22.75 pounds of methamphetamine and 15.65 pounds of fentanyl. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at El Paso area ports of entry seized sizeable amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine over the last two weeks.
“We have seen the devasting number of drug overdose deaths occurring in our nation. Every time a CBP officer stops a drug load it can potentially save the life of one of our fellow citizens,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha.
On May 20, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 22.75 pounds of methamphetamine from a 34-year-old female Mexican citizen. Following a CBP canine alert CBP officers located multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle.
On May 21, CBP officers working at the Ysleta border crossing intercepted 38.22 pounds of cocaine from a 51-year-old male Mexican citizen. CBP officers located multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle following a CBP canine alert and non-intrusive (x-ray scan) inspection.
On May 23, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted 24.25 pounds of cocaine from a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen. The discovery was made following a non-intrusive (x-ray scan) inspection of the vehicle and a CBP canine alert.
On May 25, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 31.3 pounds of methamphetamine, 15.65 pounds of fentanyl and 16.62 pounds of cocaine in two separate unrelated incidents minutes apart. In the first incident, a CBP canine led CBP officers to the discovery of bundles of cocaine concealed throughout a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old male Mexican citizen. A few minutes later, CBP officers inspected a vehicle driven by a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen. Upon a secondary inspection, CBP officers located multiple bundles filled with fentanyl and methamphetamine within the vehicle.
On May 26, CBP officers working at the Bridge of the Americas border crossing intercepted 25.52 pounds of cocaine from a 23-year-old female U.S. citizen. Following a CBP canine alert CBP officers located multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle.
On May 27, CBP officers working at the Paso del Norte border crossing intercepted 45.74 pounds of methamphetamine from a 22-year-old female U.S. citizen. CBP officers located multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle following a CBP canine alert.
On May 29, CBP officers working at the Paso Del Norte border crossing intercepted a mixed load of 8.46 pounds of fentanyl and five pounds of heroin. The discovery was made following a primary inspection of a vehicle driven by a 48-year-old female Mexican citizen, and a CBP canine alert. That same day, CBP officers intercepted 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine from a 23-year-old male U.S. citizen via pedestrian. Upon a pat down search CBP officers discovered multiple bundles strapped to the individual’s body.
On May 30, CBP officers working at the Paso del Norte border crossing intercepted 12.78 pounds of cocaine from an 18-year-old male U.S. citizen. CBP officers located multiple bundles hidden within the vehicle following a primary search of the vehicle.
The subjects arrested by CBP officers were turned over to Homeland Security Investigations or local authorities for prosecution.
Additionally, CBP officers arrested 26 fugitives from justice. The arrests made were for dangerous drugs, fraud, obscenity, larceny, aggravated assault and sexual assault of a child.
Buckets containing 356 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seized methamphetamine that totaled over $7,100,000 in street value.
“Narcotic interdiction continues to be vital to the CBP border security mission,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “This enforcement action illustrates the excellent work undertaken by our Laredo CBP officers, and their tireless dedication that helps stem the flow of contraband entering the country.”
The enforcement action occurred on Tuesday, May 31, when a CBP officer assigned to the Juarez Lincoln Bridge referred a 2006 Nissan Titan making entry from Mexico for secondary inspection. Following a canine and non-intrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 356.15 pounds of alleged methamphetamine concealed within personal belongings.
The narcotics have an estimated street value of $7,123,062.
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents took the case.
The City of Brownsville’s City Manager, Noel Bernal, has resigned. Image Source: brownsvilletx.gov
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville’s City Manager, Noel Bernal, has resigned. Noel Bernal has served the City since December 2018.
Bernal will continue serving for an additional 60 days. The Brownsville City Commission will be meeting this coming Tuesday, during the regularly scheduled Commission Meeting, to discuss next steps.
“I am grateful to the Mayor and City Commission for their unwavering support and leadership in support of staff. It has been my sincere honor to serve our organization and Brownsville citizens during a transformative period for the community. Brownsville is a thriving city with momentum towards a bright future ahead,” said Noel Bernal, City Manager.
