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Operation Lone Star Prepares for Mass Migrant Influx 

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Operation Lone Star Prepares for Mass Migrant Influx 
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. Photo: Texas Military Department
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. Photo: Texas Military Department

Texas Border Business

Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are continuing to work together to secure the border, stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas, and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal behavior between ports of entry. 

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, multi-agency efforts have led to more than 252,000 migrant apprehensions, along with more than 15,000 criminal arrests — and more than 12,00 felony charges. Over 5,000 weapons and over $40 million in currency have been seized. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 344 million lethal doses throughout the state.

Operation Lone Star continues to fill the dangerous gaps left by the Biden Administration’s refusal to secure the border. Every individual who is apprehended or arrested and every ounce of drugs seized would have otherwise made their way into communities across Texas and the nation due to President Biden’s open border policies.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS FROM OPERATION LONE STAR: 

Governor Abbott Meets With Operation Lone Star Agency Partners Ahead Of Biden Ending Title 42 Expulsions  

Governor Abbott met with Operation Lone Star agency partners on Friday, May 13 at the Texas State Capitol to discuss Texas’ plans for the anticipated mass influx of migrants thanks to President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions. “The Lone Star State remains steadfast in its mission to keep Texans safe,” said Governor Abbott.

Governor Abbott Activates Joint Border Security Operations Center In Preparation For Mass Migrant Influx As Biden Ends Title 42 Expulsions

Governor Abbott activated the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directed DPS, TMD, and Texas Division of Emergency Management to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border in preparation for President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions on Monday, May 23. The JBSOC is activated to its highest alert level as the Biden Administration has estimated that the end of Title 42 expulsions will lead to up to 18,000 illegal crossings per day from Mexico into the United States.

WATCH: Governor Abbott Tells Fox News Texas Is “Gearing Up” For Anticipated Migrant Surge As Title 42 Ends Monday 

Governor Abbott joined Jesse Watters on Fox News to provide an update on Texas’ preparations for the anticipated mass surge of illegal crossings as the Biden Administration continues to push forward with the President’s decision to eliminate Title 42 expulsions on Monday, May 23. 

WATCH: Governor Abbott On The Ending Of Title 42: “We’re Talking About Total Chaos Caused By The Biden Administration”

Governor Abbott tells Newsmax’s Greg Kelly that the Biden Administration would be causing “total chaos” at the border by lifting Title 42 expulsions, allowing 6 million illegal crossings per year from Mexico into the United States.

GOVERNOR ABBOTT: Texas Is Taking Unprecedented Action To Secure The Border, Biden Refuses To Enforce Immigration Laws Passed By Congress

“Texas is taking unprecedented action to secure the border because Biden refuses to enforce the immigration laws passed by Congress,” said Governor Abbott in a tweet responding to reporter Ali Bradley. Bradley confirmed with DPS that Mexican authorities will come to Texas to be trained by the Texas Military Department on how to install razor wire in areas of interest. Mexican authorities will take the materials back across the border to install in an effort to stop illegal immigration across the Texas-Mexico border. 

WATCH: DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez Wants Biden Administration To Know “It’s One Thing To Have A Plan On Paper, But You Have To Effect It” To Secure The Border

DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined Charles Payne on Fox News earlier this week to share insight on current migrant crossings at the border and provided an update on binational efforts between Texas and Mexico to secure the border. “It’s one thing to have a plan on paper,” said Lt. Olivarez on DHS Secretary Mayorkas’ most recent visit to McAllen. “But you have to effect it.”

Operation Lone Star Conducts Binational Operations With Mexican Authorities In Areas Of Interest Along The Rio Grande 

Operation Lone Star continues to conduct binational operations with Mexican authorities along the Rio Grande. From the Rio Grande Valley to Eagle Pass, Operation Lone Star is working alongside law enforcement on the Mexican side of the border in preparation for the mass influx of illegal immigration, weapons, drugs, and other illegal contraband anticipated to come into the United States when Title 42 expulsions end on Monday. 

VIDEO: DPS Trooper Arrests Human Smuggler During Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection In Laredo

During a commercial vehicle safety inspection in Laredo, a DPS trooper arrested the driver of a semi-truck who was attempting to smuggle five illegal immigrants from Mexico into Texas.

