The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team announced on Monday the addition of Jorge Diaz, who spent the last five seasons as part of the coaching staff with the women’s soccer program, as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022 season. Courtesy Image
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RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s soccer team announced on Monday the addition of Jorge Diaz, who spent the last five seasons as part of the coaching staff with the women’s soccer program, as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022 season.
Diaz will primarily work with the goalkeepers. In addition to his role with UTRGV, Diaz will also serve as RGV FC MLS Next U15 Coach and the MLS Next Academy goalkeeper coach.
While with the women’s program, Diaz was primarily in charge of the goalkeepers. Diaz guided Maile Lunardi to All-WAC Honorable Mention in 2020-21 while seeing Kinga Szemik to All-WAC First Team honors in 2018 and All-WAC Second Team honors in 2019.
Diaz has extensive coaching experience in the Rio Grande Valley, serving as the goalkeepers coach for RGV FC Toros in 2020 and 2021. Diaz was also the head coach for the Superior Soccer Academy in Mission and RGV United USL 20 in McAllen. He has also been an assistant coach with Grandes FC USL 20 in McAllen, Tigres UANL Academy in Brownsville, and the Brownsville Champions Soccer Academy, as well as the Goalkeeper Head Coach at the Brownsville Soccer Complex.
Diaz has additional coaching experience as the Staff Head Coach with Dallas Texans Girls and Goalkeeper Coach with Dallas Texans.
Diaz currently holds United States Soccer Federation National E,Y,D,C and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Goalkeeping levels I, II and III coaching licenses. He also holds an NSCAA junior diploma, a defending principles of play diploma, an Entrenador de Porteros Modulo 3 FMF from México, and a FIFA Diploma Football Medicine from Bélgium.
Diaz played soccer for nine years, first with Club De Futbol Rayados De Monterrey Division I from 1985-90, then Club de Futbol Pumas UNAM Division 1 in 1991, Club de Futbol 49’s Cadereyta Division III México from 1991-92, Club de Futbol Ecatepec Division II México in 1992, and Austin Academy USYSA National League in 1993.
Packages containing nearly 75 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo International Bridge. USCBP Image
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HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $576,900 worth of alleged cocaine.
“Our CBP officers continue to rely on their experience and all available tools and resources to thwart smuggling attempts at our ports of entry,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On May 25, 2022, CBP officers assigned to the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a white Chevrolet SUV making entry from Mexico driven by a 36-year-old Mexican male and a 30-year-old Mexican male passenger. The vehicle was selected for inspection utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment. After physically inspecting the vehicle, officers discovered 29 packages weighing 74.82 pounds (33.94kg) of alleged cocaine concealed within the vehicle.
CBP OFO arrested the individuals, seized the narcotics and vehicle, and the case remain under investigation by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI).
Packages containing 59 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Los Indios International Bridge. USCBP Image
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Brownsville Port of Entry intercepted alleged narcotics in three separate enforcement actions that have a combined estimated street value of $1,069,619.
“Our CBP officers’ vigilance and attention to detail led to these significant drug seizures,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The first seizure took place on Thursday, May 26, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 25-year-old female United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2013 Ford. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit, CBP officers discovered six packages hidden within the 2013 Ford. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 13.49 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The second seizure also took place on Thursday, May 26, at the Gateway International Bridge when a 22-year-old female United States citizen who resides in San Benito, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2009 Ford. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a canine unit and a non-intrusive inspection system (NII), CBP officers discovered 13 packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 25.39 pounds of alleged methamphetamine.
The third seizure took place on Friday, May 27, at the Los Indios International Bridge when a 35-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, applied for entry into the United States driving a 2020 Volkswagen. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. In secondary, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered 23 packages hidden within the 2020 Volkswagen. CBP officers removed the packages, which contained a total of 59.34 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the narcotics from the seizures is approximately $104,040, $507,939, and $457,640 respectively.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicles, arrested the travelers and turned them over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
Suspect named Juan Garza Jr. was an 11-year McAllen Police Officer at the time of his arrest. Officer Garza resigned his position after being charged on varying drug related charges related to this incident and his arrest reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Images courtesy of McAllen Police Department
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The Reporting Person (RP) reported receiving “messages from strangers” and “sees the silhouette of two people” outside the RP’s residence.
