Attorney General Paxton has signed a multistate letter led by Florida and Connecticut requesting the Biden Administration designate fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Paxton has signed a multistate letter led by Florida and Connecticut requesting the Biden Administration designate fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
Cheap but incredibly lethal, fentanyl from countries like China and India has increasingly been transported across our wide-open southern border and sold by Mexican cartels and drug dealers. The change in classification would ensure agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Department of Defense can work together around the clock to stop the distribution of this poison.
Fentanyl is a drug that continues to terrorize every community in America, regardless of geographic, economic, or social background. It has taken hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years, left countless friends and family members devastated, and has become the number one killer of adults from ages 18 to 45.
For so many individuals and families across this country, fentanyl has already caused mass destruction. To treat it as anything less is more than just dangerous—it’s a serious dereliction of duty that will only lead to more deaths and tragedy.
“We must not sit idly by until a terrorist chooses to inflict harm using this substance on a large group of Americans—our countrymen are already dying from this poison. We cannot wait for tragedy to strike when proactive steps can be taken now to preserve American lives. We urge you take immediate and decisive action and declare fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction,” the letter concludes.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Laredo. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station arrested a convicted sex offender in Laredo, Texas.
The arrest occurred on September 15, when agents, while working their assigned duties, were alerted to the unlawful entry of a group of unknown subjects. Agents responded to the area and were able to apprehend a group of individuals in the southern area of the city. After conducting field interviews all subjects were determined to have entered the United States illegally and were placed under arrest.
Record checks were conducted on the subjects which positively identified Gerardo Rodriguez-Castro, a 25-year-old Mexican national and convicted sex offender. Gerardo Rodriguez-Castro had a prior arrest and felony conviction for Indecent Liberties with a Child and was sentenced to 13-25 months of confinement.
He remains in custody pending further investigation.
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.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station in the Del Rio Sector arrested a man convicted of murder, shortly after he illegally entered the United States, Sept. 13. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station in the Del Rio Sector arrested a man convicted of murder, shortly after he illegally entered the United States, Sept. 13.
Agents from the Uvalde Station apprehended a group of undocumented migrants on Highway 90. All subjects in the group were transported to the Eagle Pass Processing Facility. Record checks revealed that one subject, Reggie Alfredo Larios-Lopez, 43, of Nicaragua, was convicted of multiple felonies, including murder, in 1996 in Miami and sentenced to four years of confinement. Larios-Lopez has been twice deported, most recently in June of this year.
As a convicted felon, he faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
All subjects are processed in accordance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection policies.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual offense – soliciting a minor via computer. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual offense – soliciting a minor via computer.
“While the vast majority of people CBP officers process at our border ports are law abiding citizens, the systems that we have in place will frequently identify those who are being sought for any number of alleged criminal acts,” said CBP El Paso Port Director Ray Provencio.
On Sept. 14, CBP officers encountered a 35-year-old male, U.S. citizen arriving from Mexico in a vehicle. Primary system queries by CBP officers revealed an outstanding warrant for sexual offense of a minor. The individual was secured and escorted to secondary for further inspection where biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active warrant out of the Parkersburg Police Department, Parkersburg, West Virginia.
The individual was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to local authorities pending extradition to the originating agency.
The arrest was one of 17 NCIC fugitive apprehensions made by area CBP officers during the last week. Those taken into custody were being sought on a variety of charges to include assault with a deadly weapon and dangerous drugs.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescue 13 migrants from a refrigerated trailer and foil a smuggling event.
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescue 13 migrants from a refrigerated trailer and foil a smuggling event.
Migrants stashed inside of a refrigerator Truck. USCBP ImageMigrants stashed inside of a refrigerator Truck. USCBP Image
On September 13, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents working at the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint rescued 13 migrants from a refrigerated tractor trailer. Agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area and discovered the migrants attempting to conceal themselves within a load of frozen broccoli. The refrigerated trailer was measured at 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The U.S. citizen driver was placed under arrest. The migrants, including two unaccompanied minors, are nationals of Mexico and Central America. All subjects were found to be in good health.
Earlier that morning, a Brownsville Border Patrol Station camera operator observed several subjects load into a Chevrolet Equinox near the border wall in Brownsville. Agents attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit. At one point during the pursuit, the driver slowed down where agents observed several subjects exit the vehicle. The driver then continued northbound striking a government vehicle before coming to a stop. Agents apprehended the driver and three migrants illegally present in the U.S. One of the migrants was injured as he attempted to exit the moving vehicle. The migrant was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The driver was turned over to the Cameron County Constables Pct. 2 to face state charges.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 17 arrests from three human smuggling events. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 17 arrests from three human smuggling events.
On September 15, RGV agents arrested nine migrants hiding in the bed of a Dodge Ram near Norias. RGV agents discovered the migrants after the vehicle failed to yield and veered off the road. Several additional subjects, to include the driver, absconded into nearby brush and eluded arrest.
On September 14, RGV agents investigated a residence suspected of harboring several individuals near Weslaco. Agents apprehended two migrants, both illegally present in the U.S. The subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody. No caretaker was identified.
