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Laredo; Third Best Large City To Start a Business

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Laredo; Third Best Large City To Start a Business
Laredo is recognized as the third best large city to start a business in, Laredo has accessible financing, a strong business environment and relatively low business costs. Image for illustration purposes
Laredo is recognized as the third best large city to start a business in, Laredo has accessible financing, a strong business environment and relatively low business costs. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Laredo,TX— Entrepreneurial spirit is high and people are flocking to large cities nationwide in search of business opportunities. According to WalletHub’s 2022 report, Laredo, Texas, is climbing the ranks and gaining attention. Recognized as the third best large city to start a business in, Laredo has accessible financing, a strong business environment and relatively low business costs.

“This is something that everyone should be open to and can be open to, even if they’ve never owned a business before,” explained Claudia Lardizabal, FranNet Consultant for the Laredo area, in a KGNS-TV interview. “We always encourage our clients to go and talk to these local organizations that are there to assist you in planning and taking a look at everything that’s going on.”

The franchise market is ripe in Laredo and throughout Texas as many franchises are experiencing notable growth within the state and targeting Texas markets for future expansion projects.

For many people, Lardizabal explained, there has been a shift from job security to income security in recent years. This manifests itself in entrepreneurship and people pursuing small businesses in franchise form or otherwise.

“It’s amazing and congratulations to Laredo for taking that third spot!” she said. “I expect some great growth out of Laredo.”

Layne’sChickenFingers

Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the “Soon To Be Famous™” chicken brand founded in College Station, has built a strong following with small-town charm, iconic chicken fingers and sauces, and friendly service. After building a Layne’s family in College Station, the brand is providing flexible build-out opportunities for potential franchisees interested in leveraging the Laredo business market.

“Laredo, we’d love to be in,” Garret Reed, Layne’s Chicken Fingers CEO, said in a KGNS-TV interview. “There’s a lot of chatter about it. It’s the place to grow in.”

“We are Texas-born and Texas-bred, and we have an enormous and loyal following here,” said Samir Wattar, Layne’s Chief Operating Officer. “Every location we’ve opened has seen fantastic success, and there is still so much white space for us to cover.”

The brand has signed development deals for more than 40 units; though not exclusively in Texas, the vast majority — 35 — are set to open in the brand’s home state. As franchising inquiries continue to grow, Wattar explained that both the brand and its potential partners will benefit from a flexible brick-and-mortar footprint that will allow franchise owners to establish their businesses in a variety of locations.

MOOYAHBurgers,FriesandShakes

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries and Shakes, the fast-casual brand built on the foundation of making guests the best burger around, is committed to providing high quality burgers, hand-cut fries, and real ice cream shakes. With nearly 100 locations across the country, MOOYAH continues to look toward franchise growth with qualified restaurant operators, bringing the best tasting burgers to even more guests. Texas is the brand’s home state, so closing out each market – including Laredo – is a priority.

“We believe Laredo will be a receptive market to the MOOYAH brand as there are not current options in the area that offer the customization and quality proposition that we do. We are looking forward to partnering with the right local operator to help bring MOOYAH to the community of Laredo, offering a top notch meal at an affordable price. We already have many restaurants in Texas and Laredo will be a great next stop,” said Mike Sebazco,

EVP of Operations & Development.

TWOMENANDATRUCK®

The largest franchised moving company in North America, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, has nearly 400 units in operation and has performed more than nine million moves since its inception in 1985. The brand continues to center Moving People Forward® and giving back to the communities in which it is located. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® looks forward to opening additional locations in the state of Texas.

“The diversity of this state is a perfect fit and our full-service franchises have the experience in larger cities as well as smaller communities,” explained Cheryl Ackley, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK’s Franchise Development Specialist. “We have found customers want to work with a company that is reputable and has stood the test of time. With more than 35 years of proven moving experience, we have diversified our services to include local and long-distance moving options, warehouse and portable storage, packing and unpacking services, junk removal, and the sale of packing supplies to provide the best customer experience out there. We are truly customer centric with a 96% customer referral rating.”

