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Six People Rescued Offshore From Vessel In Distress

Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted six migrant smuggling events with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted six migrant smuggling events with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents interdicted six migrant smuggling events with the assistance of local law enforcement agencies.

On August 3, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents responded to a call for assistance from the Port Mansfield Police Department concerning six individuals rescued from a vessel more than a mile offshore. Agents interviewed the group and determined three were illegally present in the U.S. and the other three were U.S. citizens.  The three U.S. citizens were juveniles travelling with a non-citizen relative.  All were determined to be in good health and transported to the station for processing.

Later that morning, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents interviewed five individuals encountered after a vehicle pursuit/bail out with Palmview Police Department (PPD). Agents arrested three migrants from Guatemala and one migrant from Ecuador. PPD retained custody of the U.S. citizen juvenile driver to charge with migrant smuggling.

Just before noon, RGV agents and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Operation Stonegarden units conducted a vehicle stop on a Ford Expedition suspected of human smuggling in Mission, resulting in two arrests. Upon further investigation, the team arrested two more subjects at a migrant stash house nearby. All subjects are nationals from Mexico and no caretaker was identified.

Later that evening, RGV agents attempted to initiate an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Cadillac SUV near Norias. The vehicle failed to yield and led agents and Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) troopers on a vehicle pursuit. The vehicle came to a stop near Raymondville and all the occupants bailed out. The grass under the unoccupied vehicle caught fire as did the Cadillac until the Raymondville Fire Department responded to extinguish the flames. TXDPS arrested the U.S. citizen driver and agents apprehended three migrants from Honduras in the brush nearby.  

Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents encountered two large groups totaling 297 subjects near La Grulla yesterday and this morning. The group consisted of 140 single adults, 106 family unit members (four are U.S. citizen juveniles), and 51 unaccompanied children. The migrants are from Cuba, South and Central America.

All subjects were processed accordingly

First Bus of Migrants Arrives In New York City

Governor Greg Abbott announced the arrival of the first group of migrants bused to New York City from Texas. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott announced the arrival of the first group of migrants bused to New York City from Texas. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced the arrival of the first group of migrants bused to New York City from Texas. The migrants are being dropped off this morning on a green bus at Port Authority Bus Terminal at Gate 14. In addition to Washington, D.C., New York City will now be a drop-off location for the busing strategy as part of the Governor’s response to the Biden Administration’s open border policies overwhelming Texas communities. 

“Because of President Biden’s continued refusal to acknowledge the crisis caused by his open border policies, the State of Texas has had to take unprecedented action to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Abbott. “In addition to Washington, D.C., New York City is the ideal destination for these migrants, who can receive the abundance of city services and housing that Mayor Eric Adams has boasted about within the sanctuary city. I hope he follows through on his promise of welcoming all migrants with open arms so that our overrun and overwhelmed border towns can find relief.”

In April, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to transport migrants from Texas to Washington, D.C. Since the beginning of this busing strategy, thousands of migrants have been transported to the nation’s capital while providing much-needed relief to Texas’ overwhelmed border communities. As one of the few cities in America with right to housing laws, New York City is required to provide emergency shelter for every unhoused person.

Breaking Ground on Rio Grande Care Road Stormwater Improvement Project

Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres in collaboration with Hidalgo County Drainage District broke ground on the second of 12 stormwater management improvements to be developed within Precinct 4. Courtesy Image
Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres in collaboration with Hidalgo County Drainage District broke ground on the second of 12 stormwater management improvements to be developed within Precinct 4. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas — Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ellie Torres in collaboration with Hidalgo County Drainage District broke ground on the second of 12 stormwater management improvements to be developed within Precinct 4. “Drainage remains a top priority for the residents of Precinct 4. The Rio Grande Care Road Stormwater Improvement Project will provide enhancements that will be beneficial to area residents with no additional cost to taxpayers.”

The project will enhance stormwater infrastructure from north of Monte Cristo Road and east of Rio Grande Care Road.  Project details include the re-grading of roadside bar ditches and the removal and replacement of driveways. The project will also be providing proper elevation levels to ensure appropriate drainage of water in the area. 

Funding for the project comes at $185,555.55 with no additional cost to taxpayers. The project is designed and managed by the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and construction will be done by 5125 Company. Commissioner Ellie Torres has several drainage projects in the pipeline ready for advancement and into construction.

The improvements to Rio Grande Care Road’s stormwater management system are a part of the Hidalgo County ARPA Program’s mission to address flooding and water inequities. For more information about the County’s ARPA Program, visit hidalgocountyarpa.com.

