Visit McAllen, a division of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has named Maritza Munoz as its newest convention sales manager. Courtesy Image, Image Source visitmcallen.com for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Visit McAllen, a division of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has named Maritza Munoz as its newest convention sales manager.
Munoz has been employed at the Chamber for over twenty-two years servicing the tourism and hospitality industry in various roles. Munoz has represented McAllen at travel and tradeshows throughout the U.S. and Canada while also assisting with media familiarization trips, as well as helping to organize sales missions throughout Mexico. She also has an extensive background in special events and has helped to organize major events in McAllen, including Christmas in the Park during the McAllen Holiday Parade and the monthly Music After Hours series hosted at the McAllen Food Truck Park.
“I am extremely excited to be promoted to our Visit McAllen sales team, and I am honored to get the opportunity to continue to work for an organization that I have dedicated a great portion of my life to. Being able to promote and generate revenue for the city I absolutely love and was raised in makes this career move even sweeter,” said Munoz.
As a convention sales manager, Munoz will be tasked with promoting and selling convention business and representing McAllen at trade shows and events while fostering new and existing client relationships through ongoing communications to deliver great guest experience and generate economic impact for McAllen.
“Maritza has long been a valued member of our Visit McAllen team, and her customer service skills and attention to detail have carried her far. I am confident that she will continue to be a valuable asset to our team in this new role,” said Alex Arevalo, Interim Director of Visit McAllen.
If you are a member of an association or organization and would like to learn more about having your conference or event in McAllen, contact the Visit McAllen sales team at meetings@visitmcallen.com or call 956-682-2871
Operation Lone Star’s maritime unit, the Tactical Response Unit, patrols more than 15 miles of the deep parts of the Rio Grande, searching for illegal crossings and other transnational criminal activity along the river. 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 246,000 migrant apprehensions, along with more than 15,000 criminal arrests — and more than 12,400 felony charges. Over 4,800 weapons and over $38 million in currency have been seized. In the fight against fentanyl, DPS has seized over 344 million lethal doses throughout the state.
As part of the response to President Biden’s reckless decision to end Title 42 expulsions this month, which his own administration has estimated will lead to 18,000 illegal crossings per day, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to charter buses to transport migrants from Texas border communities to Washington, D.C. Since launching this busing operation a month ago, a total of 35 buses have transported 922 migrants.
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.
Governor Abbott recognized National Fentanyl Awareness Day earlier this week and highlighted Operation Lone Star’s success in seizing over 344 million lethal doses of fentanyl – enough doses to kill every American. The Governor reaffirmed Texas’ commitment to stopping the flow of drugs from coming into the United States thanks to President Biden’s inaction to secure the border.
“Governor Abbott, to his credit, has remained steadfast amid the criticism and even left the door open to further, expanded inspection orders if his Mexican counterparts refuse to follow through on their commitments,” writes Collin Pruett with The American Conservative. “He’s proving that states can fight back against border lawlessness and win, even in the face of international political and business interests.”
Texas Army National Guard troops mobilized mass migration response forces alongside partner agencies on May 6 at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo. Troops were equipped to interdict and deter large groups of persons attempting to cross the Texas-Mexico border illegally. The Texas Guardsmen were accompanied by members of DPS, U.S. Border Patrol, and local law enforcement. Mexican national law enforcement agency partners in Tamaulipas, Mexico participated in the response force exercise across the Rio Grande.
Texas National Guard Troops Team Up With DPS, Border Patrol, Mexican Police To Practice Mass Migration Response In Eagle Pass
PHOTO: Texas Military Department
Texas National Guard troops teamed up with DPS, U.S. Border Patrol, and Mexican law enforcement to practice mass migration tactics last week in Eagle Pass. The exercise, Operation Mirror Image, demonstrates the shared solidary across the border in the mission to stop criminal actors taking advantage of the influx of migrants ahead of the Biden Administration’s decision to end Title 42 expulsions.
Texas National Guard Specialized Maritime Unit Patrols Rio Grande For Illegal Crossings, Transnational Criminal Activity
Texas National Guard’s specialized maritime unit patrols the Rio Grande using a fleet of small bay boats and Zodiacs. Operation Lone Star’s maritime unit, the Tactical Response Unit, patrols more than 15 miles of the deep parts of the Rio Grande, searching for illegal crossings and other transnational criminal activity along the river. This specialized maritime unit can patrol in shallow water furthering the Guard’s reach on the Rio Grande.
Texas National Guard troops, alongside partner agencies, helped apprehend or deter over 200 illegal immigrants crossing the Texas-Mexico border near Laredo. Many of the crossing points in this 15-mile stretch of land in the Laredo area lead directly into backyards, playgrounds, and busy storefronts.