City Commission Appoints Helen Ramirez As Interim City Manager

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City Commission Appoints Helen Ramirez As Interim City Manager
The City of Brownsville City Commission has voted to appoint Mrs. Helen Ramirez, as Interim City Manager, beginning August 1, 2022. Image Source: brownsvilletx.gov; BGD for illustration purposes
The City of Brownsville City Commission has voted to appoint Mrs. Helen Ramirez, as Interim City Manager, beginning August 1, 2022. Image Source: brownsvilletx.gov; BGD for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville City Commission has voted to appoint Mrs. Helen Ramirez, as Interim City Manager, beginning August 1, 2022.  Helen Ramirez has served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Brownsville for over 3 years, in addition to serving as the Executive Director & CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) since February of 2021.

Ramirez has been instrumental in accelerating growth and redevelopment in Brownsville, overhauling the development codes, and spearheading organizational culture within the organization. She has served communities in Central Texas and Southern California throughout her 10-year professional career in public service including serving in high-growth markets as Assistant City Manager for the City of Hutto, Texas, one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area.  Additionally, she has worked 10 years for Indra Systems (PROINTEC), an international information technology and planning firm.

Helen Ramirez earned a Bachelor of Science in City & Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo.  Ramirez participates in Texas City Managers Association (TCMA), and is currently a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).   She formerly served on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO).

“I am pleased to announce Mrs. Ramirez has agreed to serve as Interim City Manager.  Besides providing continuity and stability, I am certain that Brownsville will continue to grow and prosper under her leadership,” said Mayor Trey Mendez. 

“I am honored to serve Brownsville as Interim City Manager.  We have an exceptional culture in our organization that will continue to strengthen and develop with and through our employees as we further execute projects successfully through this transition, for the betterment of our community, the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Helen Ramirez.  

The City has secured a firm to begin a national search for a permanent replacement.

CBP Officers Seize over $330K in Fentanyl 

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CBP Officers Seize over $330K in Fentanyl 
Packages containing 22 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
Packages containing 22 pounds of fentanyl seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $339,300 worth of alleged fentanyl. 

“Our CBP officers use all available tools and resources to identify and extract narcotics with caution,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “It is vital to the safety of our officers that we be able to identify what type of narcotic we are dealing with, as a small amount of fentanyl can be fatal.”

On June 8, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a vehicle making entry from Mexico. The vehicle was selected for inspection utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII)equipment. After physically inspecting the vehicle, officers extracted nine packages weighing 22 pounds (9.98kg) of alleged fentanyl concealed within the vehicle.

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

Brownsville Native Alexis Gonzalez gets USL Academy Contract

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Brownsville Native Alexis Gonzalez gets USL Academy Contract
Rio Grande Valley FC today announced the addition of goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez to its 2022 USL Championship roster as a USL Academy signing, pending league and federation approval. Courtesy Image
Rio Grande Valley FC today announced the addition of goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez to its 2022 USL Championship roster as a USL Academy signing, pending league and federation approval. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC today announced the addition of goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez to its 2022 USL Championship roster as a USL Academy signing, pending league and federation approval.
 
As USL Academy signings, players are available for selection by the Toros in USL Championship play throughout the 2022 season while retaining their NCAA eligibility.   
 
Gonzalez hails from Brownsville, Texas, just 48 miles east of Edinburg on the Gulf Coast of the Lone Star State. The 17-year-old is 6-foot-2 and provides a stout option at goalkeeper as the Toros add depth to the position alongside Tyler Deric, Colin Miller and Javier Garcia.
 
“Alexis is a young but very well-built goalkeeper from the RGV FC Academy who has a lot of potential in becoming a successful goalkeeper at the highest level,” said Toros Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera. “He is still a teenager, but his talent and qualities make him deserve a spot on our roster.”
 
