The City of Laredo’s Council Member for District 4, Alberto Torres, Jr., will be visiting several elementary schools on Friday, August 19 to deliver backpacks and school supplies to students. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas— The City of Laredo’s Council Member for District 4, Alberto Torres, Jr., will be visiting several elementary schools on Friday, August 19 to deliver backpacks and school supplies to students. All supplies were collected during a Back 2 School Concert, hosted by Council Member Torres, on Friday, July 29.
A total of 1,000 backpacks with school supplies will be distributed to students that are enrolled in ten schools around the area. Council Member Torres will visit three schools on Friday, August 19. Media can attend any of the following schools for coverage:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for July 2022. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today released operational statistics for July 2022, which can be viewed online here.
“This marks the second month in a row of decreased encounters along the Southwest border. While the encounter numbers remain high, this is a positive trend and the first two-month drop since October 2021,” said CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus. “In May, CBP launched a digital advertising campaign to dissuade irregular migration by targeting the lies smugglers use to lure the vulnerable into a dangerous journey that often ends in removal or death. That danger was highlighted in the recent takedown of a deadly human smuggling network based in Guatemala responsible for the death of a Guatemalan woman who died in Texas in April 2021. These are among many actions we are taking to reduce irregular migration and dismantle the human smuggling operations that put these migrants in danger.”
CBP Southwest Border Enforcement Numbers for July 2022
The large number of expulsions during the pandemic has contributed to a higher-than-usual number of migrants making multiple border crossing attempts, which means that total encounters somewhat overstate the number of unique individuals arriving at the border.
The number of unique individuals encountered nationwide in July 2022 was 162,792, a one percentincrease in the number of unique enforcement encounters than the prior month.
In total, there were 199,976 encounters along the southwest land border in July, a four percent decrease compared to June. Of those, 22 percent involved individuals who had at least one prior encounter in the previous 12 months, compared to an average one-year re-encounter rate at the southwest land border of 15 percent for FY2014-2019.
Two-thirds (67 percent) of all southwest land border encounters were single adults, with 134,362 encounters in July, a fourpercent decrease compared to June.
74,573 encounters, 37 percent of the total, were processed for expulsion under Title 42. 125,403 encounters were processed under Title 8.
64,799 encounters involving single adults (48 percent of all single adult encounters) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 69,563 processed under Title 8.
9,574 encounters involving family unit individuals (18 percent of all family unit individuals) were processed for expulsion under Title 42, with 42,466 processed under Title 8.
Unaccompanied Children
Encounters of unaccompanied children decreased 13 percent, with 13,299 encounters in July compared with 15,255 in June. In July, the average number of unaccompanied children in CBP custody was 562 per day, compared with an average of 752 per day in June.
Family Unit individuals
Encounters of family unit individuals increased by 0.4 percentfrom 51,822 in June to 52,040 in July—which is 40 percentdecrease from the peak of 86,631 in August 2021.
CBP Nationwide Total Encounters for FY22TD through July: 2,242,413
Ongoing Migration Management Efforts
CBP continues to enforce U.S. immigration law and apply consequences to those without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. Current restrictions at the U.S. border have not changed; single adults and families encountered at the southwest border will continue to be expelled, where appropriate, under CDC’s Title 42 Order. Those who are not expelled will be processed under the long-standing Title 8 authority and placed into removal proceedings.
Under Title 8, those who attempt to enter the United States without authorization, and who are unable to establish a legal basis to remain in the United States (such as a valid asylum claim), will be quickly removed. Individuals who have been removed under Title 8 are also subject to additional long-term consequences beyond removal from the United States, including bars to future immigration benefits.
DHS has been executing a comprehensive and deliberate strategy to secure our borders and build a safe, orderly, and humane immigration system. The strategy is based on six pillars: surge resources; increase efficiency to reduce strain on the border; employ an aggressive consequence regime; bolster the capacity of NGOs and partner with state and local partners; go after cartels and smugglers; and work with our regional partners. This comprehensive plan leverages a whole-of-government approach to prepare for and manage the current and anticipated increases in encounters of noncitizens at our Southwest Border. Read more here.
