Home Blog Page 1135

Texas A&M students enhance engineering education through hands-on training 

TBB
-
0
Texas A&M students enhance engineering education through hands-on training 
(Left to right) Texas A&M University students Hector Guzman, Eric Martin and Jesus Perez are excited to experience the hands-on side of TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program through their university’s Bachelor’s+ Program. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
(Left to right) Texas A&M University students Hector Guzman, Eric Martin and Jesus Perez are excited to experience the hands-on side of TSTC’s Mechatronics Technology program through their university’s Bachelor’s+ Program. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)

Texas Border Business

HARLINGEN, Texas – The 2022 summer session at Texas State Technical College has been rewarding for three Texas A&M University engineering seniors who are receiving hands-on training at TSTC.

Hector Guzman, Eric Martin and Jesus Perez are enrolled in the Mechatronics Technology program at TSTC’s Harlingen campus through their university’s Bachelor’s+ Program, a professional education partnership between the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) and TSTC.

Guzman, of College Station, is a mechanical engineering student. He said the Mechatronics Technology program is intriguing because many of the items they tinker with can be found at home.

“I am familiarizing myself with all this information so it benefits me in the long run,” Guzman said.

Guzman said TSTC Mechatronics Technology instructor Mario Castillo has made his experience engaging.

“(He) is caring when it comes to a student’s learning capability,” he said. “With his teaching approach, you learn what goes where, and why do this and not that. The transition of learning theory at Texas A&M University and then here at TSTC has been fulfilling.”

Perez, of Houston, is an electrical engineering student. He said the program is beneficial 

because it helps students be able to analyze various components.

“I enjoy how it makes us think in a perspective similar to that of engineers,” Perez said.

Perez recalled that his favorite hands-on assignment involved motor control systems.

“It keeps you going because you learn about different parts for different systems,” he said.

Martin, of Kerrville, is a mechanical engineering student who said his experience at TSTC has been phenomenal.

“This education is entirely different from computer simulations or doing it on paper,” Martin said. “I really enjoy the step-by-step process of the work visually.”

Martin said his favorite hands-on assignment was the wiring component.

“We wired a PLC (programmable logic controller) system with wires and buttons from scratch,” he said. “It is stimulating to see how it works with ladder logic diagrams and to make buttons and switches work.”

Each of the students will earn a Basic Electromechanical Automation occupational skills achievement award from TSTC in August.

TSTC offers Mechatronics Technology at the Harlingen campus, where students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree or an occupational skills achievement award.

The Bachelor’s+ Program fulfills the Texas A&M students’ ENGR(x) zero-credit-hour requirement for graduation. To meet the requirement, the engineering students must participate in an approved engineering-centric activity that meets the criteria of a high-impact learning experience, followed by meaningful self-reflection.

For more information on the Bachelor’s+ Program, go to tx.ag/bachelorsplus2022.

Registration for the fall semester at TSTC is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.

Roma CBP Agriculture Specialists Intercept First in Nation Pest in Maguey Leaves 

TBB
-
0
Roma CBP Agriculture Specialists Intercept First in Nation Pest in Maguey Leaves 
A specimen of Acanthoderes funeraria Bates (Cerambycidae) a First in Nation pest interception realized by CBP agriculture specialists at Roma Port of Entry. USCBP Image
A specimen of Acanthoderes funeraria Bates (Cerambycidae) a First in Nation pest interception realized by CBP agriculture specialists at Roma Port of Entry. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

ROMA, Texas – Agriculture Specialists with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Roma Port of Entry intercepted a “First in Nation” pest, a beetle found within maguey leaves.

“Our frontline CBP agriculture specialists at Roma Port of Entry examine a significant amount of fresh produce shipments on a daily basis and their tenacity and dedication to the mission of safeguarding American agriculture led to their discovery of this first in nation pest interception,” said Port Director Andres Guerra, Roma/Rio Grande City Port of Entry.

The interception occurred on July 18, 2022, at the Roma International Bridge during an examination of a tractor trailer hauling fresh vegetables.  During an examination of maguey leaves, CBP agriculture specialists intercepted a beetle which was submitted for identification to a local U.S. Department of Agriculture area entomologist. On July 20, 2022, the initial pest identification was confirmed as Acanthoderes funeraria Bates (Cerambycidae), a First-in-Nation interception, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The shipment was refused entry and returned to Mexico. 

Insects in the Cerambycidae family, also known as longhorn beetles, are known to feed on either wood materials or herbaceous plants, are considered invasive pests and may pose significant risk to the nation’s agriculture.

Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender

TBB
-
0
Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Sex Offender
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, July 17. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, July 17. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

DEL RIO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Uvalde Station apprehended a convicted sex offender, July 17.

Agents encountered Juan Felipe Sanchez-Martinez, 37, a citizen of Mexico, after he illegally entered the United States by crossing the Rio Grande River.

During processing, records checks revealed that in 2015 Sanchez-Martinez was convicted of indecency with a child via sexual contact in Texas. He was sentenced to four years in prison and deported in 2019.

As a convicted felon, will faces a charge of 8 USC § 1326 – re-entry after deportation.

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.