Also on September 14, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents were advised of a suspicious Chevrolet pickup near La Joya. Sullivan City Police Department officers located the vehicle and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop, but the driver failed to yield and led the officers on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop and the occupants attempted to abscond. MCS agents responded to the area and apprehended the Mexican national driver and five migrants illegally present in the U.S.
TxDOT’s “Save Me With a Seat” campaign kicks off in September to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 18–Sept. 24, 2022. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
STATEWIDE STATISTICS
In 2021 in Texas, 78 children younger than 8 years old were killed and 423 were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. Of the 78 children killed, 22 were unrestrained at the time of the crash, which equals 28% of the total.
Additionally, in 2021, 36 children ages 8-12 were killed and 330 were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. Of the 36 children killed, 13 wereunrestrained at the time of the crash, which equals 36% of the total.
LOCAL STATISTICS
In 2021, there were 21 passenger vehicle crashes in the Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen media market that resulted in 25 serious injuries and 2 fatalities for children younger than 8 years old.
In 2021, there were 17 passenger vehicle crashes in the Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen media market that resulted in 17 serious injuries and 3 fatalities for children ages
8-12.
Counties included in the media market: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Jim Hogg, Starr, Willacy, Zapata
TxDOT’s “Save Me With a Seat” campaign kicks off in September to coincide with National Child PassengerSafety Week, Sept. 18–Sept. 24, 2022. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR – Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the nation, so the Texas Departmentof Transportation is reminding parents that one of the most important things they can do to protect children is toproperly install and use a car seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 46%of all child car seats are misused.
Watch the following video for a demonstration:
TxDOT Video
TxDOT’s “Save Me With a Seat” campaign kicks off in September to coincide with National Child PassengerSafety Week, Sept. 18–Sept. 24, 2022. The campaign invites parents to schedule a free car seat safety check byvisiting SaveMeWithASeat.org and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist in their area. TxDOT offers free car seat safety checks year-round.
When child car seats are used correctly, they can help reduce injuries and prevent fatalities when children areinvolved in a crash,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We urge parents to schedule a car seatcheck today to ensure they are safely and correctly using the right car seat for their child.”
During September, the “Save Me With a Seat” campaign will be seen on Texas roadways as it rolls out aninteractive truck with digital screens to travel across the state. The digital truck will make stops in 11 cities,appearing at community events and other high-traffic locations. While stationary, the digital truck will share “SaveMe With a Seat” campaign messaging and video content to educate parents and caregivers on car seat safety.This public outreach is supported by TV and radio ads, billboards, digital media and social media.
With the “Save Me With a Seat” campaign, drivers are reminded that Texas law requires all children under 8 — unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches — to be in a car seat whenever they ride in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. Children under age 13 should ride in the back seat, properly secured in a seat belt or safety seat.
In 2021, 78 children younger than 8 years old died in traffic crashes in Texas, and 22 of those were unrestrainedat the time of the crash. Among children ages 8–12 in 2021, 36 died in traffic crashes, with 13 of themunrestrained at the time of the crash. According to NHTSA, child car seats in passenger vehicles can reduce the risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.
“Save Me With a Seat” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of- mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving thespeed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Nov. 7,2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
STATEWIDE STATISTICS
In 2021 in Texas, 78 children younger than 8 years old were killed and 423 were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. Of the 78 children killed, 22 were unrestrained at the time of the crash, which equals 28% of the total.
Additionally, in 2021, 36 children ages 8-12 were killed and 330 were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. Of the 36 children killed, 13 wereunrestrained at the time of the crash, which equals 36% of the total.
LOCAL STATISTICS
In 2021, there were 21 passenger vehicle crashes in the Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen media market that resulted in 25 serious injuries and 2 fatalities for children younger than 8 years old.
In 2021, there were 17 passenger vehicle crashes in the Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen media market that resulted in 17 serious injuries and 3 fatalities for children ages 8-12.
Counties included in the media market: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Jim Hogg, Starr, Willacy, Zapata
Adalberto “Beto” Mata Jr., a TSTC HVAC Technology student, wires a basic electrical circuit during a recent lab session. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – Texas State Technical College is known for its designation as a Military Friendly School. For U.S. Army veteran Adalberto “Beto” Mata Jr., he credits TSTC’s Veteran Services for its smooth process to begin his college journey.
“TSTC Veteran Services representative (Maricela) Zepeda is exceptional at her job, and the overall process was smooth,” Mata said. “Any question that I asked, she provided clarification. I recommend TSTC to any veteran because of the simplicity of their process.”
During Mata’s military service, he brainstormed ideas to establish his own real estate venture.
That business plan motivated Mata to pursue a certificate of completion in Building Construction – Craftsman at TSTC’s Harlingen campus in January. He is pending three classes to complete his certificate. Now he is pursuing a certificate of completion in HVAC Technician at the same campus to align his goals.
“Everything I am learning is in sync with my real estate goals,” he said. “I want to know everything about a building from scratch, beginning with the foundation.”
Steve Guevara, TSTC’s director of Veteran Services, said it is important that his team provides excellent customer service to make a veteran’s transition simplified.