Drought and Your Health

Drought is a prolonged period of dry weather caused by lack of rainfall, resulting in water shortage. Periods of drought can result in inadequate water supply and can lead to public health problems. Take action and learn how drought can impact your health and the health of your family. Image for illustration purposes
Drought is a prolonged period of dry weather caused by lack of rainfall, resulting in water shortage. Periods of drought can result in inadequate water supply and can lead to public health problems. Take action and learn how drought can impact your health and the health of your family. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Drought is a prolonged period of dry weather caused by lack of rainfall, resulting in water shortage. Periods of drought can result in inadequate water supply and can lead to public health problems. Take action and learn how drought can impact your health and the health of your family.

CDC Graphic

Overview

Cycles of drought have affected North America for the last 10,000 years. Droughts can last from a single season to many decades and can affect from a few hundred to millions of square miles. With our climate continuing to change, historically dry areas of the U.S. are likely to experience an increased risk of drought.

Drought can affect areas or communities differently depending on several additional variables. These variables include:

  • the structure and capacity of existing water systems,
  • local governance of water use,
  • urban vs. rural land use,
  • economic development,
  • the at-risk populations living in the affected area, and
  • other societal factors, such as the presence of local social networks.

Public Health Implications

Severe drought conditions can negatively affect air quality. During drought, there is an increased risk for wildfires and dust storms. Particulate matter suspended in the air from these events can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs. This can make chronic respiratory illnesses worse and increase the risk for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The health implications of drought are numerous and far reaching. Some drought-related health effects are experienced in the short-term and can be directly observed and measured. However, the slow rise or chronic nature of drought can result in longer term, indirect health implications that are not always easy to anticipate or monitor.

The possible public health implications of drought include:

  • compromised quantity and quality of drinking water;
  • increased recreational risks;
  • effects on air quality;
  • diminished living conditions related to energy, air quality, and sanitation and hygiene;
  • mental health effects related to economic and job losses;
  • compromised food and nutrition; and
  • increased incidence of illness and disease.

CBP Officers Apprehend Man Wanted for Homicide

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the port here apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for homicide. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the port here apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for homicide. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

PRESIDIO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the port here apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for homicide. 

On August 2, CBP officers encountered a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen who arrived from Mexico via vehicle. During primary inspection by CBP officers it was revealed there was an outstanding warrant for homicide (negligent manslaughter-vehicle). The individual was secured and a secondary inspection was conducted utilizing biometric verification which confirmed his identity along with the active warrant for homicide (negligence manslaughter-vehicle) by the Comanche County Sheriff’s Office, Lawton, Oklahoma.

“Working closely with law enforcement agencies and apprehending fugitives from justice is a part of our daily work to keep our borders and communities safe and secure,” said Port Director Jesus Chavez.  

The suspect was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to local authorities pending extradition to the originating agency.

El Paso CBP Officers Seize 73 Pounds of Hard Narcotics

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine over the last week. USCBP Image
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine over the last week. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine over the last week.

On July 25, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 14.77 pounds of cocaine from a 36-year-old female Mexican citizen. A CBP canine alert and a non-intrusive inspection led CBP officers to the discovery of cocaine filled bundles concealed within the vehicle. 

USCBP Image

On July 26, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 16.97 pounds of methamphetamine from a 32-year-old male U.S. citizen. The discovery was made after a CBP canine alerted to a dolly leading CBP officers to locate methamphetamine filled bundles. Later, CBP officers intercepted 0.48 pounds of fentanyl from a 32-year-old male U.S. citizen. The discovery was made after a pat down search was conducted leading CBP officers to discover two bags filled with pills.

On July 27, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 0.24 pounds of fentanyl from a 21-year-old female U.S. citizen. The woman arrived via pedestrian bridge and was referred for a secondary inspection. Following a CBP canine alert, the woman admitted to carrying narcotics in her vaginal cavity. 

On July 28, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 1.06 pounds of methamphetamine from a female U.S. citizen. The discovery was made after a pat down search was conducted revealing packages in the groin area. Later, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted a mixed load of 9.83 pounds of fentanyl and 12.87 pounds of cocaine from a 19-year-old male U.S. citizen. The discovery was made following a non-intrusive inspection and intensive search of the vehicle. A few minutes later, CBP officers encountered a 22-year-old female attempting to smuggle 6.08 pounds of cocaine concealed within her vehicle. 

On July 30, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 11.28 pounds of methamphetamine from a 24-year-old female U.S. citizen. The seizure occurred following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive search of the vehicle.   

