Eight Mission Police Department officers were recognized at the state level during the 2022 Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Eight Mission Police Department officers were recognized at the state level during the 2022 Texas Law Enforcement Achievement Awards.
The officers were recognized at the State Capitol in Austin on the Texas House of Representatives chamber floor. The first responders all received the Texas Medal of Valor award.
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The first four were recognized for their heroic actions during a July 2020 shooting and standoff with a machete-wielding suspect on the 1400 block of Viejo Lane during a domestic call they responded to. The quad of officers helped rescue a woman and her 3-year-old son amidst an exchange of gunfire with the suspect.
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The other four officers were honored for their bravery during the untimely death and shooting of Cpl. Jose Luis “Speedy” Espericueta Jr. in June of 2019. Cpl. Espericueta’s widow accepted the valor medal that he received posthumously.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a convicted sex offender and four gang members within 24 hours. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a convicted sex offender and four gang members within 24 hours.
On June 9, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended a Honduran national near Havana. The migrant had been previously removed from the U.S. after being sentenced to 182 days confinement in Michigan for criminal sexual conduct. MCS agents also arrested a Salvadoran Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member near Hidalgo.
Later that evening, MCS agents responded to a request for assistance from La Joya Police Department officers on a vehicle stop. A Mexican national was identified as a Gulf Cartel member who was previously removed from the U.S. in 2020.
Last night, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station agents arrested two Salvadoran nationals gang members, in separate groups, attempting to circumvent the Falfurrias Border Patrol Checkpoint. One of the Salvadorans is a MS-13 and the other is an 18th Street gang member, neither have been previously removed from the U.S.
Visit Laredo also saw one of its staff members recognized during the summit, with Ana Reyna Arzate, Marketing Coordinator at Visit Laredo, named an Emerging Tourism Star for 2022. Image sources: Ana Arzate Facebook; Webpage visitlaredo.com; BGD image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas — Connect Travel, owner and producer of eTourism Summit, has announced the winners of the 5th Annual Excellence “eTSY” Awards in partnership with Expedia Group Media Solutions and Zartico. The Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau – also known as Visit Laredo – is thrilled to announce it has won the award in the category of “Innovation in Influencer Marketing” for its campaign, “Welcome Back to Laredo.”
This recognition goes to destination marketing organizations and their media partners to applaud the best of 2021-2022 campaigns and programs with awards in categories that include innovation in brand refresh, viral campaign, influencer marketing, podcast, social media, video, and website. The audience used a QR code to pull up a new category on the spot, entering their votes for “Best of the Best.”
“We are extremely proud of the ‘Welcome Back to Laredo’ campaign deployed in November 2021, when the border restrictions were lifted, that showcased Laredo to our Mexican market and spread the message that we’re ready and excited to finally be able to welcome them back,” said Aileen Ramos, Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau Director. “Being recognized by the eTourism Summit Excellence Awards is a testament to the extraordinary work that the Visit Laredo team executes every day.”
Visit Laredo also saw one of its staff members recognized during the summit, with Ana Reyna Arzate, Marketing Coordinator at Visit Laredo, named an Emerging Tourism Star for 2022. The eTourism Summit launched the Emerging Tourism Stars program in 2021, in partnership with MMGY Global, to recognize astute individuals from the nationwide tourism industry who excel within the digital travel space.
Arzate is one of nine winners selected from across the United States to bear this distinction, and the only tourism representative from Texas to receive the honor. The other eight honorees hail from Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York and Puerto Rico.
“I’m honored to be selected as one of the 2022 eTourism Summit Emerging Tourism Stars among talented individuals in the travel and tourism industry,” said Arzate. “I am proud to represent Laredo, Texas, serving my local community and learning from my peers across the country while sharing my passion about tourism and digital marketing!”
For more information on the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau or Laredo as a travel destination, go to visitlaredo.com or download the Visit Laredo, TX app in the Apple and Google Play Stores.
I am happy with the outcome of this case, although not surprised. I believe the Judge ruled correctly that there is no evidence to support a claim that the outcome of this election should be any different than the will of the voters. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez issued the following statement in reaction to a judicial ruling late Thursday in which he prevailed in a lawsuit challenging his primary victory:
“I am happy with the outcome of this case, although not surprised. I believe the Judge ruled correctly that there is no evidence to support a claim that the outcome of this election should be any different than the will of the voters.
