DEL RIO, Texas — The United States and Mexico have announced five criminal targets operating near Del Rio for their “Se Busca Información” initiative.
Launched in 2016 as a joint effort between the U.S. Border Patrol and the Government of Mexico, “Se Busca Información” identifies individuals associated with transnational criminal organizations sought for crimes associated with human and drug smuggling on both sides of the border.
“Human smugglers work for opportunistic criminal organizations who have no regard for human life,” said Chief Patrol Agent Jason Owens of the Del Rio Sector. “Through this initiative, community members on both sides of the border provide us information about those who put at risk the lives of vulnerable families and children.”
Del Rio Sector “Se Busca” Subjects USCBP IMAGE
The five individuals’ pictures are placed on posters, flyers, and billboards in heavily traveled locations throughout the region for public viewing. In Mexico, they are displayed on bulletins, billboards, and posters along city streets. Posters will be displayed at U.S. Border Patrol stations, immigration checkpoints, and international ports of entry in the Tucson and Yuma border region.
Those who believe they have information about these criminals can confidentially report this information to law enforcement in Del Rio by phone at 1-866-511-8727 or by ‘WhatsApp’ at (830) 313-4557. 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.
An abandoned vehicle after smashing through a fence recently. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents made 21 arrests from four migrant smuggling events.
An abandoned vehicle after smashing through a fence recently. USCBP Image
On September 12, a McAllen Border Patrol Station (MSC) agent attempted to conduct a vehicle stop on a Plymouth Voyager near Havana. The driver failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit. The van slowed down and the occupants, including the driver, exited the vehicle and fled. The van collided with a fence and came to a stop. Agents arrested three migrants from El Salvador. The driver was not located.
An Abandoned vehicle used for human Smuggling. USCBP Image
Shortly after that incident, Rio Grande City Border Patrol agents were led on a vehicle pursuit with a Chevrolet Impala departing Fronton. The vehicle drove through a barbed wire fence before coming to a stop and the occupants bailed out. Agents arrested the driver and two migrants. The driver, a U.S. citizen juvenile, and the vehicle were turned over to Starr County Sherriff’s Office deputies.
A group of illegal migrants arrested. USCBP Image
Just after midnight on September 13, RGV agents were led on two vehicle pursuits approximately an hour apart, with a Chevrolet Suburban and a Nissan Altima near San Manuel. The drivers in both smuggling events drove through ranch property fences before coming to a stop and the occupants bailing out. Agents arrested twelve migrants from the first bailout and three migrants during the later. The drivers were not located.
Within a 40-mile radius, visitors can explore nine world renowned parks and trails. Our vision is to make as many people as possible aware of this region’s natural beauty and our significance in the ecosystem.
The City of McAllen has just received a $25 million INFRA grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Anzalduas International Bridge expansion project. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd Image: googlemaps
Texas Border Business
The City of McAllen has just received a $25 million INFRA grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Anzalduas International Bridge expansion project. The project will construct commercial inspection facilities at the Anzalduas Land Port of Entry, including inspection booths, inspection docks, equipment, roadway, parking and sidewalks. The project will make improvements to the southbound inspection facilities and construct northbound facilities.
“I would like to thank Senator John Cornyn for his support on this expansion project to help Anzalduas International Bridge become a full commercial bridge,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “This will allow increased trade with Mexico, America’s greatest trading partner. It will boost the region’s, the state’s and even the nation’s economy.”
Mayor Villalobos went on to further thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg and the Rio Grande Valley Congressional Delegations, for being instrumental in the awarding of this grant. The expansion project will improve safety, generate economic benefits, reduce congestion, enhance efficiency, eliminate freight bottlenecks, and improve critical freight movement.
” This grant confirms what we have always preached about this project: its significance goes much beyond our region. It is a project that impacts the entire State of Texas and the United States.” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “We applaud the efforts of Senator Cornyn and the Rio Grande Valley Congressional Delegation and we thank Secretary Buttigieg and congratulate him for seeing the magnitude of this port of entry project and the impact it will have for our country. I also want to thank Mayor Villalobos and the McAllen City Commissioners for sticking with it. It takes a lot courage to make these types of investments for projects that are so visionary. I am so proud to be on this team.”