Interagency Collaboration Leads to 50 Arrests in the RGV

TBB
-
0
Interagency Collaboration Leads to 50 Arrests in the RGV
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted four migrant smuggling attempts resulting in 50 arrests.  USCBO Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted four migrant smuggling attempts resulting in 50 arrests.  USCBO Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents disrupted four migrant smuggling attempts resulting in 50 arrests.  

On July 21, the Mercedes Police Department (MPD) requested assistance from RGV agents, regarding a residence being used as a human stash house. Upon arrival, agents determined 31 individuals were illegally present in the U.S. Two caretakers were identified and taken into custody by MPD officers to face human smuggling charges.   

Hours later, Texas Game Warden (TGW) officers observed several subjects running from an open field into an awaiting Ford F150, east of Falfurrias. As TGW officers approached the vehicle, the driver veered off the road through a property fence and several subjects bailed out. A search of the immediate area resulted in the apprehension of three migrants. The driver was not located.  

Moments later, another human stash house was discovered in Rio Grande City by RGV agents in cooperation with the Starr County Sheriff Office. Agents apprehended a total of four subjects who were determined to be illegally present in the U.S. No caretaker was identified.  

Later that afternoon, McAllen Border Patrol Station camera operators notified agents of several people entering a Chevrolet Tahoe in a well-known smuggling area in Hidalgo. Moments later, Hidalgo Police Department (HPD) officers encountered the vehicle and initiated a vehicle stop. The vehicle came to a stop where several subjects fled into a nearby store. HPD officers and agents were able to apprehend nine migrants who were illegally present in the U.S. A search of the vehicle yielded a firearm. HPD took custody of the vehicle, firearm, and driver to face state charges.   

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 report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.  

Jimi Keirn, the Artist, Creates with Emotions, Looking for a Connection with God

TBB Staff
-
0
Jimi Keirn, the Artist, Creates with Emotions, Looking for a Connection with God
Jimi Keirn, with one of his most recent creations.  His paintings are currently in exhibition until September 2, atCosmos Workspace at 1200 North 10th Street, McAllen, Texas.  Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez

Cosmos Workspace, the Business Accelerator & Coworking Space in McAllen, Texas, is the launching pad for some of Jimi’s ideas.  Jimi told Texas Border Business that he graduated from high school in McAllen and left for Houston.  “We moved back here to care for a family member,” he said.  Now he is back he recognizes the Valley as a place where art is prevalent. 

Jimi is a painter of abstracts.  “It’s all based on emotions and feelings,” he explained.  Several of his creations are now showing at Cosmos Workspace; they are in the exhibition until September 2nd. It all started when Jimi approached Cosmos Workspace to possibly collaborate on his McAllen Art Walk revival. “Cosmos Workspace was generous enough to invite me to showcase my art in their community space.” 

On July 1st Cosmos Workspace held their monthly member event Friday Night Chill with DJ StarrFoxx, Fox Aguilar, drinks by OMG A Shot Bar and Artwork by Jimi Keirn. The donations at the door were not only to support artists and enjoy a few drinks in a relaxed environment but it was also to help Jimi secure his first month of a coworking studio membership. Everyone that showed up helped Jimi become a Cosmos Workspace member so he can work and jump start his connections with the creative community and Cosmos.

Jimi is right when he says that Valley art is prevalent.  Every time there is an exhibition, residents admire and buy art.  He wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to do that again frequently and Cosmos Workspace is a beautiful venue for artists to become a member, hold their own receptions and sell their art.

He is starting in McAllen because Cosmos Workspace opened its doors to serve as a gallery for artistic creations.  His idea is to bring together many artists as he did in Houston until COVID stopped the activities.  Nevertheless, he is now charged with the idea that it can be done even better in the Valley. 

Jimi calls this chapter of his life, a regeneration. 

According to Jimi, he lived with loneliness that most people can’t imagine for the better part of the last two years.  He said, “From that loneliness, I was finally gifted desperation.  I surrendered, asked for help, and the magic began to happen.  The obsession to destroy my life was lifted.  I became willing to change.  I began helping others and found my purpose.  This exhibit portrays the first part of my journey: The Regeneration.”

Currently, he is creating primarily abstracts, but he has done a couple of portraits.  “It was the first painting I did with a brush.  I had never used brushes, and I painted for like, eight days.  And it’s by far my most popular piece, but it came at a dark time in my life.  It’s almost like a self-portrait of how I felt at that time.  And it’s trendy.  I sold the original one before I finished it.  I’ve probably sold 15 or 20 big prints of it.  So, it’s a very popular piece that projects loneliness,” he said.

For more about Jimi Keirn and his creations, visit Cosmos Workspace at 1200 North 10th Street, Suite EMcAllen, Texas or book an appointment for a guided tour at www.linktr.ee/cosmosworkspace

NCAA Division I All-America Scholar

TBB
-
0
NCAA Division I All-America Scholar
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics learned on Thursday that rising men’s golf junior Taj Sutherland is a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America. UTRGV Image
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics learned on Thursday that rising men’s golf junior Taj Sutherland is a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America. UTRGV Image

Texas Border Business

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics learned on Thursday that rising men’s golf junior Taj Sutherland is a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America.