The dynamic keeper has developed within the RGV FC Academy ranks since joining in 2020. The academy competes in the USL Academy League and MLS Next, providing developmental and high-level competitive platforms for young talent in the Rio Grande Valley region. Gonzalez was the starting keeper for the Toros’ U-17 and U-19 squads between 2020-2022 prior to joining the club’s First Team roster.
 
The border town of Brownsville has now produced two current members of the RGV FC family as Gonzalez joins Isidro Martinez, a talented midfielder who has a combined 95 professional appearances in both the USL Championship and Major League Soccer.
 
With the new addition, RGV FC has set a new club high with four USL Academy signings in its current 28-player squad, all of whom have come through the RGV FC Academy.
 
RGV FC continues USL Championship play on Saturday night as it faces Oakland Roots SC on the road at Laney Stadium at 9:00PM CST.
 
Season tickets are now available at www.rgvfc.com or at the H-E-B Park box office.
 
TRANSACTION: Rio Grande Valley FC signs goalkeeper Alexis Gonzalez.
 
PLAYER PROFILE 
FULL NAME: Alexis Gonzalez
DATE OF BIRTH: June 16, 2004 
HEIGHT: 6’2” 
WEIGHT: 185
BIRTHPLACE: Brownsville, TX
HOMETOWN: Brownsville, TX
PREVIOUS CLUB: RGV FC Academy (MLS Next)   
FIFA NATIONALITY: USA

PSJA Education Foundation Gives over $400k to Students, Teachers

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PSJA Education Foundation Gives over $400k to Students, Teachers

Continuing its mission of making students’ post-secondary education dreams a reality, the PSJA Education Foundation recently awarded over $348,000 in scholarships to 160 seniors in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) in addition to a little over $54,000 provided to teachers for grants and literacy initiatives. Courtesy Images PSJA ISD
Continuing its mission of making students’ post-secondary education dreams a reality, the PSJA Education Foundation recently awarded over $348,000 in scholarships to 160 seniors in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) in addition to a little over $54,000 provided to teachers for grants and literacy initiatives. Courtesy Images PSJA ISD

Texas Border Business

PHARR, Texas – Continuing its mission of making students’ post-secondary education dreams a reality, the PSJA Education Foundation recently awarded over $348,000 in scholarships to 160 seniors in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) in addition to a little over $54,000 provided to teachers for grants and literacy initiatives.

“It is an honor to continue to be able to help our students with their post-secondary education, funding innovative classroom projects through Mini Grants, and giving to help promote literacy districtwide,” said the PSJA Education Foundation President Jesus “Jesse” Vela, Jr. “This is not possible without every single person who donates and contributes each year. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.” 

Founded in 2013, the PSJA Education Foundation comprised of mostly proud PSJA ISD Alumni, has helped enhance educational opportunities for the youth and families of PSJA ISD thanks to sponsorships and donations from alumni, local businesses, and hundreds of district staff members through monthly payroll deductions.  

Courtesy Image

Each year, the most coveted award given to the top-rated applicant per high school is the Joel “Joey” Gonzalez Presidential Scholarship worth a total of $16,000 for a four-year period. This was the fifth year this commemorative scholarship, honoring the memory of the Foundation’s first President, is given to five PSJA ISD graduates: Alma Carrillo from PSJA ECHS; Amanda Martinez from PSJA North ECHS; Paulina Hernandez from PSJA Memorial ECHS; Adrian Avendano from PSJA Southwest ECHS; and Kailey Wilson from PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM ECHS. 

Courtesy Image

In addition, the Foundation awarded the 3rd Annual Dr. Daniel P. King Leadership Scholarship worth $10,000 for a four-year period in honor of Retired PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Daniel P. King. The recipients were: Ana Gutierrez from PSJA ECHS; Sarah Rodriguez from PSJA North ECHS; Aaron Pulido Salinas from PSJA Memorial ECHS; and Anaelda Ramos from PSJA Southwest ECHS.  