International Travel and Trade
One of CBP’s core mission objectives is to enhance the nation’s economic prosperity, including through the facilitation of lawful trade and travel. CBP continues to protect America’s national and economic security by facilitating legitimate trade while rigorously enforcing U.S. customs laws and regulations.
Since travel restrictions were eased on November 8, CBP has processed increased numbers of arriving travelers without any significant delays. The new rules allow travelers who are non-U.S. persons to seek to enter the United States for non-essential travel via land ports of entry and ferry terminals, provided they are fully vaccinated and have appropriate documentation. The updated guidelines also allow most non-immigrants (non-U.S. citizens and other covered persons) who are fully vaccinated to travel by air to the United States, regardless of the reason for travel.
CBP will continue to track traveler numbers and wait times over the next few months and continue to adjust as needed to make the travel experience more efficient. In the meantime, travelers can plan by doing the following:
Possess proof of an approved COVID-19 vaccination as outlined on the CDC website.
Verbally attest to their travel intent and COVID-19 vaccination status.
Be prepared to present any documents requested by the CBP officer.
Accountability and Transparency
As part of the agency’s continuing effort to promote organizational accountability and transparency, CBP announced the release of its Report on Internal Investigations and Employee Accountability: Fiscal Year 2020. For FY2020, CBP leadership directed the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and Human Resources Management (HRM) to generate a joint report combining information regarding allegation intake and misconduct investigations with information regarding disciplinary outcomes. CBP is committed to being a leader in law enforcement accountability and transparency by providing multiple ways to report incidents as well as timely, accurate, and appropriate information regarding CBP-related deaths, use of force incidents, and other critical incidents resulting in serious injuries. The Accountability and Transparency page provides the public with statements, policies, reports, and other important information concerning critical incidents and related OPR reviews and investigations.
Trade Stats/Seizures – Protecting the American Consumer
CBP works diligently with the trade community and port operators to ensure that merchandise is cleared as efficiently as possible. CBP works with the trade community to strengthen international supply chains and improve border security. There are several programs by which CBP works with importers, carriers, consolidators, licensed customs brokers, and manufacturers to advance information about the shipments and expedite the inspection process at the ports of entry. CBP is available to conduct exams and is ready and willing to expand hours of operations if necessary to meet the growing demand for imported goods.
In July 2022 alone, CBP processed more than 2.8 million entry summaries valued at more than $280 billion, identifying estimated duties of nearly $8.9 billion to be collected by the U.S. government. In July, trade via the ocean environment accounted for more than 47.46 percent of the total import value, followed by air, truck, and rail.
Intellectual property rights violations continue to put America’s innovation economy at risk. Trade in counterfeit and pirated goodsthreaten the competitiveness of U.S. businesses, the livelihoods of American workers, and the health and safety of consumers.
In July 2022, CBP seized nearly 1,669 shipments that contained counterfeit goods valued at more than $340 million.
Drug Seizures
CBP officers, Border Patrol agents, and Air and Marine Operations agents continue to interdict the flow of illicit narcotics across the border. Nationwide, drug seizures (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Marijuana) by weight were down one percent in July compared to June. Seizures were as follows:
Cocaine seizures decreased 56 percent
Methamphetamine increased 15 percent
Heroin seizures increased 8 percent
Fentanyl seizures increased 203 percent
Additional CBP drug seizure statistics can be found here.
Agriculture Stats/Seizures – Securing American Agriculture
In July 2022, CBP agriculture specialists helped protect America’s agriculture, natural resources, and economic prosperity.
CBP issued 5,309 emergency action notifications for restricted and prohibited plant and animal products entering the United States.
CBP conducted 96,586 positive passenger inspections and issued 619 civil penalties and/or violations to the traveling public for failing to declare prohibited agriculture items.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector apprehended multiple large groups of migrants, over the past weekend, shortly after they illegally entered the United States.USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector apprehended multiple large groups of migrants, over the past weekend, shortly after they illegally entered the United States.
The U.S. Border Patrol categorizes groups of 100 or more as “large groups.” Del Rio Sector accounts for approximately 58 percent of all large groups encountered by Border Patrol during the current fiscal year.
On Aug. 12, a group of 214 undocumented migrants illegally crossed into the United States approximately 6 a.m., near the city of Eagle Pass. Less than an hour later, another large group of 193 migrants were encountered near Normandy.