DPS Intercepts Five Drug Smugglers In Culberson County, Assists U.S. Border Patrol In Locating Additional Illegal Drugs 

DPS troopers intercepted five drug smugglers and seized five bundles of marijuana in Culberson County. DPS Aircraft assisted U.S. Border Patrol in locating an additional four bundles of marijuana, totaling 450 lbs of drugs seized. 

WATCH: DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez Provides An Update On Binational Border Security Operations With Mexico As End Of Title 42 Expulsions Looms

DPS Lt. Chris Olivarez joined Fox News to provide an update on Texas’ preparedness and binational border security operations ahead of Biden’s looming Title 42 expulsion deadline. Lt. Olivarez also noted that Texas has began prosecuting criminal trespassers through Operation Lone Star. 

WATCH: Fox News Exclusive On ‘Rugged And Remote’ Big Bend Sector In Eagle Pass

In a Fox News exclusive, correspondent Bill Melugin joins DPS Sgt. Jimmy Morris on the ground in tracking down illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. Melugin and Sgt. Morris found bundles of illegal drugs and, with the help of U.S. Border Patrol, smugglers hiding in a bush. 

Texas Air National Guard In Brownsville Continue To Conduct Security Point Operations Along The Rio Grande

Texas Air National Guardsmen assigned to Operation Lonestar in Brownsville continue to conduct security point operations along the Rio Grande. The security points are responsible for spotting illegal border crossings and other criminal activity along the river. Once the illegal activity is identified, the guardsmen alert other Texas Military Department patrols in conjunction with law enforcement partners to interdict and apprehend the criminal elements.

Texas National Guard Tactical Response Unit Patrols The Rio Grande

The Texas National Guard Tactical Response Unit (TRU) continues to patrol along the Rio Grande. The TRU employs multiple types of maritime boats and equipment to maneuver along the river. The boats rely on speed and shallow water capabilities to interdict illegal border crossings and criminal elements. The guard boat unit patrols the Rio Grande alongside DPS and serves as a force multiplier to secure Texas on the frontlines.

Texas National Guard Soldiers Employ Advanced Optics To Interdict, Block Illegal Crossings During Low-Visibility Night Hours In Laredo

The Texas Military Department mobilized mass migration response forces alongside partner agencies in Laredo last week. Troops employed advanced optics to interdict and block illegal border crossings during low-visibility night hours. Soldiers were accompanied by members of DPS, U.S. Border Patrol, and local law enforcement. 

Border Security Operations Center Activated 

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Border Security Operations Center Activated 
Governor Greg Abbott today activated the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Military Department (TMD), and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border in preparation for President Biden's reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions on Monday, May 23. Photo: Office of the Governor
Governor Greg Abbott today activated the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Military Department (TMD), and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border in preparation for President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions on Monday, May 23. Photo: Office of the Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today activated the Joint Border Security Operations Center (JBSOC) and directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Military Department (TMD), and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to coordinate Texas’ response to secure the border in preparation for President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions on Monday, May 23.

The JBSOC is activated to its highest alert level as the Biden Administration has estimated that the end of Title 42 expulsions will lead to up to 18,000 illegal crossings per day from Mexico into the United States.

“Texas will not stand by as President Biden puts our state and our nation in danger by ending Title 42 expulsions and allowing dangerous criminals, illegal weapons, and deadly drugs like fentanyl to flow unabated into the United States, and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis at our southern border,” said Governor Abbott. “We continue taking unprecedented action to secure the border, ramping up every available strategy and resource in response to President Biden’s ongoing border crisis. The Joint Border Security Operations Center will play an integral role in our state’s robust response to provide the border security strategy Texans — and Americans — deserve.”

Photo: Office of the Governor

The JBSOC, located at DPS headquarters in Austin, will serve as the state’s multi-agency command and coordination center for statewide border security intelligence and operations to include tactical, marine, air, and ground. It will also coordinate the deployment of strategic barriers along the Texas-Mexico border, including razor wire.

Live feeds from Texas National Guard and DPS aircraft, UAVs, and detection cameras will provide around-the-clock situational awareness. The JBSOC will have direct contact with law enforcement and local leaders along the Texas-Mexico border. 