The first Superintendent Leadership Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 made possible with proceeds from the 2022 PSJA State of the District were also awarded this year to: Natalia Cavazos, PSJA ECHS; Ashley Cantu, PSJA North ECHS; Juan Ramirez, PSJA Memorial ECHS; Ana Rodriguez, PSJA Southwest ECHS; and Samuel Rebollo Quiñones, PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM ECHS.

Courtesy Image

Thanks to the continuing support from generous donors, the PSJA Education Foundation has raised and awarded over $2.6 million to students and educators in PSJA ISD within a 10-year period.

As part of their efforts to fundraise for the 2022-2023 school year, the Foundation will be hosting its 10th Annual Gala on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at the Bert Ogden Arena featuring the world’s most successful touring ABBA tribute show, ABBA Mania. Sponsorships and tickets are now available online. 

For more information about the foundation or to learn how you can make a contribution, visit www.psjaisd.us/foundation.  

State Agencies Ongoing Support for Uvalde Community

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State Agencies Ongoing Support for Uvalde Community
Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas state agencies' continued efforts to assist and support the Uvalde community as they heal. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas state agencies’ continued efforts to assist and support the Uvalde community as they heal. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas state agencies’ continued efforts to assist and support the Uvalde community as they heal. Following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School, the Governor announced Texas’ comprehensive, ongoing plan to coordinate with state and local officials in offering resources to those affected by the tragedy.

To accelerate all available state and local resources, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the City of Uvalde to assist the community and continue providing much needed support unencumbered by regulations as they recover from this tragedy. 

Members of the Uvalde community seeking state mental health resources can receive help through a single 24/7 hotline: 888-690-0799. Members of the public wishing to show their support and help the community can donate through a one-stop webpage created by the OneStar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.  

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS ASSISTING UVALDE COMMUNITY: 

Governor Abbott, Uvalde County Announce Opening Of Uvalde Together Resiliency Center 
Governor Abbott announced Uvalde County officials opened a temporary facility this Monday, June 6 for the newly created Uvalde Together Resiliency Center (UTRC). The UTRC will serve as a long-term support services for the community’s ongoing needs, including mental health resources and crisis counseling. Last week, the Governor’s Public Safety Office made an initial $5 million investment to establish the UTRC as a hub for state agencies and local organizations to provide assistance to impacted members of the community. A full list of services provided at the UTRC is available here.

Governor Abbott Works With OneStar To Create One-Stop Webpage For Donations To Support Uvalde Community 
“Donations of any amount to the OneStar Foundation webpage will go a long way in letting these grief-stricken families, teachers, and loved ones know that they are not alone as they begin the long and difficult process of piecing their lives back together,” said Governor Abbott. “The true spirit of the Lone Star State is Texans helping Texans, and we must continue supporting those working to heal in the weeks and months ahead.” The OneStar Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, will give 100% of the donations to the Robb School Memorial Fund, which was established by the First State Bank of Uvalde to ensure immediate financial support is given to those impacted by the horrific tragedy at Robb Elementary School.
Texas Division Of Emergency Management Activates State Operations Center To Level II, Works With Local Officials To Fulfill Needs 
The Texas Division of Emergency Management’s (TDEM) State Operations Center remains activated at Level II, or Increased Readiness. Deploying 25 staff members to provide onsite support in Uvalde, TDEM continues coordinating with state agency partners and vendors to fulfill requests from local officials for services and resources, including:

Resources for the temporary Family Assistance Center and permanent UTRC, including a climate-controlled reception area, a group counseling trailer, nine private counseling areas, and restroom facilities.

Information technology staff, three computers for the UTRC, and public support call numbers.Temporary lodging for immediate family members visiting for funeral services via 22 RV units.

Fuel for generators powering the UTRC and other command trailers and vehicles.

100 bedding packs for first responders’ lodging.Resources to support multiple command areas, including 130 tables, 130 chairs, 10 hand-washing stations, and portable toilets.In addition, TDEM has supported resource requests routed to other state agency partners, such as four counseling teams, seven dispatchers, four call takers, six nurses, and six ambulances. 