I am now ready to move forward. The current inflationary economic climate presents us with many challenges that require solutions and I am ready to work with our Commissioners and community leaders to address these challenges.”
The Museum of South Texas History presents Summer Saturdays at the Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — The Museum of South Texas History presents Summer Saturdays at the Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 18, June 25, July 2 and July 9.
Summer Saturdays will feature a different museum gallery each weekend through family-friendly games, activities and history demonstrations. Upon entrance, families will receive a Scavenger Hunt form and, when completed, can be turned in for a chance to win the daily prize drawing.
The first Summer Saturday, scheduled for June 18, will highlight the River Frontier gallery, which ranges from pre-history to the beginning of the 1800s. Explorers will learn about Native American heritage, how to read Spanish colonial maps and the trading goods used to cook and produce for everyday living.
The following Saturday, June 25, families can explore the River Highway gallery, which highlights the historic events that took place in the borderland regions during the 1800s. This was also the era when steamboats navigated the Rio Grande and the cotton and cattle empires in the region were at their peak of production.
River Crossroads gallery activities are scheduled for July 2. This 20th century gallery focuses on the innovations and events that took place in the early to mid 1900s in South Texas and northeastern Mexico. This era was also the arrival of the railroads, growth of agricultural production and urbanization of the borderlands during and after War World II.
Summer Saturdays at the Museum wraps up in 1910 Jail galleries on July 9. The jail calls attention to the change and growth of South Texas communities in the early 20th century and the importance of civics. Explorers will learn how to crack secret codes, identify how voting laws changed over the decades and participate in building a community around the kinds of businesses needed to urbanize.
Brillo Quartet, a string quartet from Edinburg, Texas, will perform orchestral pieces from the eras related to each weekend.
Admission to Summer Saturdays at the Museum is free from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Regular admission fees apply after 12 p.m. FRIENDS of MOSTHistory receive free admission as a benefit of their FRIENDship. For more information about becoming a FRIEND or the program, please visit www.mosthistory.org today.
About Museum of South Texas History
The Museum of South Texas History is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It is located downtown Edinburg at 200 North Closner Boulevard on the Hidalgo County Courthouse square. Founded in 1967 as the Hidalgo County Historical Museum in the 1910 Hidalgo County Jail, the museum has grown over the decades through a series of expansions to occupy a full city block. In 2003, following the completion of a 22,500 square foot expansion, the museum was renamed the Museum of South Texas History to better reflect its regional scope. Today, the museum preserves and presents the borderland heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico through its permanent collection and the Margaret H. McAllen Memorial Archives and exhibits spanning prehistory through the 20th century. For more information about MOSTHistory, including becoming a FRIEND, visit MOSTHistory.org, like us on Facebook and Instagram, follow on Twitter, find on YouTube or call +1-956-383-6911.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Laredo Field Office will extend the SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) lane hours of operation Friday through Sunday. Image Source: googlemaps.com
Texas Border Business
DEL RIO, TEXAS — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Laredo Field Office will extend the SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) lane hours of operation Friday through Sunday.
Beginning Friday, June 10, 2022, the Del Rio Port of Entry, located on Texas Spur 249 in Del Rio, Texas will extend normal operating hours of the SENTRI lane from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday through Sunday. This change is due to a growing increase in Trusted Traveler membership.
SENTRI is a CBP Trusted-Traveler Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. Participants may enter the U.S. using dedicated lanes at participating southern land-border ports. Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program and undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview as part of the enrollment process. Prospective SENTRI participants may apply online as well as pay application and other program fees online.
A link to the Trusted Traveler Program online application process is found here.
Multiple Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA ISD) dance teams competed virtually at the Rio Grande Valley Dance Evaluations and earned awards. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – Multiple Pharr-San Juan-Alamo (PSJA ISD) dance teams competed virtually at the Rio Grande Valley Dance Evaluations and earned awards.
With 6 locations throughout Arizona, we are honored to have South Padre Island, TX be their first Texas location, and more are on the way. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Island Ambassadors joined together with Berry Divine Acai Bowls Thursday evening to celebrate their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting. If you did not make it you missed out!
Todd Shreve, his lovely wife, and their team members treated everyone to a Acai Bowl of their choice, and they were amazing. With 6 locations throughout Arizona, we are honored to have South Padre Island, TX be their first Texas location, and more are on the way.