The INFRA Grants Program, or Infrastructure for Rebuilding America, awards competitive grants for multimodal freight and highway projects of national or regional significance to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of the movement of freight and people across rural and urban areas.
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. Photo: 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 more than 302,600 migrant apprehensions and more than 19,700 criminal arrests, with more than 17,200 felony charges reported. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 340.5 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
Texas has also bused over 7,900 migrants to our nation’s capital since April and over 2,200 migrants to New York City since August 5. Since last Wednesday, more than 300 migrants from Texas have arrived in Chicago. 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 last week announced that his Public Safety Office, in conjunction with DPS, has increased the reward amount of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification of stash houses used in transnational criminal activity. The Texas Stash House Program encourages Texans to help combat transnational crime by anonymously reporting information on stash houses used to facilitate human trafficking, drug smuggling, and smuggling of people.
“As President Biden’s dangerous open border policies continue to allow cartels and other criminal organizations to operate freely in our communities, it is more important than ever that Texans step up and report suspicious activity,” said Governor Abbott. “These stash houses contain people or drugs that may have otherwise made their way across Texas and the nation because of the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border.”
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined the Rio Grande Valley’s KRGV to discuss the new increased reward now being offered by the State of Texas for information on stash house criminal activity. The reward has been increased to $5,000 for information leading to a bust.
“It’s just an incentive for the public to actually report this activity taking place so we can try to prevent this criminal activity that’s taking place in communities,” Lt. Olivarez said.
A DPS trooper initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle hauling a travel trailer for a traffic violation in La Pryor. During the stop, troopers discovered 14 illegal immigrants. The driver was charged with smuggling of persons. All 14 illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
PHOTO: DPS Help Locate Stash House Hiding 21 Illegal Immigrants, Narcotics
Photo: Texas DPS
DPS special agents, with assistance from Border Patrol, located a stash house in Webb County on Tuesday. Inside the house were 21 illegal immigrants—16 males and five females—all from Guatemala. Agents also discovered seven bundles of narcotics. One person was arrested and charged. All 21 illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
Newsmax border correspondent Jaeson Jones embeds with elite DPS Aviation Division. Newsmax’s 40-minute border crisis special provides a deeper look at the ongoing chaos at the border caused by President Biden’s open border policies.
DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined Newsmax to counter White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s claim that illegal immigrants are not just walking across the border.
“They are walking across, in fact,” said Lt. Olivarez. “Once they get to Mexico from their country of origin, they’re paying a criminal organization to be smuggled into the United States, where they have to cross a river or in most severe cases, they’re having to cross the desert or mountainous terrain, like in West Texas.”
A human smuggler led DPS troopers on a vehicle pursuit in Mission, Texas. After running several red lights, the smuggler and nearly two dozen illegal immigrants bailed out and ran toward the brush. Fourteen illegal immigrants were apprehended, including two Chinese nationals.
Texas National Guard Employs Land, Water Resource To Interdict Illegal Activity
Texas National Guard soldiers in the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) employ both land and water resources to interdict illegal activity along the border. The TRU team uses fast boats on the water, while a team of soldiers on land in the brush stop criminal activity and illegal entry into the U.S.
Both teams radio Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in the area for faster, more closely coordinated efforts. Border Patrol agents working cameras and agents on patrol can provide locations in real time to the TRU team. The TRU team’s combined efforts every week average hundreds of turnbacks and roughly 50 apprehensions, which include human and drug smugglers, cartel members, and low-level criminals.
“We see a good amount of traffic, by the time our boats are in the water, there are usually groups who have already crossed,” said Sgt. Castillo, a member of the boat patrols. “For those criminals or illegal crossers undeterred by the boats, our guys in the brush, they cover down.”
A DPS trooper discovered 16 illegal immigrants during a traffic stop along U.S. 90 in Kinney County. The driver was charged with smuggling of persons. All 16 illegal immigrants were referred to Border Patrol.