TDEM’s Disaster Recovery Task Force coordinated with local officials, community stakeholders, local and state disaster behavioral health services, and victim service agencies to support the formation of the UTRC.

The task force also provided guidance to local officials, Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) leaders, and First State Bank personnel for the partnership with OneStar Foundation to create the one-stop webpage for donations to support victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community.

Texas Education Agency Continues Providing Assistance To Local School Systems, Uvalde CISD Community 
In partnership with Education Service Center (ESC) 20, the Texas Education Agency continues providing assistance to the local school systems, students, parents, and faculty, including:Coordinating with local school systems to provide counselors as a direct support to staff, students, and their families in the Uvalde CISD learning community.Collaborating with Uvalde CISD school counselors and other organizations, including Communities In Schools and the Children’s Bereavement Center, to provide responsive school-based mental health services.Providing support through classroom guidance lessons during summer school, including two-30 minute sessions per week for each grade level/class.Supporting a detailed facilities review of all existing Uvalde CISD school buildings to ensure all exterior doors are fully functional.Supporting Uvalde CISD with planning for an enhanced security presence at summer school.

Texas Health And Human Services Commission Providing Mental Health Support 
24/7 Hotline Offering Mental Health Assistance: 888-690-0799 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s (HHSC) Disaster Behavioral Health Services coordinated with the local Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities Center and the Harris Center for Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Call Center to deliver crisis services to the community, including creating a dedicated mental health support line: 888-690-0799. The hotline has answered over 235 calls since May 27. HHSC is also working with the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium to provide additional mental health counseling resources. HHSC eligibility staff are assisting families who may need health, food, or cash assistance benefits. HHSC has assisted in the activation of the Critical Incident Stress Management network, a volunteer entity with the primary focus to address first responder mental health needs.

Department of State Health Services Deploys Immediate Medical Resources 
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) provided immediate medical resources to the Uvalde community, including an air medical unit, 15 units of whole blood, two ambulance buses, and a Zumero tent as a cooling station.

DSHS has also deployed the following response teams:
Medical incident support team membersOne mobile medical unit with two logistics personnelAn ambulance strike team, which includes ambulances, one critical care unit, and an ambulance strike team leader

Two medics with an all-terrain vehicle for funeral supportRegistered nurse strike team, comprised of eight members and a team leaderFive behavioral health staff supporting responders and Uvalde Memorial Hospital (from the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force)

Texas Department Of Insurance, Division Of Workers’ Compensation Assist With Workers Compensation Questions, Claims 
The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) customer service staff have been embedded in Uvalde to answer workers’ compensation questions and help with claims, assisting about 30 customers at the center and supporting 18 workers’ compensation claims related to the tragedy to date.

Those injured or with an injured beneficiary can call 800-252-7031. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) is coordinating with private health insurance companies and those that offer managed care plans through Texas’ Medicaid program for access to physical and mental health resources.

To provide help for any Texas insurance consumer, TDI is operating a call center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday: 800-252-3439.

Texas Workforce Commission Offers Child Care, Unemployment, Workforce, And Vocational Rehabilitation Services  
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande, is assisting families with child care by implementing additional flexibility and care extensions. The agency also created a new Uvalde Emergency Care program to provide child careregardless of income or employment status to eligible families affected by the tragedy.    

Tele-centers are prioritizing calls from Uvalde residents seeking unemployment assistance, and work search requirements have been temporarily waived for the area. The agency is also prioritizing unemployment benefits, appeals, and tax services to affected families and employers. Services are being provided through vocational rehabilitation counselors, who can help address barriers to employment, information and referral services, job placement, and education and training.      

Residents of Uvalde County who are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will not be required to meet certain mandatory requirements to ensure the continuation of benefits. 

