Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescue migrants from a tractor trailer at the Falfurrias checkpoint and disrupt a stash house. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescue migrants from a tractor trailer at the Falfurrias checkpoint and disrupt a stash house.
On July 27, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents working at the checkpoint rescued six migrants from a tractor trailer. Agents referred the vehicle to the secondary inspection area following a K9 alert. The migrants were discovered hidden behind pallets of fruit. The driver, a U.S. citizen with a previous charge from Pharr Police Department for the unlawful carrying of a weapon in prohibited places and sentenced to six months’ probation, was placed under arrest. The migrants are nationals of Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. All subjects were found to be in good health.
On July 26, RGV agents in cooperation with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office received information of a possible human smuggling stash house located in Edinburg. Agents apprehended a total of six subjects who were determined to be illegally present in the U.S. No primary caretaker was identified.
All subjects were taken into Border Patrol custody and will be processed accordingly.
The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 1-800-863-9382.
South Texas College and Mexican Consul Froylán Yescas Cedillo formalized an official IME Becas amendment to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aiming to increase the educational attainment level of Mexican or persons of Mexican origin living in the United States. STC Photo
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MCALLEN, Texas – South Texas College (STC) in partnership with the Mexican Consulate in McAllen have again pledged their support to students from Mexico ahead of the fall 2022 semester.
STC and the Consulate of Mexico in McAllen Froylán Yescas Cedillo signed an “Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior”(IME) or “Institute for Mexicans Abroad” Becas (Scholarships) amendment to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The amendment to the MOU was then signed by STC Vice-President of Institutional
Advancement and Economic Development Rodney H. Rodriguez, Ph.D and Yescas Cedillo on Thursday morning.
The scholarship aims to help Mexican students, students with dual citizenship and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students also known as “Dreamers” living in the U.S. get a college degree by awarding eligible students with $500. The awards are meant to pay for tuition, fees and textbooks as outlined in the MOU between the Consulate and STC.
Since the grant’s start in 2014, the Mexican Consul has awarded nearly $150,000 in scholarships to more than 150 STC students.
In order to qualify, a student must be a Mexican national or person of Mexican-origin residing in the United States and must not be receiving any other type of scholarship or financial aid.
“This is an effort between the Mexican government and the IME Becas program that we are celebrating today for financial assistance to Mexican students with these grants,” Rodriguez told attendees in Spanish. “The program looks to expand the educational opportunities in higher education for international students. STC believes that there is no better investment in a person than through education, and we will continue trying to work with Mexico to develop more opportunities for students studying here in the United States.”
In attendance at the ceremony was STC Trustee Danny Guzman, McAllen Economic Development Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Keith Patridge and respective STC deans and faculty.
The Consulate of Mexico in McAllen presented STC with more than $9,000 in order to provide scholarships to qualifying students. STC will match those funds for a total of $18,000.
“We can look at the impact on students in two parts, statistically and through life stories,” Yescas Cedillo said in Spanish. “Statistically, we know that more than 300 students have benefitted through the IME Becas program, and this means that there are more than 300 lives who had the opportunity to study and receive skills and improve their lives. This is what is most important and we are going to keep working with South Texas College because we want to reach more students and support them and help them reach their goals for a better quality of life in the Valley.”
Since the grant’s start in 2014, the Mexican Consul has awarded nearly $150,000 to more than 150 STC students who have benefitted from the IME scholarship.
Mexican-born students who are undocumented are not eligible for federal assistance for college, which includes federal Pell Grants, federal work-study and federal student loans often making them pay out-of-pocket for courses.
TheUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics learned on Thursday that the women’s soccer program has earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for posting a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher during the 2021-22 academic year. Courtesy Image UTRGV and Image for illustration purposes
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RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – TheUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics learned on Thursday that the women’s soccer program has earned the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for posting a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher during the 2021-22 academic year.
The women’s soccer program earned its seventh academic award in the last eight years after posting a 3.48 GPA last year.
A total of 746 soccer programs posted a team GPA of 3.0 or higher to earn the award.
College Team Academic Award recipients are active members of the United Soccer Coaches College Services Program with a composite grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for all players on the roster for the 2021-22 academic year.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos celebrates the ribbon cutting ceremony that started the greatest festivities that unite people of two nations. Chairwoman Annette Franz and Josh Mejia President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce were also present. Photo Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
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Annette Franz, Chairwoman for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce Board of directors. Photo Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
On the second day of MXLAN, the five-day summer art & music festival that celebrates young Latino culture, attendees can experience live muralists, the breakthrough music stage, an artisan mercado, a culinary festival and more.
Enjoy a night of Mexican inspired cuisine with Sabor a Mexico Food Festival. The event kicks off tonight at 7:30 p.m. and will feature food from over 12 local McAllen restaurants, including Palenque Grill, Villa del Mar, Yardhouse, Ana Liz Taqueria , Tingy and more. Tickets are $40 each and include food festival entry, unlimited tastings, plus three adult drinks or beverages and live music. Tickets are available at www.mxlan.com.