During Mr. Bernal’s tenure as City Manager, his focus was building an organizational culture on developing leaders at all levels to accomplish the goals of the governing body and community. Through this effort, Bernal was able to lead, innovate, and position the city for long-term fiscal sustainability with growth and development initiatives including adoption of an award-winning Unified Development Code (UDC), implementation of modernized development processes, fiscal land use analysis, debt restructuring for infrastructure improvements and led the City of Brownsville’s design and construction of a 93-mile fiber network.
Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement thanking Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan for quickly responding to his request to establish special legislative committees following last week’s tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today released a statement thanking Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dade Phelan for quickly responding to his request to establish special legislative committees following last week’s tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. The special legislative committees will examine and develop legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more.”The true spirit of Texas is helping lift up one another in times of need and hardship, and we must come together now as Texans to support the Uvalde community and prevent future tragedies in this state. I commend Lieutenant Governor Patrick, Speaker Phelan, and members of the Texas legislature for swiftly responding to my request to convene special legislative committees and provide solutions on these issues critical to protecting all Texans. As the State of Texas continues providing all available resources to assist and support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community during this heartbreaking time, I look forward to working with both chambers on lasting solutions to make our state safer for all.”
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrest eight gang members and two sex offenders throughout the week. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrest eight gang members and two sex offenders throughout the week.
On May 31, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended a Salvadoran MaraSalvatrucha (MS-13) gang member near Havana. The migrant has a criminal history of simple and aggravated homicide. That same day, MCS agents apprehended three more Salvadoran MS-13 gang members; one with a significant criminal history going back to 2005 and three Salvadoran 18th Street gang members.
Also on May 31, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a Salvadoran migrant near Raymondville. The migrant was convicted in 2019 of sexual contact no consent in Colorado, sentenced to two years confinement, and subsequently removed from the U.S.
MCS agents apprehended an Ecuadorian national and convicted sex offender, on June 2. Record checks revealed the migrant has convictions for sexual abuse, assault, criminal use drug paraphernalia and multiple driving while intoxicated.
Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents apprehended a female Salvadoran MS-13 gang member near Fronton on May 29.
Gabriela Cantu-Salcedo, a successful Realtor, shared her experience and how she encourages others to obtain valuable instruction at Laredo College. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
The Laredo College Continuing Education Department continues impacting the lives of hundreds of people through its various programs. Gabriela Cantu-Salcedo, a successful Realtor, shared her experience and how she encourages others to obtain valuable instruction at LC.
Cantu-Salcedo was involved in the transportation industry for several years and, like many, was impacted by COVID-19. The pandemic affected many industries, and employees had to be dismissed. Gabriela was released from her employment and had to look for other means of income.
Due to the ongoing situation, Laredo College and the City of Laredo collaborated to provide educational opportunities for individuals who had lost their jobs, had been furloughed or were underemployed. The Laredo CARES program offered more than 27 certifications that prepared Laredoans for new career opportunities. Cantu-Salcedo took the opportunity and enrolled in the Real Estate Program. She states that Mr. Leonelo Cruz, a local real estate agent and his wife, encouraged her to pursue this pathway.
Even though classes were conducted virtually due to the pandemic, she was determined to be the best in her class. Her instructors, Mr. Zaragoza and Mr. Gutierrez were vital to her academic success. Cantu-Salcedo expressed how their experience in real estate and the scenarios provided were excellent. She felt prepared for the exam upon graduation. She graduated in 2020, and now she holds her license.
She has been working for almost two years as a realtor for Leonelo Cruz Realtors. She mentions how this decision changed her life, and she enjoys her job more than ever.
Gabriela also has an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from LC and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Texas A&M International University.
Laredo College is proud of students who succeed thanks to their continuous efforts to excel academically. For the past 75 years, the institution has provided the necessary tools for academic enrichment and growth. Is it an honor to leave graduates prepared to impact the community with a legacy and history that will remain for decades.
For information on real estate classes, visit www.laredoe.edu/ce or call (956) 721-5374.