New and re-elected Mission Chamber Board Members, Chad Nunnery, Rene Alcala, Ronnie Ontiveros, Paola Lopez, Lance Ames, and Joe Vargas, Images Sources: Nunnery, Ames, Ontiveros, Alcala by Roberto H. Gonzalez; Lopez and Vargas Courtesy Images
Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas – The membership has spoken. The 2022 Nominating Committee announced the election of the 2022 – 2023 Board of Directors. Four re-elected Directors and one newly elected board member will work with the current Board to advocate for tourism and support local businesses.
Chad Nunnery
GMCC is pleased to announce Chad Nunnery, Founder & President, of Composite Access Products (CAP) as the new member of the organization’s Board of Directors for a three-year term, effective October 2022.
CAP is located in McAllen, TX, and is the first molder of traffic-rated composite manhole covers, TXDOT approved and has won the 2020 National Award for Composites Excellence (ACE). CAP employs 25 RGV residents and will reach 200 employees by 2028.
“I am excited to be chosen as the new board member at the Mission Chamber,” Nunnery said. “After living in Mission for 18 years, I feel this will be a terrific way to give back to the Mission business community, as well as the Mission community as a whole. Attracting and promoting new businesses and company growth provides jobs and skills as well as tax revenue to improve our city.”
Chad Nunnery grew up in western Massachusetts and graduated from Dartmouth College, an Ivy League school in Hanover, NH with Engineering and Chemistry degrees. He is married to Gabriela who is also accomplished with both University Valedictorian and Miss Reynosa honors. Chad and Gabriela reside in Mission. Their son William is a 2021 Sharyland High School graduate and is currently a Rice University sophomore and Texas State Chair of Young Americans for Liberty.
Lance Ames
Lance Ames, who currently serves as the immediate past Chair of the Board. Ames is the CEO of South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s and STHS Edinburg Hospitals. Ames also represents the Mission Freestanding Emergency Department on the STHS Board of Directors.
The Chamber is also celebrating the re-election of four board members to serve another three-year term:
Paola Lopez
Paola Lopez, current Board of Director, who is Mission Regional Medical Center’s Marketing Director.
Rene Alcala
Rene Alcala, current Board of Director, and is Killam Development’s Director of Business Development for the Rio Grande Valley.
Ronnie Ontiveros
Ronnie Ontiveros, who currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Ontiveros is the CEO of MedCare EMS and, Broker/Owner of NextHome RGV Realty.
“I am so thankful to the Chamber board for their tremendous support as we navigated through 2022,” says the incoming Chairman of the Board, Joe Vargas, Owner of Apple Pharmacies. “In fact, there was so much energy generated that all board members that had concluded their term accepted to run for another term,” says Vargas.
Joe Vargas
Joe Vargas has served on the GMCC Board of Directors since October 2020. “That’s a testament to where this Chamber is going! This year, 2022-2023, is positioned to be such an exciting year with Ronnie, our Chairwoman at the helm, Brenda as our President & CEO, and our five new board members bringing forth passionate leadership for our mission and the success of business in the City of Mission,” concluded Vargas.
Mission Chamber Board of Directors is a membership elected board and are volunteer positions. This organization has been in existence since 1946.
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working together with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shut down a stash house, rescued 21 individuals, and seize over one hundred pounds of narcotics in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents working together with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shut down a stash house, rescued 21 individuals, and seize over one hundred pounds of narcotics in Laredo, Texas.
The incident occurred on September 6, when agents, while working their assigned duties, assisted DPS with a welfare check at a house located on Cereus Court. Upon entry into the house DPS and agents encountered 22 individuals. After conducting interviews, DPS and agents were able to rescue 21 undocumented non-citizens from the countries of Mexico and Guatemala that were being held inside the house. Additionally, one U.S. citizen, who was identified as being the caretaker of the stash house, was taken into custody. All individuals will be processed accordingly.
During a search of the residence, DPS also encountered seven large bundles and a plastic bag that tested positive for marijuana. The marijuana had an approximate weight of 162 lbs. with an estimated street value of $129,600.00
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.