DPS Lt. Christopher Olivarez joined Fox News this week where he discussed the surge of fentanyl coming across our southern border as the federal government fails to secure the border and prevent cartels from smuggling lethal drugs into the United States.
A smuggler led DPS troopers on a high speed pursuit through Hidalgo County on May 5. DPS’ Aircraft Division assisted in locating the driver who was charged with smuggling of persons and evading arrest. The smuggler was eventually stopped in an alleyway.
DPS troopers, with the assistance of U.S. Border Patrol agents, stopped two semi-trucks in Webb County. The traffic stop-and-search of the commercial vehicles resulted in the apprehension of 203 illegal migrants who were found concealed inside the box trailers without proper ventilation.
While questioning him as to his age and citizenship, Martinez struck the 17-year-old male across the face. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year-old former Border Patrol (BP) employee has pleaded guilty to violating the constitutional rights of a Honduran teenager, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Gregson Martinez, Brownsville, pleaded guilty to acting under color of law and utilizing unreasonable force by striking a 17-year-old unaccompanied Honduran citizen.
On July 21, 2021, authorities apprehended the teenager near Hidalgo and transported him to the Donna Processing Center. Martinez worked there as a BP processing coordinator.
While questioning him as to his age and citizenship, Martinez struck the 17-year-old male across the face.
Martinez was terminated Aug. 2, 2021.
Sentencing has been set for June 24, at which time Martinez faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and Customs and Border Protection – Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia is prosecuting the case.
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) president Dr. Pablo Arenaz joins The Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp and Congressman Henry Cuellar in celebrating a new partnerhip with Texas A&M University – Galveston that will bring TAMIU students new internship, learning and research opportunities at sea. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Thanks to a new partnership affirmed Monday, May 9, 2022, students at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), may find that a future classroom comes with waves, an assortment of sea life and an abundance of fresh sea air.
That’s because TAMIU has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with The Texas A&M University branch campus, Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMU-Galveston), and the Texas A&M University Maritime Academy (TAMMA). The agreement makes it possible for TAMIU students to join in high-impact student experiences, including internship, learning and research opportunities at sea.
Courtesy Image
Joining TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz at the partnership announcement were congressman Henry Cuellar and A&M System Chancellor John Sharp. Texas A&M University at Galveston chief operating officer and Texas A&M Maritime Academy superintendent, Col. Michael E. Fossum was unable to attend.
Chancellor Sharp was effusive in his comments about the new partnership.
“This partnership not only provides fantastic opportunities for students in Laredo, but the research they do with Texas A&M Galveston will benefit us all,” Sharp confirmed.
Cong. Cuellar, who helped champion critical support from the U.S. Department of Transportation for TAMMA and its training ship, echoed Chancellor Sharp.
“The TAMIU partnership with TAMU-Galveston affords Laredo area students with the opportunity to access maritime internships, research opportunities, and additional educational experiences at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy (TAMMA). As the only marine academy on the Gulf of Mexico, this program is a unique opportunity for students to learn skills for protecting our economic and security interests at sea—that is why I secured $390 million in federal funding for the third and fourth ships that will be used in this educational partnership,” said Congressman Cuellar, “As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, and an advocate of education, I will continue to prioritize the funding of projects and ventures that benefit students with cutting edge technology and resources in south Texas.”
The 524-foot state-of-the-art ship represents a significant investment by the federal government in supporting the future of the maritime industry and future merchant mariners in Texas. The NSMVs are designated as State-class vessels and each are named for the State in which a State maritime academy operates. The Lone Star State is expected to arrive on the Galveston campus in 2025. The ship is the fourth in a new class series of vessels specifically designed to support both maritime training needs and disaster response capabilities.
Colonel Fossum said the opportunity to partner with TAMIU is a distinct advantage for TAMU-Galveston.
“We are eager to partner with TAMIU and its students and help them to realize unparalleled internship, learning and research experiences onsite and onboard. Expanding opportunities for all students is mission critical for us,” Fossum explained.
TAMIU president Arenaz said that as a scientist himself, he can’t underscore the rich opportunity this represents for TAMIU students.
“As a biologist, I know the importance of being able to conduct field research. You can’t get a better ‘field’ than the vastness of the oceans and the ability to learn and research in a vessel dedicated to this. It’s terrific to be able to extend this opportunity to our students and to enable our science offerings to grow in such a rich and relevant way. I’m deeply appreciative to Chancellor Sharp, Congressman Cuellar and Colonel Fossum for their partnership and support of this bold, new initiative for TAMIU and TAMU-Galveston,” Dr. Arenaz observed.
TAMMA is one of only six state maritime academies in the United States designated by the United States Maritime Administration and is administered by TAMU-Galveston. Additional opportunities the partnership makes possible include coordination of academic programs or support, field trips and the mobilization of campus resources to enrich and promote student success and learning.