Josh Mejia, President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy Image
Tonight on the breakthrough stage, enjoy performances starting at 7:00 p.m. with DJ Queen Killahbee, Lost in Limbo, Victor Internet, Neon Indian DJ Set and Inner Wave.
Food and artisan vendors are available throughout the McAllen Convention Center, and celebrate with a street parade kicking off at 8:00 p.m.
MXLAN is presented by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and sponsors include the City of McAllen; McAllen International Airport; Boggus Ford; Reliant; and Tecate/Alta. Other sponsors include South Texas Health System; South Texas College; H-E-B; Ruby Red Hospitality.
U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector rescued two migrants from drowning inside of the American Canal near the Ysleta Port on Entry, Friday. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Agents in the El Paso Sector rescued two migrants from drowning inside of the American Canal near the Ysleta Port on Entry, Friday.
On July 22, Border Patrol Agents assigned to the Ysleta Station received a call from an off duty El Paso Station Border Patrol Agent regarding two individuals scaling down the border barrier by Midway Drive and Cesar E. Chavez Highway/Loop 375.
Agents immediately searched the area and observed two individuals jump into the water canal. The individuals were observed trying to stay afloat as the current swept them downstream. Agents acted swiftly and immediately requested Emergency Medical Services and the El Paso Fire Department to assist in rescuing the migrants. Soon after, a Border Patrol Agent supported himself on a canal ladder rung and was able to safely rescue the migrants with the use of a rescue rope flotation device.
The migrants from Ecuador and Brazil were rescued approximately one and a half miles from where they initially entered the canal. Both migrants were provided with medical attention.
Both subjects were subsequently transported to the El Paso Modular Centralized Processing Center for further processing.
“Had it not been for the life-saving efforts of our Border Patrol Agents, these individuals could have easily drowned.” said El Paso Sector Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “I am extremely proud of the heroic actions by our agents, this event once again illustrates that our agents will place themselves in harm’s way, or go any length, to render aid to those in need.”
During Fiscal Year 2022, El Paso Sector agents have performed more than 404 rescues. Twenty-six of those rescues are water canal related. Unfortunately, the El Paso Sector has registered 56 migrant deaths. Twenty of these deaths are water canal related.
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 1-800-635-2509.
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass and Uvalde stations recently apprehended a convicted sex offender one day apart from each other. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
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DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Eagle Pass and Uvalde stations recently apprehended a convicted sex offender one day apart from each other.
July 22, Uvalde Station agents arrested Roberto Moya-Santos, 42, a Mexican national, along with four other migrants after they illegally entered the United States. Records checks revealed that he was convicted of third-degree rape in 2010, and later deported.
July 23, Eagle Pass agents encountered Kevin Orland Palma-Carrasco, 24, a citizen of Honduras, after he illegally entered the United States. During processing, records checks revealed that in 2017, Palma-Carrasco was convicted of statutory rape and sexual assault, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison and subsequently deported.
As convicted felons, they face a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – Re-entry after Deportation, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
During fiscal year 2022, Oct. 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered more than 1,651 criminal migrants.
To report suspicious activity, call the Del Rio Sector’s toll-free number at 1-866-511-8727.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry recently seized $2.1 million in methamphetamine within a passenger vehicle. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry recently seized $2.1 million in methamphetamine within a passenger vehicle.
“Our frontline CBP officers at Rio Grande City Port of Entry utilized their training, experience and use of our canine teams and technology to interdict a substantial load of hard narcotics,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma/Rio Grande City Port of Entry.
On July 24, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Rio Grande City International Bridge encountered a 2012 Dodge arriving from Mexico. A CBP officer referred the vehicle, driven by a 41-year-old male U.S. citizen, for further inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection system (NII)equipment and screening by a (canine team). After conducting a thorough secondary examination, officers seized a total of 110 pounds (49.44 kg) of alleged liquid methamphetamine concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics, vehicle and turned the driver over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Bundles containing 235 pounds of marijuana seized by RGV Sector Border Patrol agents near Brownsville. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents with the assistance from state authorities disrupted four smuggling events.
On July 26, RGV agents attempted to initiate an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Jeep Cherokee near Brownsville. The vehicle failed to yield and led agents on a vehicle pursuit that ended when the driver entered a trailer park where multiple subjects then bailed out. Agents apprehended four migrants who were all unlawfully present in the U.S. A search of the vehicle revealed five bundles of marijuana weighing more than 235 pounds with a street value more than $188.000 USD. Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) troopers took custody of the driver to face state charges.
Hours later, TXDPS troopers requested assistance from McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents for a vehicle pursuit in Palmview. The pursuit came to an end when the driver abruptly came to a stop and several subjects were observed absconding into the nearby brush. A search of the immediate area resulted in the apprehension of 15 migrants all unlawfully present in the U.S. The driver was not located.
Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Avalanche suspected of transporting migrants. The driver failed to yield to the agent’s marked service unit and a vehicle pursuit ensued. The vehicle temporarily came to a stop near Progreso, where several subjects exited the vehicle and fled into the brush. The driver continued north toward U.S. Expressway 83, where TXDPS troopers took lead on the pursuit. The driver ultimately came to a stop in Brownsville, where troopers arrested the U.S. citizen driver. Agents apprehend four migrants located within the brush.
Last night, MCS camera operators observed a suspicious vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in a well-known smuggling area near Los Ebanos. MCS agents encountered the vehicle and attempted to initiate a vehicle stop. When the driver failed to yield and sped away, TXDPS troopers took the lead on the pursuit. The driver, a U.S. citizen, eventually came to a stop and multiple subjects bailed out. Agents apprehended eight migrants, all determined to be illegally present in the U.S. TXDPS took custody of the driver and passenger to face state charges.
Texas has world-class health care institutions, research organizations, research universities, research laboratories, and medical schools. In fact, the world’s largest medical center and the nation’s largest military medical complex are located here. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
The Texas economy has been setting the standard for economic growth, leading the country in major new corporate locations for the past 10 straight years. The population is also diverse and growing, which is not the case in many parts of the country. We’re also seeing the continued emergence of industries in the state as the business environment encourages growth. One segment where Texas once lagged other regions was that of biosciences and related manufacturing. Well, folks, that has changed!!
Texas has world-class health care institutions, research organizations, research universities, research laboratories, and medical schools. In fact, the world’s largest medical center and the nation’s largest military medical complex are located here. The state has top medical schools and research universities, a large and growing technology sector, excellent research labs, a culture of innovation, and a regulatory environment conducive to progress. The result is the emergence of a vibrant medical research and technology sector.
Texas also has catalysts for growth, such as The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT). CPRIT has been overwhelmingly supported by Texas taxpayers, who have twice voted to provide about $6 billion in funding for cancer research and screening. The institute has attracted leading scholars and researchers, improved cancer outcomes, and generated billions in economic benefits. Another example is Pegasus Park, which includes an incubator for new biotech industries. In addition, the Texas Healthcare and Bioscience Institute has supported the state’s efforts for decades. These are three among many initiatives, a number of which involve both the public sector and private entities.
Economic data demonstrates the fruits of efforts to support medical research and commercialization. Texas is outpacing other states in job growth in key areas. In the period since 2010, health-related manufacturing has expanded by 32.9% in Texas, well ahead of the US pace (12.2%) and major competing states. In fact, Texas growth ranks well above California (13.4%), Illinois (11.8%), North Carolina (10.6%), Georgia (5.1%), and Ohio (1.2%). Employment in bioscience manufacturing is actually shrinking in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
The bottom line is that Texas’ dynamic economy and ability to attract capital investment can accelerate the transition from research findings to new treatments, supporting growth in related manufacturing. Accelerating the deployment of new discoveries into pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other treatments also improves health outcomes.
These emerging industries generate substantial spillover benefits throughout the economy, providing well-paying jobs and opportunities for other Texas businesses. The state provides an environment for success in seeing that the breakthroughs of researchers translate into new medicines and medical devices, and the data clearly indicate that it’s working. Texas may have started this race near the back of the pack, but it is closing very rapidly. Stay safe
Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 2,500 clients over the past four decades.
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol agents conduct a water rescue near Mission, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents performed two separate water rescues and located lost migrants.
On July 24th, 2022, A McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS) operator obtained visual of a group of seven suspected non-citizens near Mission, Texas. Agents arrived and immediately located five of the seven subjects while other agents continued to search for the remaining two. Agents located two men unresponsive and floating in the Inspiration Canal. The agents immediately entered the canal and removed the men from the water. Once out of the canal, the agents began resuscitation efforts, and one man soon began to breathe on his own. Agents performed chest compressions on the second man, who eventually expelled water and began to breath unassisted. An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) agent evaluated and stabilized the men, both determined to be undocumented non-citizens, before they were transported to the hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. Both men were medically cleared.
“The action of these Border Patrol agents, saving the lives of two migrants, is an example of not only the selfless bravery demonstrated by our personnel, but a testament to the quality of training they receive in providing emergency aid,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joel Martinez. “I am incredibly proud of all the agents involved.”
Later that evening, MCS riverine agents rescued 14 non-citizens from possible drowning in the Rio Grande River, near La Joya, Texas. Agents spotted a raft with several subjects onboard attempting to make landfall on the U.S. riverbank. The raft began to sink so the group jumped in the water. Agents assisted the subjects out of the water and onto their riverine vessel. The migrants are from Mexico, El Salvador. and Guatemala.
Earlier in the morning, Kingsville Border Patrol Station agents responded to a 911 emergency call from a lost subject on a ranch near Sarita, Texas. Agents conducted a search and located the Salvadoran national in good health and transported him to the Javier Vega Jr. Checkpoint.
Additionally, RGV agents responded and located three more Mexican nationals after they placed 911 emergency calls near Norias and Riviera, Texas.