“TSTC’s Veteran Services and the Veterans Center were created as a one-stop shop,” Guevara said. “Our department provides help with applications such as admissions, federal and state education benefits, financial aid and scholarships. We provide educational benefits information for veterans and their dependents. We also navigate the admissions process and find internal and external resources that will ensure our students’ educational success at TSTC.”
Guevara said there are a number of federal and state education benefits available to service members, veterans and their dependents.
“There are unique eligibility requirements, and those can be viewed by visiting the TSTC Veteran Services webpage at tstc.edu/admissions/veterans,” he said.
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. Contact Veteran Services at 956-364-4387 for more information.
At its Harlingen campus, TSTC offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC Technology and certificates of completion in HVAC Technician, HVAC Technology and HVAC Residential Service Technician.
Texas Secretary of State John Scott today encouraged interested Texans to get involved with the election process at the local level by learning how to become a poll worker for the upcoming November 8 General Election. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Secretary of State John Scott today encouraged interested Texans to get involved with the election process at the local level by learning how to become a poll worker for the upcoming November 8 General Election. The Texas Secretary of State’s Online Poll Worker Training program offers Texas voters the opportunity to serve as an Election Judge or Clerk in their county of registration. Additionally, Texas students who are at least 16 years of age can volunteer to serve as Student Election Clerks.
The courses for the Online Poll Worker Training program are divided into modules consisting of 3-6 lessons each, as well as 10 case studies where the material and lessons are applied to real-world scenarios. During the course, users can start, stop and return to the point where they left off, and skip from lesson to lesson until fully completed. At the end of each course, users must answer exam questions to verify they understand the material. Upon completing the course, prospective poll workers will be able to print a certificate indicating that they have completed the Secretary of State’s training.
“Beyond exercising your civic duty by casting a ballot in the upcoming General Election, you can also get involved in the election process by signing up to become a poll worker in your county,” Secretary Scott said.
“This is a great opportunity to witness the election process firsthand, learn about the safeguards that protect the integrity of the ballot box, and spread the word to your friends and family about how they can help administer fair and transparent elections. If you’re a high school student who is at least 16 years old, you can also sign up to be a Student Clerk at Early Voting and Election Day polling places.”
Under Texas law, you are eligible to be appointed as an election worker if you are:
A U.S. Citizen
A qualified voter in the jurisdiction in which the election is being conducted (County or municipality)
To get the process started, you can take Texas’ Online Poll Worker Training program. This web-based curriculum mirrors the Handbook for Election Judges and Clerks (PDF) and will train poll workers about polling place procedures. In addition to the information found in the handbook, there are test questions, real life case studies and exercises to resolve and other features such as voting equipment videos or instructions specific to your county. The online training is available free of charge, 24/7, for all poll workers. You can take the training anytime and anywhere you have internet access.
With the online course, you can use your computer or mobile device, skip around from lesson to lesson, start, stop and come back to where you left off, and utilize the progress bar showing your advancement through the course.
Registering into the Online Poll Worker Training Program:
Prospective poll workers must self-register into the system by signing up for the course. To sign-up, you must select and enter a:
County Location or “City-School-Other Political Subdivisions”
First and Last Name
E-mail Address
Username
Password
Once registered, you will have immediate access to the training.
If you do not have an e-mail address, you can create one using one of the free providers.
Should you have any questions about the Online Poll Worker Training, please send an e-mail to PollWorkerTraining@sos.texas.gov or call toll free at 1-800-252-VOTE (8683).
High school students who are 16 years of age or older now have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process by serving as election clerks at the polling place during Early Voting or on Election Day. A student who is at least 16 years of age and who is enrolled in a public or private high school or home school and has the consent of the principal (or parent/legal guardian in charge of education in home school) may serve as an election clerk. The election officials must receive written authorization from the student’s parent or guardian for the student to serve in the election for which he or she is appointed.
This program is designed to provide students with a greater awareness of the electoral process and the rights and responsibilities of voters. The students will assist their local election officials by filling positions at polling places during the Early Voting period or on Election Day and working under the direction of the presiding judge at the polling place.
Have your parent or guardian sign the Parent/Legal Guardian Permission portion.
Have your school principal sign the School Principal Permission portion. Also, take the proper steps to ensure that your absence from school in order to work during Early Voting or on Election Day will be excused.
Send the application to the local elections officials conducting the election in which you wish to serve (county clerk/elections administrator, city secretary, school superintendent, etc.).
If selected, attend the required election training class prior to serving as a clerk. This training provides all the necessary information and knowledge to be a successful elections clerk.
Work at the polls as assigned during Early Voting or on Election Day.
Important Notes
A school district may excuse a student for the purpose of serving as an Early Voting and/or Election Day clerk for a maximum of two days in a school year.
Example: A student could work two weekdays during Early Voting for an election held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, and then also work on Election Day, as the student would only have to be excused from school for two days.
Up to four student election clerks may work at a single Early Voting site at a time, and up to two student clerks may work at an Election Day polling place at a time.
Early Voting for the upcoming General Election begins Monday, October 24 and ends Friday, November 4.
Remember: when you turn 18 you will have reached the age to serve as a regular Election Clerk or Judge!