The next day, another large group of undocumented migrants crossed into the United States illegally south of Eagle Pass. The group consisted of mostly single adults, totaling 166.
On Aug. 14, four large groups of migrants immediately surrendered to Border Patrol agents after illegally crossing into the United States near Eagle Pass throughout the day. The groups ranged from 130 to 285, yielding a total count of 811 undocumented migrants.
All individuals were transported to the nearest processing center and 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.
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today launched a public service announcement to promote awareness of the iWatchTexas community reporting system as teachers, students, and school faculty across the state return to school for the new school year. Featuring “Walker, Texas Ranger” Chuck Norris, the PSA will air on television in media markets across the state starting August 17. iWatchTexas is a partnership between communities and law enforcement that makes it easier for the public to report suspicious activity in the state, including criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats.
“There is nothing more important than keeping our schools and communities safe,” said Governor Abbott. “Parents, teachers, and students deserve to feel safe and secure returning to school this fall, and who better to help spread the message about the iWatchTexas reporting system than ‘Texas Ranger’ Chuck Norris. We ask Texans to utilize iWatchTexas to report nearby suspicious activity to help our law enforcement quickly and effectively respond to any criminal, terroristic, or school safety threats. If you see something, say something and together we can protect our children, teachers, and communities.”
In June, Governor Abbott directed DPS, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to expand and accelerate their efforts to promote the ability to report suspicious activity known to students, staff, and families through the iWatchTexas reporting system.
TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Chuck Norris.
I love bringing bad guys to justice.
But law enforcement can’t stop the bad guys if they don’t know who they are.
That’s why I wanted to tell you about iWatch, a website, phone app and service that allows Texans to report suspicious activity.
Whether it’s criminal acts, terror threats, or someone wanting to harm children, if you see something, say something, and help keep communities in the great state of Texas safe.
Governor Abbott has taken significant action to provide all available resources to support the Uvalde community following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. Those actions include:
Initiating the State of Texas’ comprehensive plan to assist and support members of the community, including co-locating state agency representatives to the Family Assistance Center for on-hand assistance in finding benefits.
Investing an initial $5 million to establish a long-term Family Resiliency Center in Uvalde County to serve as a hub for community services, including access to critical mental health resources.
Issuing a disaster declaration to accelerate all available state and local resources to assist the Uvalde community.
Requesting Texas legislative leaders convene special legislative committees to begin examining and developing legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more.
Directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
Directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide strategies to make Texas public schools safer through heightened safety standards.
Instructing the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) programs to provide training to all school districts across the state, prioritizing school-based law enforcement.
Directing TEA, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to expand and accelerate the ability to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas reporting system.
Urging the Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) to increase lie-and-try prosecutions of people who lie on information provided for gun background checks.
This month a familiar face becomes the Exclusive feature story for Texas Border Business. She is Edna De Saro, a multitasking executive and small business owner.
For almost nineteen years she has worked at Lone Star National Bank as the Executive Vice President and Director of Marketing. During her career, she evolved with the slow transformation of how to advertise today.
When she started in the banking industry doing public relations and business development only traditional media existed. Today, marketing your business, well it can be challenging. Only professionals like her, can navigate effectively the many digital and social media outlets available. Yes, hitting your target audience is a maze, especially for those that do not know the industry. Inside these pages find her story and get to know her better.
Recently, the Brownsville Navigation District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) signed a joint agreement for Phase 2 of the Brazos Island Harbor (BIH) Channel Improvement Project.
The agreement advances the project’s timeline to begin work on deepening the ship channel an additional 10 feet, resulting in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas. The BIH project will further increase the port’s capabilities, allowing existing industries in the Rio Grande Valley to continue expanding while also attracting new economic opportunities for the region. Learn more inside.
Newly sworn in congresswoman and South Texas College alumna Mayra Flores history by becoming the first Mexican-born woman to win a congressional seat. In addition, she became the first Republican in more than 150 years to represent the people of District 34 across deep South Texas.
“STC really shaped who I am,” said the first-generation college graduate. Read the rest of her story inside.
In 1953, Harlingen auctioned the first bale of cotton grown in the United States and the tradition continues. For more than 65 years, the Harlingen Cotton Committee has verified that the First Bale of cotton in the nation was grown in the great state of Texas.