McAllen Police Officers were dispatched to this CFS. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with the RP and subsequently determined that the RP was a person for whom there was an outstanding arrest warrant from Kendall County Sheriff’s Department.
The RP was identified as Perla Lopez, 26 years of age, and determined to be same person named in an outstanding warrant for Bond Forfeiture in a Possession of Controlled Substance case from Kendall County Sheriff’s Department.
Upon notice of arrest, the RP asked to gather clothes from her residence. Responding Officers accompanied the RP into the residence. Upon entering the residence, Responding Officers found two male suspects and unlawful drugs in plain view.
All three suspects were arrested and charged with varying drug related charges including:
· Possession and Use of Volatile Chemical – Class B Misdemeanor.
· Possession of Marihuana – Class B Misdemeanor.
· Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor.
· Possession of Controlled Substances – Felony/2nd Degree; and/or
· Manufacture or Delivery of Substances in Penalty Group 1 – Felony/1st Degree.
Suspects arrested:
· Perla Lopez, 26 year of age, last known address McAllen, Texas.
· Randy Johnson Jr., 35 years of age, last known address McAllen, Texas; and
· Juan Garza Jr., 33 years of age, last known address McAllen, Texas.
Suspect named Juan Garza Jr. was an 11-year McAllen Police Officer at the time of his arrest. Officer Garza resigned his position after being charged on varying drug related charges related to this incident and his arrest reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).
Nature of Call-For-Service (CFS): Suspicious Circumstances/In-Progress.
Day/Date: Friday/May 27, 2022.
Time: 4:36 AM.
Location: 3400 Block of N. McColl Road McAllen, Texas
Summer is here. Follow the advice below to make your you have a safe meal as well as a great time. Image for illustration purposes
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What You Need to Know
When handling raw meat, chicken, and seafood
Separate it from other food
Refrigerate it before grilling
Wash your hands before and after handling it
Make sure its juices do not touch other food, utensils, and surfaces
Use a food thermometer to ensure it is cooked to a safe temperature
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking
Food poisoning peaks in the summer months when warmer temperatures cause food-borne germs to flourish.
Check put the information on the CDC graphic below. Print it out and keep it for reference to ensure your BBQ is a safe and enjoyable event.
Follow these steps for a safe and enjoyable grilling season.
Separate
When shopping, pick up meat, chicken and other poultry, and seafood last, right before checkout. Separate them from other food in your shopping cart and grocery bags. To guard against cross-contamination, put packages of raw meat and poultry into individual plastic bags.
Chill
Keep meat, poultry, and seafood refrigerated until ready to grill. When transporting, keep 40°F or below in an insulated cooler.
Thaw & Marinate
Harmful germs can multiply very quickly at room temperature. Thaw food safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Always marinate food in the refrigerator no matter what kind of marinade you’re using. Never thaw or marinade meat, poultry, or seafood on the counter.
Clean
Wash your hands with soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Wash work surfaces, utensils, and the grill before and after cooking.
Check Your Grill and Tools
Use a moist cloth or paper towel to clean the grill surface before cooking. If you use a wire bristle brush, thoroughly inspect the grill’s surface before cooking. Wire bristles from grill cleaning brushes may dislodge and stick into food on the grill.
Don’t Cross-contaminate
Throw out marinades and sauces that have touched raw meat juices, which can spread germs to cooked foods. Use clean utensils and a clean plate to remove cooked meat from the grill.
Cook
Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked hot enough to kill harmful germs. When smoking, keep temperatures inside the smoker at 225°F to 300°F to keep meat a safe temperature while it cooks.
