Four people are now in custody on allegations they exchanged money to lift immigration detainers on individuals held in custody. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – Four people are now in custody on allegations they exchanged money to lift immigration detainers on individuals held in custody, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Houston residents Leopoldo Perrault Benitez, 53, Anthony Benitez, 32, Isaac Sierra, 51, and Jose Angel Muniz, 51, La Porte, made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray, at which time the indictment was unsealed. They were ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment June 24. It alleges Leopoldo Benitez was the owner of A Way Out Bail Bonds in Houston. His son – Anthony Benitez – was an employee, while Sierra worked at International Bonding Company, according to the charges. Muniz was allegedly a deportation officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO).
Between April 2023 and March 2024, the charges allege the three bail bondsmen paid Muniz to lift immigration detainers on illegal aliens in ICE custody awaiting removal.
“The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of corruption by federal officers extremely seriously, particularly those entrusted with keeping our border secure and nation safe,” said Ganjei. “There is no room whatsoever for bribery or side deals when it comes to immigration enforcement.”
If convicted, all four face up to 15 years in prison and a fine equal to the equivalent value of the bribes offered and received or $250,000, whichever is greater.
ICE – Office of Professional Responsibility and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard D. Hanes is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Hurricane season is here. it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families, and our homes. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Hurricane season is here. it’s crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of ourselves, our families, and our homes. Develop a family communication plan. Share emergency contact numbers and designate someone outside your area as the primary point of contact. Ensure everyone in your household knows how to access emergency alerts and information, whether through a weather radio, apps, or local news. McAllen residents can text the word “McAllen” to 99411 to sign up for local alerts. These simple steps can make a huge difference when facing a hurricane. For more information, call McAllen 311, download the McAllen 311 app, or visit McAllen.net. Together, let’s be ready for whatever comes our way.
The Justice Department announced today that Noah Lamb, 24, was charged in the Eastern District of California in an eight-count indictment for conspiracy, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and other offenses in connection with his work on a hit list of “high value targets” for assassination. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Justice
The Justice Department announced today that Noah Lamb, 24, was charged in the Eastern District of California in an eight-count indictment for conspiracy, soliciting the murder of federal officials, and other offenses in connection with his work on a hit list of “high value targets” for assassination.
“Transnational criminal networks that promote extremist ideology and seek to commit targeted assassinations and cause terror obviously have no place in our society,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “These criminal charges reflect the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to using the full force of the law to disrupt and prosecute those who use hate-driven violence to threaten public safety and national security.”
“The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is committed to aggressively pursuing those who engage in hate-fueled conspiracies and terrorist threats,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will use every tool available to protect the civil rights of all Americans and ensure justice for those targeted by such heinous acts.”
“The defendant collaborated with members of the online Terrorgram Collective to create a list of targets for assassination,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “Individuals on the list were targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, including federal officials. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly with our partners in law enforcement and in the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute those who commit such violations of federal criminal law.”
“The FBI stands vigilant, protecting our homeland against individuals who seek to use violence to target the American people, our democracy, and the freedoms we stand for,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “These charges send a clear message of zero tolerance to anyone who advocates the use of violence to promote their ideology.”
According to the indictment, which was unsealed today, Lamb was a member of the Terrorgram Collective, a transnational terrorist group that operates on the digital messaging platform Telegram, where it promotes racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism. Members of the Terrorgram Collective believe the white race is superior; that society is irreparably corrupt and cannot be saved by political action; and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate.
The indictment alleges that Lamb conspired with other members of the Terrorgram Collective to create and disseminate a hit list of “high-value targets” for assassination that includes U.S. federal, state, and local officials, as well as leaders of private companies and non-governmental organizations, targeted because of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The indictment charges Lamb with a total of eight federal crimes, including one count of conspiracy, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, and one count of threatening communications. If convicted, Lamb faces a maximum penalty of 85 years in prison.
The FBI Sacramento Field Office investigated the case.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, National Security Division, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Hidalgo County’s Power Out Cooking: Alternative Fuels program has been recognized with a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). Image courtesy of Office of County Judge Richard F. Cortez
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County’s Power Out Cooking: Alternative Fuels program has been recognized with a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.
Launched under the leadership of County Judge Richard F. Cortez, the Power Out Cooking program supports residents, first responders, and essential county employees by ensuring their families are prepared during weather-related power outages. Recognizing that employees perform at their best when their loved ones are secure, the program provides hands-on training in emergency preparedness, mental wellness, and cooking with alternative fuels. A major highlight is a dual-language cookbook featuring local recipes with shelf-stable ingredients, offering culturally relevant, practical solutions when traditional cooking methods are unavailable.