On June 23, 2022, the official First Bale of cotton in the United States was harvested by Wesley Vanderpool, of Alamo, Texas. It was delivered to Willacy Co-Op.
“Agriculture remains one of the key economic sectors in the RGV even with the rapid growth and expanding trade we have experienced in the region,” said Sam Simmons Jr., Cotton Committee Chairman. Read more details inside.
Congratulations are in order for Dr. Juliet V. García, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A former longtime president of The University of Texas at Brownsville, she was one of 17 distinguished Americans presented with the nation’s highest civilian honor on Thursday, July 7, in Washington, D.C. More details inside.
On another note, during three very exciting days which included an evening mixer, a convention, an entrepreneur challenge, a banquet, and a golf tournament to finalize everything, Commodities Integrated Logistics LLC (CiL) celebrated its 30th Anniversary in style.
Joaquin Spamer, the tireless president of CiL, has a vision to help streamline transportation among nations. His career has amazed everyone since the opening in 1992 of his first company that bore the name of Century Forwarding Agency.
During the thirty years have passed, he has had many different businesses related to import and export, storage, inspection points, transportation, construction, and real estate. All those services now make what today is CiL. Read the rest of this story inside.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the arrival of the necessary equipment to begin the dredging of Falcon Lake. The dredging of the lake will help ensure continued access to this critical water supply for the people of Zapata County and the surrounding areas. The project will begin at the Siesta Shores Water Control and Improvement District (WCID). Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Zapata, TX – U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced the arrival of the necessary equipment to begin the dredging of Falcon Lake. The dredging of the lake will help ensure continued access to this critical water supply for the people of Zapata County and the surrounding areas. The project will begin at the Siesta Shores Water Control and Improvement District (WCID).
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The area being dredged is the only source of water to the Siesta Shores WCID which services an estimate of 1,800-2,000 residents. The project will consist of removing approximately 6,000-8,000 cubic yards of sediment from the lake floor and will take roughly 2 weeks to complete.
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“When Sheriff Del Bosque, Judge Rathmell, the commissioners, and the rest of the community reached out to me with pictures of what was happening at Falcon Lake, I knew it was imperative to seek immediate action,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I immediately contacted Commissioner Giner to see if bringing equipment to dredge Falcon Lake was a possibility, and after several discussions, we were able to secure this equipment from Arizona to come down to Zapata and begin the dredging process as soon as possible.”
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Congressman Cuellar Continued: “This equipment will allow us to reset our lake’s ecosystem and help ensure that Falcon Lake has sufficient water to supply Zapata County and the surrounding areas for the foreseeable future. I want to thank Commissioner Giner and her team for making this extraordinary effort to bring this equipment to our community. I also want to thank Sheriff Del Bosque, Judge Rathmell, the Zapata County Commissioners, and the rest of the community for helping me monitor the situation and working with me to find a viable solution.”
“The USIBWC understands the challenges faced by the local stakeholders due to the historic drought conditions and as a solution-oriented agency is pleased that through federal parnerships is able to assist in ensuring their potable water supply at Falcon Lake,” said IBWC Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner.
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“I want to thank Congressman Henry Cuellar for his efforts in securing equipment and the support from the international boundary and water commission, this equipment will help both siesta shores WCID and Zapata waterworks in dealing with the low water levels in Falcon lake due to the ongoing drought, dredging should commence within a short time to secure adequate water supplies for the residents of Zapata County, I also want to thank Henry for his efforts with USDA and other funding agencies to secure emergency funding for Zapata County. Thank you,” said Zapata County Judge Joseph Rathmell.
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By removing the built-up sediment at the bottom of the lake, dredging will: increase depth and water volume, restore stormwater detention capacity, eradicate debris and deep-rooted plants, remove nutrient-laden sediments, improve water quality and clarity, and help create a balanced ecosystem for aquatic plants and wildlife.
The county will assist the IBWC in their efforts to improve the lake’s condition.
Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department, in partnership with Hidalgo County Precinct 3, will hold a Back-to-School Health Fair at the St Anne’s Parish Hall located at 17117 Coconut Drive in Penitas on Saturday, August 20 from 9 a.m. – noon. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PENITAS – Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department, in partnership with Hidalgo County Precinct 3, will hold a Back-to-School Health Fair at the St Anne’s Parish Hall located at 17117 Coconut Drive in Penitas on Saturday, August 20 from 9 a.m. – noon.