Texas Department Of Housing And Community Affairs Helps Impacted Texans With Food, Gas Expenses 
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), along with its area partner, Community Council of South Central Texas, has helped 85 households and 291 individuals in Uvalde with hotel costs for families, gas cards, food, and housing-related assistance, including mortgage, rent, and utilities help. Funding is provided through TDHCA’s Community Services Block Grant Program, with nearly $68,000 expended for direct services to assist families.

Recent Donations To Uvalde Community 
The Texas Mutual Insurance Company has donated $100,000 to the Robb School Memorial Fund through the OneStar Foundation, $100,000 to the Uvalde Mental Health Resiliency Fund, organized by Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and $50,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s Uvalde Strong Fund. BCBSTX/Health Care Service Corporation is also donating $50,000 to the San Antonio Area Foundation to support Employees Retirement System and Teacher Retirement System of Texas members and dependents and provide them with access to no-cost virtual behavioral health care.

Rigorous Summer Training for New Educators in the RGV

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Rigorous Summer Training for New Educators in the RGV
Teach For America (TFA) is welcoming over 25 educators to the Rio Grande Valley this upcoming school year, all of whom will be trained through the organization’s new hybrid pre-service model. Image for illustration purposes
Teach For America (TFA) is welcoming over 25 educators to the Rio Grande Valley this upcoming school year, all of whom will be trained through the organization’s new hybrid pre-service model. Image for illustration purposes

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PHARR, Texas —Teach For America (TFA) is welcoming over 25 educators to the Rio Grande Valley this upcoming school year, all of whom will be trained through the organization’s new hybrid pre-service model, which includes both a virtual component and in-person teaching experience in partnership with Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD). This is the first time in Teach For America’s 30-year history that all of its educators will complete their summer teaching experience in the communities where they will be serving in the fall. Their time in local classrooms at PSJA ISD this summer will offer them an opportunity to learn from other local veteran teachers, and more quickly understand the Valley community, schools and students.

These teachers are part of 245 new TFA educators who will be teaching in Texas schools this fall. They join a growing network of TFA corps members and alumni of the program—over 5,200 in Texas, who are leading classrooms, schools, districts, and working across sectors to impact the education system. TFA corps members make a lifelong commitment to educational equity, and spend at least two years teaching in under-resourced schools in rural and urban areas nationwide; in the RGV, they serve in partner school districts in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Starr Counties.  

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming these outstanding leaders to the Rio Grande Valley, and deeply excited about our partnership with PSJA ISD,” said Ana Gonzalez, Executive Director of Teach For America Rio Grande Valley. “It is no secret that disruptions to schooling during the pandemic have been extremely difficult for students and educators alike. The partnership with PSJA ISD allows our educators to get to know their local education community immediately and brings critically needed new teachers to local schools.”

“It’s an honor to partner with Teach for America to provide this rigorous training for new educators coming to serve in Rio Grande Valley schools,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “At PSJA ISD, we take great pride in providing high-quality training for our teachers. To see them now mentor and train fellow educators this summer shows the caliber of leaders we have serving in our schools.”

Starting June 13th, these TFA teachers, known as corps members, will collaboratively lead classrooms under the supervision of experienced mentors in PSJA ISD. This summer’s programming is a key component of TFA’s multi-part, nationwide intensive pre-service experience, which began in May and will extend through teachers’ first 90 days in the classroom, and which all 2,000 new teachers will experience. Training will focus on instruction, learning environments, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, and leadership development.

Agents Continue to Thwart Illicit Activity in the RGV

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Agents Continue to Thwart Illicit Activity in the RGV
In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents encountered 547 migrants in three large groups and interdicted four migrant smuggling events in collaboration with local law enforcement agency efforts. USCBP Image
In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents encountered 547 migrants in three large groups and interdicted four migrant smuggling events in collaboration with local law enforcement agency efforts. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) Border Patrol agents encountered 547 migrants in three large groups and interdicted four migrant smuggling events in collaboration with local law enforcement agency efforts.