When Grilling
145°F—whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and veal (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
145°F—fish
160°F—hamburgers and other ground beef
165°F—all poultry and pre-cooked meats, like hot dogs
After Grilling
140°F or warmer—until it’s served
Refrigerate
Divide leftovers into small portions and place in covered, shallow containers. Put in freezer or fridge within 2 hours of cooking (1 hour if above 90°F outside).
An Edinburg sergeant and four officers will join their brothers and sisters in blue during this difficult and trying time. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg
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The Edinburg Police Department along with multiple law enforcement agencies from all around the state of Texas, are joining together to provide support, security, and healing to the grieving community of Uvalde. An Edinburg sergeant and four officers will join their brothers and sisters in blue during this difficult and trying time. We stand with Uvalde, Texas.
Packages containing 119.5 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at World Trade Bridge. USCBP Image
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LAREDO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers seized cocaine in two separate enforcement actions that totaled over $1,500,000 in street value.
“This seizure demonstrates how the officers’ determination, utilization of technology and canines led to the discovery of these hard narcotics,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “I commend the officers for their keen observational skills and interviewing techniques which played a key role in both discoveries.”
The first seizure occurred on May 25, 2022, at the World Trade Bridge, after CBP officers encountered a 2007 Volvo tractor trailer manifesting a shipment of lead pipe arriving from Mexico. The tractor and the trailer were referred for a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, resulting in the discovery of 32 packages containing 119.5 pounds of alleged cocaine within the tires of the trailer. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $921,400.
The second seizure occurred on May 26, 2022, also at World Trade Bridge, after CBP officers encountered a 2001 Sterling tractor trailer manifesting a shipment of wood charcoal arriving from Mexico. The truck was referred for a canine and non-intrusive imaging system inspection, resulting in the discovery of 32 packages containing 80.33 pounds of alleged cocaine within the tires of the trailer. The narcotics had an estimated street value of $619,480.
The narcotics combined had an estimated street value of $1,540,880.
CBP seized the narcotics and the tractors. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) special agents took the cases.
The City of Laredo’s Interim City Manager, Samuel Keith Selman, has announced the appointment of two key positions within the City of Laredo. Ms. Linda Teniente has been appointed as Human Resources Director, effective Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Additionally, Ms. Miriam Castillo has been appointed as Interim Economic Development Director. Courtesy Images
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LAREDO, TX— The City of Laredo’s Interim City Manager, Samuel Keith Selman, has announced the appointment of two key positions within the City of Laredo. Ms. Linda Teniente has been appointed as Human Resources Director, effective Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Additionally, Ms. Miriam Castillo has been appointed as Interim Economic Development Director.
Ms. Teniente has been employed with the City of Laredo for 26 years, from which 21 years have been within the Human Resources Department. She has also worked in other positions within the Laredo Fire Department and Parks & Recreation Department. Ms. Teniente’s background includes experience in HR divisions such as Risk Management and Health & Benefits. Her focus will be to attract and retain a quality workforce for the City.
“As I start on this journey as the HR Director, one of my primary goals is to establish and maintain open communication and transparency with all City of Laredo departments and stakeholders. Know that I am here to support each and every one of you and that my door is always open to help in any way possible. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Laredo in this capacity,” said Linda Teniente.
Furthermore, Ms. Miriam Castillo has been appointed temporarily as Interim Economic Development Director. Ms. Castillo joined the City of Laredo as Programs Administrator for the Economic Development Department. Before joining the City of Laredo, Ms. Castillo performed as Vice President of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce since 2014, among other positions throughout her 16-year tenure.
“I am thankful for this opportunity of serving as Interim Director for the Economic Development Department. I look forward to continue working in the development and enhancement of programs that promote and facilitate economic growth and vitality for our city,” said Miriam Castillo.
Linda Teniente
Linda Teniente, an accomplished, dynamic human resources professional, with a strong background in guiding organizational growth and success, was recently appointed Human Resources Director for the City of Laredo. A skilled interpersonal communicator able to interact with all levels of the organization from new employees to executive leadership, Linda is a professional focused on continuous growth and improvement and using actionable data insights to guide decisions.