The health fair is free and open to all county residents.
“As the school year approaches, we are excited to provide the community with back-to-school vaccines and school supplies,” said Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal.
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There will be health related booths on-site conducting health screenings and giving out information on health-based programs offered in the different precincts. They will also be handing out free school supplies, and BBQ plates until supplies last.
Back to school vaccinations will also be available for $5 for children and $10 for adults, as well as free COVID-19 vaccinations for ages 5 and up.
“Our goal is to make it easier for students to return back to school,” said Health and Human Services Chief Administrative Office Eddie Olivarez. “It’s a great opportunity for families to find what they need in preparation for the school-year under one roof.”
An MCS camera operator located the suspected vehicle, a Honda Accord, and an agent attempted to initiate a vehicle stop. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG,
Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and local law enforcement partners disrupted five human smuggling events resulting in 19 arrests.
On August 12, the McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) received information of a vehicle loading up suspected migrants south of Mission. An MCS camera operator located the suspected vehicle, a Honda Accord, and an agent attempted to initiate a vehicle stop. The driver of the Honda failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit. Palmview Police Department officers responded and encountered the vehicle abandoned. Agents searched the area and arrested four migrants illegally present in the United States; the driver of the vehicle was not located.
The following morning, MCS agents responded to a request for assistance from Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers with three suspected migrants at a vehicle stop in Mission. Agents determined the three individuals were nationals of Mexico and unlawfully present in the U.S. A trooper recognized and confirmed one of the Mexican nationals was a driver from an earlier DPS vehicle pursuit, where agents apprehended four migrants, but the driver eluded apprehension. DPS took custody of that individual to charge him with evading arrest and smuggling of persons, the other two migrants were transported to the station.
Later that afternoon, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents were led on a vehicle pursuit with a Ford Expedition. The driver stopped momentarily during the pursuit to allow passengers to unload the vehicle and then sped away. Agents apprehended four migrants from Mexico and encountered the Expedition abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. The driver was not located.
Shortly after midnight on August 14, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station (FLF) agents, DPS, and the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office were pursuing a Ford Expedition near La Gloria when the driver slowed the vehicle south of Premont and three subjects bailed out before speeding away again. Agents apprehended the three migrants. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in Premont where a Jim Wells Sheriff’s County deputy arrested the driver, a U.S. citizen, to face state charges.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station rescued a woman in distress and in need of immediate medical attention, Aug. 10. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EAGLE PASS, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station rescued a woman in distress and in need of immediate medical attention, Aug. 10.
At approximately 10 p.m., agents working the near Eagle Pass received a 911 call from a man stating that a woman attempted to jump from a rail car and subsequently severed her foot, just above the ankle. Agents quickly located the woman, a Honduran national and rendered aid. She was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.
During Fiscal Year 2022, since Oct. 1, 2021, Del Rio Sector agents have rescued more than 350 migrants from railroad related incidents.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
The agent repeatedly threw the flotation device toward the area of the screaming but the person did not resurface. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
On August 2, 2022, at approximately 5:53 a.m., Border Patrol Agents received a report of multiple groups of suspected undocumented migrants in an area known as Avocado Landing, located east of El Faro Road near Los Ebanos, Texas. Three agents responded to the area and conducted a foot search around 5:57 a.m.
Agents apprehended eight undocumented migrants; however, several other individuals fled towards the river. Upon securing the undocumented migrants, agents searched for additional migrants and encountered about ten more individuals alongside the riverbank at approximately 6:26 a.m. As the Border Patrol agents began sending the migrants to other agents to be secured, they heard screaming in the river. The agents called for support, which resulted in the deployment of a rescue flotation device.
An agent took the rescue device, ran towards the river and reported he did not hear anyone screaming and could not see anyone due to the darkness. The agent repeatedly threw the flotation device toward the area of the screaming but the person did not resurface.
Vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department searched the river and a man’s body was recovered at approximately 9:10 a.m. The decedent was later identified as a citizen of Guatemala.
This incident is being reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General was also notified.