To be eligible for Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar nomination, an individual must be a sophomore, junior or senior both academically and athletically in NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA, or receiving their Associate’s Degree and in their last year of athletic eligibility in the NJCAA. In addition, they must participate in 50 percent of their team’s competitive rounds, have a stroke average under 76.0 in NCAA Division I, under 78.0 in NCAA Division II, under 79.0 in NCAA Division III, under 78.0 in NAIA, and under 77.0 in NJCAA, and maintain a minimum cumulative career grade-point average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at his college or university.

Sutherland competed in seven tournaments this past season, posting a stroke average of 75.42

440 NCAA Division I athletes from 157 schools earned 2021-22 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar honors.

CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault at Hidalgo International Bridge

TBB
-
0
CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault at Hidalgo International Bridge
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image

Texas Boender Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Manuel de Jesus Giron Hernandez, a male Guatemalan citizen wanted for sexual assault.

“CBP is committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court, especially those relating to heinous sex crimes against children,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. 

On July 20, 2022, 36-year-old Manuel de Jesus Giron Hernandez, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Giron Hernandez was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with two active arrest warrants from Prince William County Police and Fairfax County Police Department. Giron Hernandez has been wanted since November of 2020 from Prince William County and September of 2020 from Fairfax county this outstanding warrant stemming from allegations from an incident in June of 2020. Giron Hernandez faces two different charges of sexual assault of a minor from each of the agencies he is wanted from. Sexual assault of a 13-14 year old with carnal knowledge is a class 4 felony in the State of Virginia.

A Hidalgo Police officer arrived to take custody of Giron Hernandez and transported him to the county jail pending extradition to Virginia.

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

RGV Agents Jump into Action and Save Migrant Lives

TBB
-
0
RGV Agents Jump into Action and Save Migrant Lives
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescued a Mexican national from drowning in the Rio Grande. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescued a Mexican national from drowning in the Rio Grande. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents rescued a Mexican national from drowning in the Rio Grande. On July 20, RGV agents observed a subject struggling to stay afloat in the river near Brownsville. Agents immediately jumped into action and assisted the man by pulling him to the riverbank. 

During the rescue, the Mexican migrant briefly lost consciousness. Agents quickly transported the migrant to an awaiting ambulance, who transported him to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation. Earlier in the morning, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended four migrants near Sullivan City. 

One of the subjects, a Honduran national, displayed symptoms of nausea and dehydration. Agents immediately requested emergency medical services who transported the subject to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. In addition, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents responded to a 911 emergency call from two lost subjects on a ranch near Encino. 

Agents conducted a search and located the two individuals from Guatemala in good health, and transported them to the Falfurrias station. All subjects were processed accordingly. 

With the extreme heat south Texas is experiencing, individuals lost or left behind in desolate areas are at risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and death. RGV urges migrants not to place their lives at risk attempting to cross illegally. 

Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehend gang members

TBB
-
0
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents apprehend gang members
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville station arrested two gang members attempting to enter the United States illegally near Hebbronville, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville station arrested two gang members attempting to enter the United States illegally near Hebbronville, Texas. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents from the Hebbronville station arrested two gang members attempting to enter the United States illegally near Hebbronville, Texas.

 Both incidents occurred during the evening of July 20, when agents from the Hebbronville Station arrested the individuals near the town. The first subject was identified as Erick Amaya-Carrillos, a 21-year-old Mexican national and MS-13 gang member.  The second individual was identified as Nelson Garcia-Flores, a 43-year-old Honduran national and Gulf Cartel member.

 Both individuals were taken into custody pending further investigation.

 To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

Disruption of Stash House Operations Lead to 48 Arrests

TBB
-
0
Disruption of Stash House Operations Lead to 48 Arrests
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted two migrant smuggling stash houses and engaged in a vehicle pursuit.USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted two migrant smuggling stash houses and engaged in a vehicle pursuit.USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents interdicted two migrant smuggling stash houses and engaged in a vehicle pursuit.

On July 19, RGV agents received information regarding a residence in Alton, Texas, operating as a stash house. Agents in coordination with Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and the Alton Police Department responded to the location. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of 13 migrants from El Salvador and Mexico all illegally present in the U.S. No caretaker was identified. 

That evening, RGV agents received information of another possible human smuggling stash house located in McAllen. Agents and law enforcement authorities responded to the residence and encountered 35 people, determined to be in the U. S. illegally. The nationals of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador were placed under arrest without incident. No principal was identified at the location. 

Last night, McAllen Border Patrol Station camera operators notified agents of several people attempting to enter a Ford Expedition in a well-known smuggling area near McAllen. Moments later, agents encountered the vehicle and attempted to initiate a vehicle stop. When the driver failed to yield and sped away, Hidalgo County Constables (HCC) assisted and took lead on the pursuit. The driver eventually came to a stop and exited the vehicle. Agents apprehended four migrants still in the vehicle, and all were determined to be illegally present in the U.S.  HCC took custody of the driver to face state charges. 

All subjects will be processed accordingly.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and report suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

1...1,1341,1351,136...2,441Page 1,135 of 2,441