A total of 182 Phar-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) Band, Choir and Orchestra students earned UIL State Medals at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest which was held in Austin and Pflugerville recently. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas – A total of 182 Phar-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) Band, Choir and Orchestra students earned UIL State Medals at the UIL State Solo & Ensemble Contest which was held in Austin and Pflugerville recently. More than 270 students qualified for the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
1st Division Gold Solo Medalists
Aaron Perez – PSJA North ECHS Band
Abram Gonzalez – PSJA ECHS Band
Alexa Ochoa – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Alexa Perez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Orchestra
Alexis Cano – PSJA ECHS Band
Alyssa Garcia – PSJA Memorial ECHS Choir
Anaelda Ramos – PSJA Southwest ECHS Choir
Andres Flores – PSJA ECHS Band
Angel Ayar – PSJA North ECHS Band
Angela Gonzalez – PSJA North ECHS Band
Anthony Monrreal – PSJA North ECHS Band
Armando Gomez – PSJA North ECHS Band
Arturo Martinez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
BenRay lopez – PSJA ECHS Band
Bryan Jimenez – PSJA ECHS Band
Cecilia Almendariz – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Chanel Flores – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Christian Ramirez – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Dacia Villa – PSJA Southwest ECHS Choir
Daniel Vela – PSJA North ECHS Band
Daniel Zamora – PSJA North ECHS Band
Derek Barbosa – PSJA North ECHS Band
Dominique Salas – PSJA ECHS Band
Emanuel Diaz – PSJA Southwest ECHS Orchestra
Emily Hernandez – PSJA ECHS Choir
Eric De La Garza – PSJA ECHS Band
Ethean Moore – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Fabian Bruce – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Isaac Silva – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Isabel Lopez – PSJA North ECHS Band
Israel MacDonald – PSJA Memorial ECHS Orchestra
Iveth Cano – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Jacob Martinez – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Jason Goyre – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Jaylah Martinez – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Jeremy Acosta – PSJA North ECHS Band
Jose Cervantes – PSJA North ECHS Band
Joseph Soto – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Joshua Alazo – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Joshua Elizondo – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Josiah Padilla – PSJA North ECHS Band
Kadence Garcia – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Kimberly Berrones – PSJA ECHS Choir
Luis Serna – PSJA North ECHS Band
Madison Alaniz – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Maite Solis – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Mariana Resendez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Orchestra
Michelle Perez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Miguel Vazquez – PSJA ECHS Orchestra
Nahomi Castaneda – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Nicholas Lopez – PSJA ECHS Orchestra
Noah Lozano – PSJA North ECHS Band
Paulina Hernandez – PSJA Memorial ECHS Choir
Roman Reyes – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Roman Valenciano – PSJA ECHS Band
Santiago Garcia -PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Sergio Villagomez -PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Soledh Rivera – PSJA North ECHS Orchestra
Vasty Garcia – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Victor Sanchez – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Ximena Jimenez – PSJA North ECHS Choir
1st Division Ensemble Medalists
Abram Gonzalez – PSJA ECHS Band
Bryan Jimenez – PSJA ECHS Band
Jesus Garay – PSJA ECHS Band
Roman Valenciano – PSJA ECHS Band
2nd Division Silver Solo Medalists
Adam Reyna – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Adrian Alanis – PSJA ECHS Band
Aidan Salazar – PSJA North ECHS Band
Aidil Platas – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
AJ Espinosa – PSJA Memorial ECHS Band
Alan Portales – PSJA ECHS Band
Aliyah Zuniga – PSJA ECHS Orchestra
Allison Lopez – PSJA ECHS Band
Alyssa Handy – PSJA North ECHS Choir
Amanda Ramirez – PSJA ECHS Orchestra
Amelia Gaytan – PSJA Memorial ECHS Orchestra
Amerie Galvez – PSJA ECHS Band
Anaiza Diaz – PSJA ECHS Choir
Angela Ramos – PSJA Southwest ECHS Orchestra
Anthony Rodriguez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Astrid Barrera-Gonzalez – PSJA Southwest ECHS Band
Rising costs for housing, food, and energy make it difficult for American families and businesses to get ahead. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
By US Chamber of Commerce
This week, President Joe Biden wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal laying out his administration’s plan to address inflation.
Why it matters: Rising costs for housing, food, and energy make it difficult for American families and businesses to get ahead.
Our take: Neil Bradley, Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, offered three solutions to fight inflation that need to be added to the administration’s agenda:
Reduce tariffs. Cut tariffs and help Americans save money on everything from manufacturing inputs to summertime goods.
Produce more American energy. This can reduce costs for consumers at home and allies around the world. America needs a new five-year leasing plan and the approval of pipelines and energy export facilities.