Governor Greg Abbott today hosted a visit with Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Dutch government officials, and business leaders at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin to discuss the State of Texas’ strong economic partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. (PHOTO: Office Of The Governor)
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott hosted a visit with Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Dutch government officials, and business leaders at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin to discuss the State of Texas’ strong economic partnership with the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
After greeting Her Majesty on the front porch of the Governor’s Mansion, the Governor and First Lady Cecilia Abbott welcomed Queen Máxima inside for private discussion, where they were joined by Texas Secretary of State John B. Scott, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands H.E. Liesje Schreinemacher, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States André Haspels, and Executive Director of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office Adriana Cruz. During the discussion, the Governor and Her Majesty exchanged gifts from their nations, including two pairs of Texas cowboy boots, a porcelain State of Texas bowl, a signed framed photograph of Their Majesties, an appliqué delft, and a Holland vase.
Before the Dutch delegation departed, Governor Abbott and Queen Máxima viewed the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation between the Republic of Texas and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, entered in 1840, from the Texas State Archives. (PHOTO: Office Of The Governor)
Following the meeting with Her Majesty and Dutch government officials, the Governor and the Queen invited members of the Dutch business delegation and business leaders to join them for a discussion on topics important to their two economies, including energy, semiconductors, technology, health sciences, international trade, and more.
Business executives joining the Governor and Queen Máxima included President and CEO of Port of Rotterdam Allard Castelein, NXP Netherlands Co-CEO Maurice Garaets, Arcadis CEO and Executive Board Chairman Peter Oosterveer, Philips North America Chief Market Leader Vitor Rocha, KLM Managing Director and CFO Erik R. Swelheim, and VNO-NCW President Ingrid Thijssen.
Before the Dutch delegation departed, Governor Abbott and Queen Máxima viewed the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation between the Republic of Texas and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, entered in 1840, from the Texas State Archives.
“The First Lady and I were honored to host Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and other Dutch government and business officials at the Governor’s Mansion today to discuss the longstanding relationship between the State of Texas and the Netherlands,” said Governor Abbott. “The strong, historic economic ties between Texans and the Dutch have created hundreds of thousands jobs for families across Texas since the first trade treaty was signed between our state and the Netherlands in the early 1800s. Today, the Netherlands and Texas continue to share many economic interests, from our booming energy sector, a growing biomedical industry, an increased investment in semiconductor manufacturing, and more. The special relationship between the State of Texas and the Netherlands has played a major role in making the modern Texas economic juggernaut, and I thank Queen Máxima and each economic and government leader for joining the First Lady and me today to discuss ways we can continue fostering greater economic opportunities for both the people of Texas and the Netherlands.”
Attorney General Paxton today warned Texans of scammers attempting to use Attorney General Paxton’s name, signature, and the Office of the Attorney General seal to get their personal data. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Paxton today warned Texans of scammers attempting to use Attorney General Paxton’s name, signature, and the Office of the Attorney General seal to get their personal data.
This email “phishing” scam attempts to scare consumers by claiming they have committed identify theft and are facing prosecution and significant jail time, in an email that purports to be signed by the Attorney General. Recipients are then instructed to call a toll-free number to provide their personal data.
If you or anyone you know receives an email or any other communication like this, please report the suspected fraud to the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling toll-free 1-800-621-0508, or by filing an online complaint at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.
“The First Lady and I are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Image Source Original: Joel Rouse/ Ministry of DefenceDerivative: nagualdesign, OGL 3 <http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3>, via Wikimedia Commons, and Texas.gov
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II:”The First Lady and I are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and our hearts and prayers go out to her family and the entire United Kingdom as they grieve the loss of one of the greatest leaders in history.
In her unrivaled, impressive reign as Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories, Queen Elizabeth II led her people, and at times the world, through historic events with the utmost dignity, grace, and valor. Queen Elizabeth II was also more than a leader of one of the greatest monarchies in history and a close United States ally; she was a mother, a grandmother, and a wife who showed a deep devotion to her family and to her nation.
“The entire world is better to have had a strong, steady leader like Queen Elizabeth II, and we are forever honored to have had her as an ally to the United States and to Texas.”
