.
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.
Mixed load of fentanyl and methamphetamine. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized 17.21 pounds of fentanyl, 13.62 pounds of methamphetamine and 10.75 pounds of cocaine in the span of two days.
“CBP officer expertise combined with our canine assets led to these significant seizures,” said CBP El Paso Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “The multiple layers of enforcement utilized by our workforce will identify and stop drug smuggling attempts.”
On Sept. 30, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 10.75 pounds of cocaine. The interception occurred when a 33-year-old female, Mexican citizen arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. CBP officers along with a CBP canine conducting pre-primary inspections searched the vehicle and located multiple bundles concealed within.
On Oct. 1, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 13.62 pounds of methamphetamine and 16.97 pounds of fentanyl. The interception occurred when a 21-year-old female, Mexican citizen, arrived from Mexico via vehicle lanes. CBP officers along with a CBP canine conducting pre-primary inspections, searched the vehicle and located multiple bundles concealed within.
Later that same day, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 0.24 pounds of fentanyl pills. The interception occurred when a 41-year-old female U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico via pedestrian lanes. Following a CBP canine alert and pat down search, the woman voluntarily removed one condom filled with fentanyl pills from her vaginal cavity.
The individuals arrested by CBP were turned over to state and local authorities for prosecution.