Texas A&M University at Galveston is an ocean-oriented branch campus of Texas A&M University which educates nearly 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students in a unique blend of marine and maritime programs, including majors in science, business, engineering, liberal arts, and transportation. It is driving the development of the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region and is a critical contributor to Texas A&M’s sea-grant portion of Texas A&M’s rare land-, sea-, space-grant mission with nearly $10 million in research expenditures.
It is also home to TAMMA, the only academy integrated into a Tier 1 academic institution, which trains over 400 cadets annually for maritime service and employment around the world. Texas A&M-Galveston is ideally located in Galveston, TX on the Gulf Coast where is it surrounded by the industry, environment and programs essential to fulfilling its special-purpose mission. Aggies are known for their deep commitment to the success of each other and their strong desire to serve. For more, visit https://www.tamug.edu
A Member of The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M International University is a primarily Hispanic-serving, State-assisted university founded in 1970. Its 300-acre campus is located in northeast Laredo on former ranchland.
The campus is home to a diverse enrollment of over 8,400 students from 31 countries and 28 US states. TAMIU offers transformative undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in the arts and sciences, business, education and nursing. As its name affirms, the University maintains a special focus on developing an international academic agenda for the State of Texas. The University’s 31,000+ graduates lead lives of change and impact around the world.
EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Stanton Street dedicated commuter lane border crossing seized 19.7 pounds of cocaine from a traveler enrolled in the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) lane. The seizure was made shortly after 8 a.m. on May 11.
“The use of SENTRI is a privilege but participants are not exempt from inspection,” said CBP El Paso Acting Port Director Samuel Cleaves. “Sometimes we encounter individuals who attempt to circumvent the process. Therefore, we trust but verify that users are not violating the law and the rules of the SENTRI program.”
CBP officers and CBP Canine Enforcement officers were conducting vehicle inspections at the Stanton Dedicated Commuter Lane when they encountered a vehicle driven by a 25-year-old female Mexican citizen arriving from Mexico. A CBP drug detecting canine conducted a search of the vehicle and alerted CBP officers to the presence of a trained odor for narcotics.
CBP officers then conducted a non-intrusive x-ray scan and physical inspection of the vehicle resulting in the discovery of multiple bundles hidden within the dashboard area.
The narcotics and vehicle were seized by CBP, and the driver was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations to face charges in connection with the failed smuggling attempt.
SENTRI is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Participants may enter the United States by using dedicated primary lanes into the United States at Southern land border ports. Travelers must be pre-approved for the SENTRI program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment.
Horacio Vasquez, Salma Mahmood, Karl Berg, Christopher J. Viyek, Kathryn Perez, Mohammed Farooqui, Pushpa Soti, Robert Dearth, Alejandro Lopez-Juarez, Sylvia A. Robles Were Honored with the UTRGV Faculty Exceleence Award. Courtesy Image
The awards are given annually and recognize UTRGV faculty who have demonstrated outstanding work in seven areas: teaching (both for tenure/tenure-track and non-tenure track ranks), online teaching, research, service, student mentoring, community-engaged scholarship and sustainability education.
Two new awards were installed this year: Distinguished Career and Emerging Scholar.
Dr. Janna Arney, UTRGV executive vice president and provost, congratulated the honorees.
“We are proud to celebrate our esteemed faculty and all they have accomplished,” Arney said. “UTRGV is fortunate to have exceptional faculty shaping our students and having an impact on the university and the Rio Grande Valley community. These awards recognize their dedication and their successes, and I am grateful they are Vaqueros.”
Each faculty winner receives a $5,000 monetary award.
Recipients of the 2021-2022 UTRGV Faculty Excellence Awards are:
Teaching (Tenure and Tenure-Track): Horacio Vasquez, professor, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Teaching (Non-Tenure Track): Salma Mahmood, lecturer III, School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences, College of Sciences.
Research-Scholarship-Creative Work: Karl Berg, associate professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Online Teaching: Kathryn Perez, associate professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Service:Robert Dearth, professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Student Mentoring: Pushpa Soti, assistant professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Community Engaged Scholarship: Christopher J. Vitek, professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Sustainability Education: Sylvia A. Robles, assistant professor, International Business and Entrepreneurship, Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
Distinguished Career: Mohammed Farooqui, professor, Biology, College of Sciences.
Emerging Scholar: Alejandro Lopez-Juarez, assistant professor, Health and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Professions.
The awards are sponsored by the university’s Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost; Office of Faculty Success and Diversity; Division of Research; Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology; and Division of Institutional Advancement.