USCBP Image

On June 7, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents responded to a request for assistance from Sullivan City Police Department with a vehicle pursuit. Agents arrested four migrants from El Salvador and Guatemala near where the vehicle’s occupants bailed out. Later that day, MCS agents arrested three migrants from a vehicle stop conducted by La Joya Police Department (LJPD). LJPD took custody of the U.S. citizen driver to face state migrant smuggling charges. 

USCBP Image

On June 8, MCS agents assisted LJPD with another vehicle pursuit/bailout and encountered six migrants unlawfully present in the U.S. LJPD took custody of two migrants from Mexico, the driver and a suspected foot guide to face state migrant smuggling charges. 

USCBP Image

Later that morning, RGV agents received information of migrants being harbored on a property in Penitas. Agents along with Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Palmview PD officers responded to the location and arrested 11 migrants, including one unaccompanied minor from Mexico.  

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.

Operation Stonegarden Initiative to Protect the US Border

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Operation Stonegarden Initiative to Protect the US Border

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector in conjunction with the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, and various local law enforcement agencies recently launched a new initiative under Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) to combat illegal contraband smuggling and human trafficking.

As of the end of April 2022, RGV agents have encountered more than 287K migrants, a nearly 30 percent increase over the same period last year. Narcotic seizures in the RGV account for nearly 50 percent of all USBP narcotic seizures. As migrant apprehensions increase, so does the requirement for RGV agents assigned to processing and humanitarian duties, leaving areas of the Rio Grande vulnerable to illicit activity not directly related to human smuggling.

To fill the void and ensure the protection of local citizens and their property, officers from various local law enforcement agencies, under the direction of the Cameron County Sheriff Eric Garza, have been granted county wide criminal enforcement jurisdiction.  These designated officers, operating patrol units labeled with OPSG decals, shall patrol areas not only along the river but in areas known to be frequently used by narcotics and human traffickers. Any officer conducting a traffic stop or interaction with the public outside their normal jurisdiction will begin with said officer identifying themselves as conducting OPSG enforcement activities. Any arrest will be submitted to the Cameron County District Attorney for Prosecution.

This operation comes at no cost to the local entities as OPSG is funded via federal grant that provides additional resources to local, tribal, territorial, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in a joint mission to secure the United States’ borders along routes of egress from international borders to include travel corridors in the RGV area of operations. 

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. 

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.  Follow us on Twitter @CBPRGV and @USBPChiefRGV.

Ensuring All Children in Uvalde Have Access to Behavioral Health Resources 

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Ensuring All Children in Uvalde Have Access to Behavioral Health Resources 
Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter directing Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Commissioner Cecile Young to use all available resources to ensure mental health support services are available to every child in the Uvalde community following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter directing Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Commissioner Cecile Young to use all available resources to ensure mental health support services are available to every child in the Uvalde community following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business\

Governor Greg Abbott

Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter directing Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Commissioner Cecile Young to use all available resources to ensure mental health support services are available to every child in the Uvalde community following the tragedy at Robb Elementary School. The Governor also instructed HHSC to work alongside the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium to provide behavioral health resources and community support that are crucial for Uvalde to heal.

“As these families begin to rebuild their lives, it is essential that the children of Uvalde have access to mental health treatment,” reads the letter. “The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has jurisdiction over behavioral health services on behalf of the State. Given this substantial capacity, I am asking that you use all available resources to work with families to provide behavioral health services to every child in Uvalde who desires support. Although we cannot erase what happened in Uvalde, we can ensure, through the coordinated efforts of HHSC, TEA, and other organizations, that every child in that community gets the support they need.”

Read the Governor’s letter.

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.
  • Issuing a disaster declaration at the request of local leaders 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 DPS, TEA, THECB to expand and accelerate the ability to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexasreporting system.
  • Investing an initial $5 million into establishing a long-term Family Resiliency Center (FRC) in Uvalde County to serve as a hub for community services, including access to the critical mental health resources.
  • Working with the OneStar Foundation to create a one-stop webpage for donations to support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community.
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