“CBP officers are dedicated to protecting our borders and stopping the flow of dangerous narcotics from reaching our communities,” said Director Field Operations Hector A. Mancha. “These seizures are examples of the vigilance and commitment by our CBP officers to the border security mission.”

The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations or local authorities for prosecution.

Laredo Agents stop human smuggling attempt  & recover stolen vehicle 

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station stops a human smuggling attempt and recovered a stolen tractor-trailer at the I-35 checkpoint. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station stops a human smuggling attempt and recovered a stolen tractor-trailer at the I-35 checkpoint. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo North Station stops a human smuggling attempt and recovered a stolen tractor-trailer at the I-35 checkpoint.

The incident occurred on August 3, when a commercial vehicle approached the primary inspection lane.  During an immigration inspection of the driver, a Service canine alerted to the vehicle, subsequently, agents referred the driver to secondary inspection.  After opening the trailer, agents discovered over 40 undocumented individuals inside.  The individuals were identified as being from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

The tractor-trailer was reported as being stolen out of San Antonio, Texas. It was turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

All subjects including the driver, a U.S. citizen, were taken into custody to be processed accordingly. 

Help us take a stand against criminal smuggling organizations by reporting suspicious activity to the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

RGV Agents Apprehend 195 Migrants and 283 Pounds of Marijuana 

Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted two human smuggling events, seized 283 pounds of marijuana from two narcotics smuggling events, and encountered another large group over the weekend. USCBP image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted two human smuggling events, seized 283 pounds of marijuana from two narcotics smuggling events, and encountered another large group over the weekend. USCBP image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted two human smuggling events, seized 283 pounds of marijuana from two narcotics smuggling events, and encountered another large group over the weekend.

Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station (RGC) agents seized 236 pounds of marijuana when camera operators observed a heavily laden ATV traveling north from the Rio Grande near La Casita. Responding agents encountered the ATV as it travelled drive back south toward the river and several bundles dropped off the vehicle. Agents recovered the bundles, with an estimated street value of more than 188,000 USD, and camera operators observed the subjects swim back to Mexico.

On July 29, Fort Brown Border Patrol Station (FTB) agents apprehended more than 47 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of more than 37,000 USD when camera operators notified agents of two subjects carrying bundles near Brownsville. FTB agents responded to the area and encountered three subjects loading bundles into a GMC Yukon.  The subjects abandoned the bundles and fled. Agents conducted a search of the area but were unable to locate any subjects.

On July 30, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents responded to a request for assistance from the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office concerning a suspected stash house located in Weslaco. Agents and local law enforcement apprehended nine Salvadoran citizens, all illegally present in the U.S. No caretaker was identified. 

Later that evening, RGC camera operators observed a Chevrolet SUV load up migrants in a well-known smuggling area near Bazan. Responding agents encountered the suspect vehicle causing multiple subjects to immediately bail out. Agents apprehended five migrants all determined to be illegally present in the U.S. One of the subjects was evaluated by emergency medical services and transported to the hospital for further treatment.

In addition, RGC agents encountered a large group totaling 181 noncitizens in Starr County. The group consisted of 56 single adults, 62 family members, and 63 unaccompanied children. The migrants are from Central and South America, and Cuba.

All subjects were processed accordingly.   

CBP Officers Seize $22K in Cocaine from Pedestrian at Hidalgo International Bridge

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted $22,700 worth of alleged cocaine, July 29. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted $22,700 worth of alleged cocaine, July 29. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) intercepted $22,700 worth of alleged cocaine, July 29.

“Our CBP officers used teamwork, experience and attention to detail to thwart this smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.

CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a 42-year-old man making entry from Mexico on foot. A canine team on duty alerted to the odor of narcotics and the person was immediately escorted to a secure area where officers discovered two packages of alleged cocaine hidden on his person. A total of 2.95 pounds of alleged cocaine was removed.

CBP OFO seized the narcotics, and the case remains under investigation by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).

CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault of a Child

U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended U.S. citizen from McAllen, wanted for sexual assault of a child, July 29. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended U.S. citizen from McAllen, wanted for sexual assault of a child, July 29. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended U.S. citizen from McAllen, wanted for sexual assault of a child, July 29.

“This man will have his day in court thanks to our vigilant CBP officers who screen travelers entering the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

CBP officers encountered 21-year-old Juan Pedro Arroyo, as he arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and immediately secured him after discovering Arroyo was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Upon investigation, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with an active arrest warrant from Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Arroyo has been wanted stemming from allegations from an incident in May 2022 and faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony in the state of Texas.

A Hidalgo County deputy arrived to take custody of Arroyo and transported him to the county jail.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.