Linda Teniente has been with the City of Laredo for 26 years, having spent 21 years in the Human Resources Department. Linda also held positions within the Fire, Parks, and Community Development Real Estate departments during her tenure with the City. Linda brings a solid background in HR, especially risk management, and health and benefits. As she steps into this new role, Linda is focused on “attracting and retaining a quality workforce for the city and succession planning for the city’s next generation of leaders.” Linda holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management from TAMIU.
Miriam Castillo
Born in Laredo, TX and raised in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Castillo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M International University, where she later obtained a Master’s Degree in International Business.
She started her professional career in the banking industry working in the accounting department, and later in the logistics and import/export field where she held upper-management positions serving as the liaison and project manager for international customers in the manufacturing industry.
Prior to joining the City of Laredo, she worked for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, where she served for 16 years and held various positions, each of which required particular expertise. Given her ability to perform and deliver within the various departments, she was promoted to Vice President in 2014. Under her guidance, the Chamber launched and expanded numerous successful programs, projects, and initiatives, including the first-ever Business Development Certification Program, which reached over 2,000 business owners and employees since its inception in 2016.
With the support of board members and volunteers, she was also instrumental in the Chamber’s 5-star accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a prestigious distinction that was achieved by the organization for the first time ever in 2017, which at the time only 116 of the more than 7,000 chambers in the United States carried.
She is certified by the Institute for Organization Management, a 4-year professional development program for association and chamber professionals by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Early Voting for this Special Election for District 34 begins on Tuesday, May 31st and runs through Friday, June 10th with Election Day on Tuesday, June 14th. Image for illustration purposes
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Edinburg, Texas –Priorto the January 2022 redistricting, were you represented by Congressional District 34? If you were, YOU are eligible to vote in the Special Election for Congressional District 34 which is scheduled to begin Early Voting on Tuesday, May 31st.
What does this mean? By Order of Election and Proclamation issued by Governor Greg Abbott, voters registered in Congressional District 34 prior to the 2022 Redistricting of jurisdictional lines, are eligible to vote in this election.
“If prior to the 2022 redistricting, your voting precinct was in this jurisdiction, you qualify to participate in this special election to select either a Republican or Democrat representative to fill the vacancy left by the Honorable Filemon Vela,” said Elections Administrator Yvonne Ramón. “You must have been registered in the district before the 2022 redistricting of jurisdictional boundaries commenced. There are over 58,000 voters registered in “old” district 34 that are eligible to participate in this election,” explained Ramón. The Elections Department and the Secretary of State’s Office have been in constant communication to ensure that all qualifying voters are positioned once again within the pre-redistricting boundary lines so that they are eligible to vote in this election.
So what happens to voters whose new, blue voter certificate issued in January of 2022, expires in December of 2023, and shows they are registered in “new” District 34? These voters will participate in the November 8, 2022 General Election to elect the new official for District 34. There are almost 140,000 registered voters represented in the 2022 redistricted District 34.
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a wanted Honduran national and gang members with serious criminal history throughout the week. USCBP Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested a wanted Honduran national and gang members with serious criminal history throughout the week.
On May 24, McAllen Border Patrol Station apprehended a group of 46 migrants near La Joya. Record checks on a Honduran national revealed he is wanted in Honduras for drug trafficking.
Later that afternoon, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station (FLF) agents apprehended a MS-13 gang member from El Salvador with criminal history. He was sentenced in 2009 to 99 months’ combined confinement in Atlanta for unlawful transportation of firearms and racketeering activity-murder/kidnapping. He was subsequently sentenced to 24 months’ confinement and removed from the U.S.
On May 25, FLF agents apprehended a group of 25 migrants attempting to circumvent the checkpoint. Record checks on a Honduran national revealed he was convicted of a 2nd degree felony for indecency with a child sexual contact.
Additionally, this week, RGV agents arrested four 18th Street gang members, five Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang members and one additional Paisas gang member.