Pursuant to the disaster declaration issued last year and his authority to respond to disasters under state law, Governor Abbott directed the following state agencies to report to the JBSOC:

Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Military Department

Texas Division of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Transportation 

Texas Facilities Commission (TFC)

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement 

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Texas Commission on Jail Standards 

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Texas Fire Marshal’s Office

Texas Attorney General’s Office

Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Border Prosecution Unit

Office of Court Administration

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to secure the border in the wake of the federal government’s inaction. Those actions include:

  • Securing $4 billion in funding for Texas’ border security efforts
  • Launching Operation Lone Star and deploying thousands of National Guard soldiers and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers
  • Arresting and jailing illegal migrants trespassing or committing other state crimes in Texas
  • Allocating resources that include acquiring 1,700 unused steel panels to build the border wall in Texas
  • Signing a law to make it easier to prosecute smugglers bringing people into Texas
  • Signing 15 laws cracking down on human trafficking in Texas
  • Signing a law enhancing penalties for the manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl
  • Issuing a disaster declaration for the border crisis
  • Issuing an executive order preventing non-governmental entities from transporting illegal immigrants
  • Taking legal action to enforce the Remain in Mexico policy
  • Taking aggressive action to secure the border as President Biden ends Title 42 expulsions, including busing migrants to Washington, D.C.
  • Signing memoranda of understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas to enhance border security measures that will prevent illegal immigration from Mexico to Texas

Read more on additional actions taken by the Governor to secure the border through Operation Lone Star.

Texas Click It Or Ticket Campaign Marks 20th Anniversary

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Texas Click It Or Ticket Campaign Marks 20th Anniversary
Sgt Maria Montalvo, with Texas DPS speaking about enforcement efforts.Courtesy Image
Sgt Maria Montalvo, with Texas DPS speaking about enforcement efforts.Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas —The local launch of TxDOT’s 20th Annual Click It Or Ticket campaign happened this past Thursday morning, at Space X. Members of law enforcement from across the Valley joined the kick-off with local speakers who reminded everyone that failing to buckle up could cost you an expensive fine or even your life. Stepped up enforcement of Click It Or Ticket will occur between May 23 and June 5.

Darcey Goodloe was a Waco high school student in 2010 when her truck was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler. Her truck shot across multiple lanes on icy I-35 and into a median, where it landed vertically, face down. She was wearing her seat belt and survived with just a few scratches.

In the years since her crash, Goodloe has graduated from Texas Tech, become a kindergarten teacher, gotten married, and is now expecting her first child (a boy!)—none of which may have happened had she not chosen to buckle up that morning.

“Since its launch in 2002, the Texas Click It or Ticket campaign has saved nearly 7,000 lives,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done over the decades and the countless hours put in by our law enforcement partners. But there are still far too many preventable deaths on Texas roads. 

TxDOT Pharr District Engineer Pedro “Pete” Alvarez, P.E., gives an overview of the Click It Or Ticket Campaign. Courtesy Image

From May 23 through June 5, Texas officers and deputies will step up enforcement of the state’s seat belt and child car seat laws. Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly secured in the front or back seat or face fines and fees up to $200. Children younger than 8 years old must be restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches. If a child isn’t secured, the driver faces fines of up to $250.

Unfortunately, an average of 1 in 10 Texans is still not buckling up, and 1,226 people died in 2021 in unrestrained crashes, a 14% increase from the previous year. Putting on a seat belt takes only a few seconds, and doing so reduces the risk of dying by up to 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars and up to 60% for people in pickup trucks. Even so, pickup truck drivers and passengers continue to lag in seat belt use, and the number of unbelted pickup truck drivers killed in Texas traffic crashes increased 20% last year. That’s why TxDOT is reminding everyone—whether traveling during the day or at night, a short or long distance, or as a driver or a passenger—that wearing a seat belt remains the single most effective way to protect themselves from serious injury or death in a crash and it’s the law.

From 2002 to 2021, the Click It or Ticket initiative in Texas is estimated to have saved 6,972 lives, prevented 120,000 serious injuries, and resulted in $26.3 billion in economic savings, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

The Click It or Ticket campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel such as wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.