Gerardo Jimenez admitted that on Nov. 3, 2020, he knowingly entered the Hidalgo Border Patrol (BP) Port of Entry with drugs in his car. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – A 30-year-old Texan has pleaded guilty to smuggling heroin and meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Gerardo Jimenez admitted that on Nov. 3, 2020, he knowingly entered the Hidalgo Border Patrol (BP) Port of Entry with drugs in his car.
Upon inspection, a K-9 alerted authorities to the hood of Jimenez’s vehicle. Authorities soon discovered four kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of 100% pure meth concealed in the battery of his car.
The drugs had an estimated street value of $654,000.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez will impose sentencing Aug. 19. At that time, he faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Jimenez has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Left: Jamie Brown-Rosas Image by Roberto H. Gonzalez. Right: Courtesy Photos
Texas Border Business
We Welcome Our Newest Board Member—Jamie Brown-Rosas! A native to the RGV, Jamie, husband Pablo and two children (Nyla and Joseph) live in Jamie Brown Rosas welcomed as newest Board Member at Quinta Mazatlán McAllen. She is the daughter of community philanthropists, Dora and Joe Brown.
Jamie received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, a minor in Spanish at Texas State University and her master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin. She works at Texas Regional Bank as Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer. Her primary responsibility is to connect with the local and state community to share the quality products and services the bank has to offer.
Jamie brings an excitement and passion to the board about environmental education and the health benefits of the great outdoors. We are honored to have Jamie help Quinta Mazatlan to “grow” more green.
Children are our most vulnerable, precious Texans and deserve to be put first. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott and National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) President Brandon Judd today issued a joint statement on the Biden Administration providing baby formula to illegal immigrant holding facilities as American parents scramble amid a nationwide shortage of the product.
“Children are our most vulnerable, precious Texans and deserve to be put first. Yet, President Biden has turned a blind eye to parents across America who are facing the nightmare of a nationwide baby formula shortage. While mothers and fathers stare at empty grocery store shelves in a panic, the Biden Administration is happy to provide baby formula to illegal immigrants coming across our southern border. This is yet another one in a long line of reckless, out-of-touch priorities from the Biden Administration when it comes to securing our border and protecting Americans. Our children deserve a president who puts their needs and survival first – not one who gives critical supplies to illegal immigrants before the very people he took an oath to serve.”
Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension is proud to announce its first government contracting academy, B.I.D. (Business in Development) in the Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension is proud to announce its first government contracting academy, B.I.D. (Business in Development) in the Rio Grande Valley. The Community and Economic Development (CED) Unit of the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University created The B.I.D. Academy, a 7-week curriculum-based program to focus on increasing the community’s knowledge and skills that are necessary to compete and win state government contracts with the State of Texas HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification. In many instances, “limited-resource clients are first-generation business owners may lack the training and knowledge necessary to market, bid, and win state/county contracts,” says CED Willacy County Agent Megan Rodriguez.
Courtesy Image
CED Hidalgo County Agent Rina Castillo shares, “There are over 200 state agencies in Texas and all of them, including universities, are required to make a good-faith effort to include HUB certified vendors in their procurement opportunities. That is why the B.I.D. Academy is so important for small businesses to get the necessary knowledge on how to get HUB certified and how to use their new HUB certification.”
The B.I.D. Academy kicked off Wednesday, May 4 at the First National Bank in Mercedes Texas. The program is 7 weeks, every Wednesday from 6-7:30PM and will end Wednesday June 15 with a graduation/mixer. The Academy will be hybrid, starting with an in person following with virtual classes and ending with 3 in person classes. Upon program completion, participants became certified by The Community & Economic Development Unit of the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University and included on their exclusive list of trained vendors as well as free business marketing through their various multimedia outlets and network of State purchasers.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Everyone is welcome to attend. Sign up for our 2022 B.I.D. Academy https://bit.ly/RGVBIDACADEMY22
If you have any questions, contact Rina Castillo 956-383-1026 or Megan Rodriguez 956-689-2412.
B.I.D. Academy’s weekly sessions:
Session 1 IN PERSON (Wednesday, May 4) Historically Underutilized Business Overview/Navigating the new Comptroller’s website.
Session 2 Virtual (Wednesday, May 11) Business Planning/Marketing, Capability Statements
Session 3 Virtual (Wednesday, May 18) Keep Your Books: Basics Bookkeeping
Session 4 Virtual (Wednesday, May 25) Pitch Writing
Session 5 IN PERSON (Wednesday, June 1) Access to Alternative Capital
Session 6 IN PERSON (Wednesday, June 8) Supplier Diversity, Subcontracting Plans & Proposals
Session 7 IN PERSON (Wednesday, June 15) Graduation/Pitch Contest/Mixer