Fix the worker shortage. There are 11.4 million open jobs. We need to double legal immigration and help expand affordable childcare for American families.
South Texas College, in partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa announced in May that they will bring a new commercial driver’s license program to Starr County that will address a growing demand for drivers in the industry. Following that announcement, Board members with Rio Grande City Grulla ISD announced that it will start a CDL program for school district parents beginning in July. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – With three ports of entry, trucking is the lifeblood of international commerce and the economy in Starr County, according to Rose Benavidez, Chair of STC Board of Trustees and President of Starr County Industrial Foundation.
That’s why Rio Grande City Grulla ISD board members have approved a new partnership with STC to provide CDL training in Starr County this summer.
“There is little doubt that in these uncertain economic times, our responsibility to maximize options for our students has never been more important,” Benavidez said. “At South Texas College, we pride ourselves in building partnerships and collaborations that are designed to solve problems and meet current demands in training and job opportunities and this CDL program will do both.”
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD approved an Afterschool Centers in Education (ACE) Grant that provides the funding for the pilot program slated to take place from July 11 through August 12, and will be aimed at recruiting parents of children in ACE who may be seeking to earn CDL certification.
The Texas Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program is one of the largest programs in the country, serving over 180,000 students at nearly 1,000 sites. The program provides no-cost activities before and after school and during summer for K–12 students in Title I schools, and is federally funded through 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) and administered at the state level by the Texas Education Association.
Funding from the ACE grant will be utilized to subcontract STC instructors to teach the CDL course. Trucks are slated to be provided by Tersa Logistics.
“We’re excited to provide this opportunity, especially in this commercial area where trucking can meet an incredible range of demands,” said South Texas College president Dr. Ricardo J. Solis. “When I started, the first thing that was emphasized to me was to make sure that Starr County would be able to grow and succeed, especially in the area of commerce and international trade.”
The program will consist of 200 hours of truck-driving training to parents in the district’s four granted schools including Grulla High School, Ringgold Middle School, Grulla Middle School and Veterans Middle School
“Through this (ACE) grant we ensure a better livelihood for our parents,” said Adelina Villarreal, director of Career and Technical Education at Rio Grande City Grulla ISD. “This pilot program with STC is the first of its kind… and if it all works out with the parents, then maybe we can begin offering it to students through Career and Technical Education.”
The program comes on the heels of an STC announcement to expand a new commercial driver’s license program in Starr County this fall 2022.
STC announced in May that it was growing its partnership with international ground transportation leader Trancasa by bringing a new commercial driver’s license program to Starr County in order to address a growing demand for drivers in the industry.
The college is still in the process of enrolling students for the program, which will consist of 40 hours of classroom and computer lab instruction, as well as 160 hours of observation and driving on a training range and public roads over the course of a five-week program.
“We thank RGCGISD for their trust and support to develop programming that provides our residents training for potential meaningful employment,” Benavidez said. “We look forward to joining them in ensuring that this pilot program is a success.”
For more information on the summer pilot program or the to enroll in fall CDL 2022 classes, go online at southtexascollege.edu/CDL.
As part of their pleas, the women admitted they had conspired together to smuggle a total of 25.36 kilograms of cocaine, 4.94 kilograms of fentanyl and 255 grams of heroin. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Houston women have admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin and cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Today, Clarissa Hernandez, 23, admitted to her role in the conspiracy. Her co-conspirator, Sarah Morales, 23, previously pleaded guilty April 28.
On Feb. 11, Hernandez attempted to drive through a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint, at which time a K-9 alerted to her vehicle. A search revealed 15 bundles of cocaine and 32,500 pills of fentanyl concealed in the front and rear bumpers of her Chevrolet sedan.
Soon after, Morales also attempted to pass through the checkpoint. During a search, authorities discovered 12 bundles of cocaine, three bundles of heroin and one bundle of fentanyl concealed in the front and rear bumpers of her Ford sport utility vehicle.
As part of their pleas, they admitted they had conspired together to smuggle a total of 25.36 kilograms of cocaine, 4.94 kilograms of fentanyl and 255 grams of heroin.
The drugs have a combined estimated street value of approximately $2.25 million.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales set sentencing for Morales July 20. Hernandez will be sentenced Aug. 23. They each face up to life in prison with a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Both have been and will remain in custody pending their respective hearings.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.