RGV Agents Apprehend Criminal Migrants and Gang Members

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RGV Agents Apprehend Criminal Migrants and Gang Members
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested three criminal migrants and seven gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities. USCBP Image
Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested three criminal migrants and seven gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector (RGV) agents arrested three criminal migrants and seven gang members this week preventing them from infiltrating our communities. 

On May 16, Falfurrias Border Patrol Station (FLF) agents apprehended 18 migrants near Falfurrias. Among the group was a registered sex offender from Guatemala who was convicted in 2013 of sexual intercourse with a minor under 18. The migrant has an active warrant in California for probation violations relating to the 2013 conviction. 

That same day, Rio Grande City Station agents apprehended a Salvadoran Mara-Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang member. Record checks on the migrant revealed he was convicted for narcotics possession and sentenced to more than five years’ probation.  RGV agents, over the span of five days, encountered five additional Salvadoran MS-13 members and one 18th Street gang member.

On May 17, Weslaco Border Patrol Station agents processed a Columbian national convicted on murder for hire charges in New York.  The migrant was sentenced to five and a half years’ confinement. 

Alfredo Lopez-Mayo
USCBP Image

On May 18, Harlingen Border Patrol Station agents processed Alfredo Lopez-Mayo, a Mexican national, who is a registered sex offender with a conviction for third degree sexual assault in Wisconsin. He was sentenced to five years’ probation and subsequently removed from the U.S. 

All subjects were processed accordingly.            

Restaurant COVID-19 Relief Vote

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Restaurant COVID-19 Relief Vote
Small businesses and restaurants in Texas have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Biden administration’s policies that have driven inflation to record levels. Image for illustration purposes
Small businesses and restaurants in Texas have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Biden administration’s policies that have driven inflation to record levels. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) made the following comments about his vote on the Small Business Covid Relief Act of 2022:

Small businesses and restaurants in Texas have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Biden administration’s policies that have driven inflation to record levels. The Democrats’ draconian shutdowns destroyed these businesses and put millions of Americans out of work. I support responsibly providing relief, and we should pay for it by repurposing already authorized and appropriated COVID-19 relief funds, billions of which remains unspent. I filed an amendment to do exactly this, but unfortunately Democrats appear to be more interested in irresponsibly driving up spending, which will only worsen inflation and the prices of everyday goods.

Jepsen and Silva Accepted to TAMACC’s New Fellowship Program

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Jepsen and Silva Accepted to TAMACC’s New Fellowship Program
The first two individuals accepted into this inaugural program are Nataly Jepsen – Dallas, Texas, and Jose Silva – McAllen, Texas. Courtesy Images
The first two individuals accepted into this inaugural program are Nataly Jepsen – Dallas, Texas, and Jose Silva – McAllen, Texas. Courtesy Images

Texas Border Business

Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) is excited to announce the start of a new Fellowship Program. The first two individuals accepted into this inaugural program are Nataly Jepsen – Dallas, Texas, and Jose Silva – McAllen, Texas. Both graduated from Texas State University last week and started their fellowships at TAMACC prior to their graduation ceremonies.Jepsen has earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Diversity Studies. Jose Silva studied Applied Sociology with a concentration on Latino/a studies, and he will be attending The University of Texas in Austin this fall to start a master’s degree. “We are thrilled to have two extraordinary graduates who believe in TAMACC’s mission and have a passion to serve the Hispanic community,” said TAMACC President and CEO Pauline E. Anton.

Nataly Jepsen 

Nataly Jepsen is a native of Dallas, Texas. She considers herself a lifelong learner and a naturally curious individual who likes to really understand the world around her. Jepsen graduated this May with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Diversity Studies.

Jepsen has always believed in the power of service, especially to the people that need it most, over the last few years, she has volunteered with the Early Travis High School Spanish Department where she helped high school students with their Spanish classes. Jepsen has also volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity Foundation, an organization that builds and gives homes to families in need.

Jepsen is an outspoken advocate for the Hispanic Community and is dedicated to giving a voice to those that need it most. Recognizing the importance of Hispanic business and entrepreneurship in Texas and the economy, Jepsen is appreciative to have the opportunity to work with an organization like TAMACC.