Todd said when they came here it seemed like the perfect fit – the beach he loves and people looking for a healthy lifestyle. If you have not stopped by you need to, because you will not regret it, and to make it even better it is super healthy! Where else can you have awesome and healthy in the same bowl? Thank you Todd for a lovely evening, for joining the Chamber, and especially for your investment in our community.
Berry Divine Acai Bowls is located at 1808 Padre Blvd., Suite B (street side by Daddy’s Cajun Seafood). In a hurry? Order online at
The City of Laredo District 4 Council Member, Alberto Torres, Jr. and the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) hosted an unveiling ceremony for the “Mi Rio Grande” mural on Thursday, June 9 at Inner City Park. Courtesy Image
Laredo, Texas – The City of Laredo District 4 Council Member, Alberto Torres, Jr. and the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) hosted an unveiling ceremony for the “Mi Rio Grande” mural on Thursday, June 9 at Inner City Park. The artist for this mural is Antonio “Tony” Briones III. A Laredo native, Briones has completed various murals in Houston, Seabrook, San Antonio, and Laredo. Through his art, he pays homage to his indigenous root and culture. Currently, Briones is part of the Carrizo Comecrudo tribe. The mural was produced through financial support from Council Member Torres, the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures, the Prairie Foundation, and RGISC.
The artist for this mural is Antonio “Tony” Briones III. Courtesy Image
Briones produced a 238ft x 10ft mural that provides a panorama of the Rio Grande’s ecosystem and rich history. It showcases Native American Tribes and parts of the river that were used by Laredo’s first inhabitants to cross by foot before the boundaries of Texas and Mexico existed. In addition, the mural depicts aquatic and territorial species that depend on the Rio Grande as well as the threats and dangers the river currents faces. “Mi Rio Grande” is meant to inspire the community to take care of the Rio Grande, Laredo’s main source of water.
“We continue appreciating the fine arts that celebrate and promote our border culture,” stated Council Member Torres. “I congratulate Tony Briones for the completion of this work of art. His work demonstrates his ancestry and indigenous roots. Through his work, he hopes to educate the community about Native American tribes that once took care of the land of the Rio Grande. The Laredo City Council will continue to invest in projects that will bring fine arts and cultural programs and promote our local artists.”
The event included dance performances by members of the Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe and featured numerous interactive stations geared for families and children with activities that educated them on art, the river, and Laredo’s indigenous roots. Inner City Park is located at 202 W Plum St.
The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) has selected World Trade Center (WTC) Industrial as the Master Developer firm. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) has selected World Trade Center (WTC) Industrial as the Master Developer firm through a Request for Interest (RFI) process to lead the planning, development, and operation of the 730-acre (+/-) Business I-169 North Corridor Industrial Park located on the south side of frontage I-169 between Old Alice Road and Paredes Line Road less than 2 miles from I-69 and 7.2 miles from the Port of Brownsville.
World Trade Center Industrial is part of Grupo Valoran, a real estate and infrastructure company headquartered in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Since 2011 Grupo Valoran has had a presence in Houston, Texas with their subsidiary, Valoran USA. Grupo Valoran has over 45 years of experience generating sustainable value through the operation, acquisition, sale, and development of real estate.
WTC Industrial is a member of the World Trade Center Association, a global network present in 92 countries and regions with 313 current WTC licenses worldwide. Their numerous accolades include the development of the largest intermodal terminal in Mexico, WTC Premium Industrial Park in San Luis Potosi, and the creation of the first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Mexico, which they have administered since 2004.
“We are incredibly excited to find out that WTC Industrial was selected as the Master Developer firm to lead such a groundbreaking project for the City of Brownsville. We look forward to working closely with GBIC in this new chapter,” said Michele Porrino, WTC Industrial Executive Director, on behalf of their Executive Management team.
“WTC Industrial is proposing a next-generation, Class A, rail-served, mixed-use industrial development that provides best-in-class services and state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities to meet the growing National and International industrial demand in the Greater Brownsville area,” said John Cowen, Chairman of GBIC.
“The development of GBIC’s business park is the next step in balancing our land use patterns, creating jobs, and expanding our tax base to create a more economically sustainable and next-generation City,” said Helen Ramirez, Executive Director and CEO of GBIC.
GBIC seeks to promote economic growth in Brownsville and Cameron County by empowering a young, intergenerational, skilled workforce that drives innovation within the City and Region. It facilitates economic growth by promoting investment and working with regional and international partners with job creation, training, innovation, business development, and manufacturing. GBIC is a non-profit organization, Type-A Economic Development Corporation.