Jose Silva

Jose Silva was born and raised in McAllen, Texas. Like many immigrant families, his family made a living as migrant workers who traveled all over the U.S. picking fruits and vegetables.

His family’s hard work and Silva’s bicultural upbringing along the Texas and Mexico border instilled in Jose a thirst for knowledge and a desire to be of service to others.

Silva graduated this May from Texas State University in San Marcos, where he studied Applied Sociology with a concentration on Latino/a studies. In his time at Texas State University, Silva was involved with numerous student organizations and led several research projects focused on the Latino community.

One of his most notable experiences as an undergraduate was interning in Washington, D.C. for U.S. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez of Texas. Silva is affiliated with various policy and scholar groups such as the Public Policy and International Affairs, Junior Summer Institute, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and the Terry Foundation.

Silva is eager to apply his skills and experiences to help TAMACC’s mission and programs of work that benefit the Latino business community.

Esteban Guerra Named BND Commission Chairman

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Esteban Guerra Named BND Commission Chairman
Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Commissioner Esteban Guerra was unanimously appointed to serve as chairman of the BND Board of Commissioners during the board’s regular meeting held Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Courtesy Image, Image Source: portofbrownsville.com for illustration purposes
Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Commissioner Esteban Guerra was unanimously appointed to serve as chairman of the BND Board of Commissioners during the board’s regular meeting held Wednesday, May 18, 2022. Courtesy Image, Image Source: portofbrownsville.com for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Commissioner Esteban Guerra was unanimously appointed to serve as chairman of the BND Board of Commissioners during the board’s regular meeting held Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Guerra serves as chairman alongside BND Vice Chairman Ralph Cowen and BND Secretary of the Board John Wood, also unanimously appointed to serve as part of the executive board. Commissioners John Reed and Sergio Tito Lopez round out the board as assistant secretaries.

Wood, Commissioner Place 2, and Guerra, Commissioner Place 4, were re-elected to the board in the BND election on May 7. During the swearing-in ceremony, Wood was administered the Oath of Office by his son Frank Wood while Guerra was administered the Oath of Office by State District Judge Gabriela Garcia.

A longtime civic and community leader, Commissioner Wood was first elected to serve the BND in 2014. In addition to his experience as a licensed real estate broker and entrepreneur, he has previously served the City of Brownsville and Cameron County Commissions.

Guerra was elected to the BND in 2018 and chairs the BND Economic Development Committee. He provides an international perspective and vast business experience to the commission.The BND is the elected authority for the Port of Brownsville in Brownsville, Texas, setting policy and financial decisions for the port.

Human Smugglers Continue to Disregard Public Safety

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Human Smugglers Continue to Disregard Public Safety
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and local law enforcement partners disrupted three human smuggling events. USCBP Image
Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and local law enforcement partners disrupted three human smuggling events. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol (RGV) agents and local law enforcement partners disrupted three human smuggling events.

USCBP Image

On May 17, McAllen Border Patrol Station (MCS) agents apprehended four migrants after the driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.  MCS camera operators observed a Chrysler sedan load up migrants in a well-known smuggling area near Sullivan City. Moments later, MCS agents encountered the vehicle and attempted to initiate a vehicle stop.  When the driver failed to yield and sped away, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers assisted and took lead on the pursuit. The driver, a U.S. citizen, eventually came to a stop in a neighborhood and exited the vehicle. Agents apprehended four migrants still in the vehicle, and all determined to be illegally present in the U.S.  DPS took custody of the driver to face state charges.  

USCBP Image

RGV agents working near Rivera attempted to initiate an immigration inspection on the occupants of a Dodge Ram on May 18. As agents activated their emergency equipment, the vehicle failed to yield and led agents on a pursuit. The vehicle then veered off the road and several occupants bailed out. Agents searched the surrounding area and apprehended six migrants unlawfully in the U.S. and the U.S. citizen driver.  The driver has a prior conviction for reckless driving in Corpus Christi.

On May 19, Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents encountered 140 non-citizens near Roma.  The group was initially observed by the Texas Military Department (TMD). The large group consisted of 27 unaccompanied children, 57 family unit members, and 56 single adults. The migrants are from Cuba, South and Central America.

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly.

In-Demand Cloud Computing Skills

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In-Demand Cloud Computing Skills
Beginning in summer 2022, students at South Texas College will be able to enroll in AWS Academy Cloud Foundations (ACF). The AWS curriculum will help prepare them to pursue careers in the fast-growing cloud computing space and industry-recognized AWS Certifications. Courtesy Image
Beginning in summer 2022, students at South Texas College will be able to enroll in AWS Academy Cloud Foundations (ACF). The AWS curriculum will help prepare them to pursue careers in the fast-growing cloud computing space and industry-recognized AWS Certifications. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College (STC) has announced its participation in AWS Academy, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) service that provides higher education institutions with a free, ready-to-teach cloud computing curriculum that prepares students to pursue industry-recognized certifications and in-demand cloud jobs.  

Beginning in summer 2022, students at STC will be able to enroll in AWS Academy Cloud Foundations (ACF). The AWS curriculum will help prepare them to pursue careers in the fast-growing cloud computing space and industry-recognized AWS Certifications.

STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer Information Technologies (BAT-CIT) was designated as an AWS-Member institution in February. The designation means the program can now embed cloud computing curriculum from Amazon into BAT-CITP courses. 

AWS Certification is ranked as one of the top-15 most valuable information technology (IT) certifications, according to Forbes, and supports educational institutions in more than 30 countries. 

The AWS Academy curriculum is developed and maintained by AWS subject matter experts to help ensure that it reflects current services and up-to-date best practices. Courses are taught by AWS Academy-accredited educators who are trained by AWS to help students become proficient in AWS technology.

“AWS Academy allows us to be able to embed cloud computing education in our courses,” said Nicholas Hinojosa, an instructor for the BAT-CIT program at STC. 

The Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (BAT) in Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) prepares students for successful careers by balancing theoretical and technical coursework meant to prepare graduates for the high demands placed on today’s CIT professionals. 

The degree prepares students with relevant, technical knowledge of CIT practices so they provide solutions for real-world problems and technical support for computer-based information systems. 

Students graduating from the BAT-CIT program at STC are exceptionally prepared to enter the private sector or even continue their education in a graduate program. 

The program offers a competency-based bachelor’s degree that enables students to finish their degrees faster by “testing out,” or taking exams within the courses themselves.  

As an AWS Academy member institution, STC has access to AWS Academy cloud computing curriculum, developed and maintained by AWS.

 “Professionals with cloud skills are in high demand as more organizations invest in their future with the cloud,” said Kevin Kelly, Director of Cloud Career Training Programs, AWS. “We’re proud to help South Texas College advance the training and learning opportunities for its students. With AWS Academy, students will be equipped with the in-demand, practical cloud skills they need to land high-quality jobs in one of the fastest growing industries.”

Google Lawsuit Amended to Include “Incognito Mode”   

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Google Lawsuit Amended to Include “Incognito Mode”   
Incognito mode or “private browsing” is a web browser function that implies to consumers that Google will not track your search history or location activity.  Image for illustration purposes
Incognito mode or “private browsing” is a web browser function that implies to consumers that Google will not track your search history or location activity.  Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas  – Attorney General Paxton filed an amended petition that adds Google’s Incognito mode to his previous geolocation-related lawsuit against the Big Tech giant. Incognito mode or “private browsing” is a web browser function that implies to consumers that Google will not track your search history or location activity.  

This is General Paxton’s fifth lawsuit against Google, and in it Texas argues that the company misled consumers by tracking their personal location without consent, and in many cases continued to track them after the feature was disabled by users, all of which constitute a violation of the Texas’ Deceptive Trade Practices Act. While Texas consumers were under the impression they were not being tracked, Google continued to use their private location information to boost company profits. The State now alleges that Google’s representations that users can avoid having their internet search and activity history recorded by using Incognito Mode are similarly misleading.  

“Google claims to give users control and to respect their choice but in reality, regardless of the settings users select, the Big Tech giant is still hard at work collecting and monetizing the location and other personal information that users seek to keep private,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I am not going to let Google succeed in deceiving Texans.”    

To read the amended lawsuit click here. 

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