“This national recognition validates our commitment to serving our workforce and our community,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. Image courtesy of Office of County Judge Richard F. Cortez
Since its debut at a local conference, the program has delivered 11 well-attended training sessions for county employees. Its innovative approach, community focus, and replicability make it a standout initiative in emergency preparedness and family resilience.
“This national recognition validates our commitment to serving our workforce and our community,” said Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez. “By equipping our community, essential employees, and their families with tools to stay safe and self-sufficient during emergencies, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Hidalgo County.”
Each year, NACo’s Achievement Awards recognize outstanding programming in 18 categories aligned with the comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, libraries, information technology, health, civic engagement, and more. Launched in 1970, the program celebrates innovation in county government, with each nominated program judged on its individual merits.
“The Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the hard work and innovation happening in county governments across the nation,” said NACo President James Gore. “This year’s winners highlight the dedication and creativity of county leaders and our teams to building thriving communities and providing the best possible services to our residents.”
Due to its success, Hidalgo County has expanded the program with additional preparedness topics to include various age groups and demographics. Ongoing opportunities to share the training with other counties, municipalities, local organizations, and businesses facing similar disaster preparedness challenges remain.
What’s the best time to travel on Texas highways this 4TH of July weekend? Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
TxDOT – What’s the best time to travel on Texas highways this 4TH of July weekend?
TxDOT has created travel forecast for several interstates. See them below:
Image courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOTImage courtesy of TxDOT
Drivers can also always check road conditions throughout Texas at DriveTexas.Org or by calling 1-800-452-9292.
TxDOT is also reminding everyone to celebrate Independence Day safely and always choose a sober ride.
JULY FOURTH IMPAIRED DRIVING CRASH DATA
· In 2024, 18% of the total traffic crashes that resulted in serious injuries or fatalities during the July Fourth holiday reporting period in Texas involved drivers under the influence of alcohol (DUI-alcohol).
· In 2024, 44% of the total traffic fatalities during the July Fourth holiday reporting period in Texas involved drivers under the influence of alcohol (DUI-alcohol).
· In 2024, there were 5,144 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes during the July Fourth holiday time period, resulting in 64 fatalities and 223 serious injuries.
In the Pharr District during the 2024 July Fourth holiday time period, there were 14 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes, resulting in 2fatalities and no serious injuries.
2024 — Wednesday, July 3 (6 p.m.) to Sunday, July 7 (11:59 p.m.) [Time period defined by National Safety Council]
Designate a driver who won’t be drinking any alcohol.
Call a sober friend or family member to give you a ride.
Use a rideshare or taxi service.
Use public transit.
Stay put until you can safely get behind the wheel.
Try to plan ahead but remember that plans often change. If drinking is going to be part of your gathering, play it safe and organize a sober ride ahead of time. Rideshares can be expensive, but paying for a safe ride is much cheaper than paying for a DWI or a life-altering crash.
If you see that someone has been drinking, let them know you are worried about them and encourage them to find a sober ride or to stay put until they are sober. Offer to drive them home if you have not been drinking. We all play a part in helping keep our roads safe.
Glenn Hegar, the former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, today officially assumed his duties as Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest and most influential systems of higher education in the United States. Hegar: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. A&M Image source: Donnie Ray Jones, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
Texas A&M University
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Glenn Hegar, the former Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, today officially assumed his duties as Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest and most influential systems of higher education in the United States.
With 11 universities, eight state agencies, a comprehensive health science center and a combined enrollment of more than 168,700 students, the A&M System spans every corner of the state and drives innovation, workforce development, and service across Texas.
“I’ve spent my entire career serving the people of Texas,” Hegar said. “But what drew me to this role is the opportunity to positively influence the next generation of Texans — to give them the tools, the education, and the values they need to lead. That’s what the Texas A&M System does better than anyone.”
Hegar was unanimously selected by the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in March to succeed Chancellor John Sharp, who served in the position for nearly 14 years and oversaw unprecedented growth, modernization and impact across the System.
Chairman Robert L. Albritton, who leads the Board of Regents, welcomed Hegar on his first day: “Glenn Hegar is a proven leader with deep experience in state government, a passion for public service and a firm grasp of the challenges and opportunities facing Texas. We are confident he will lead the A&M System with integrity, accountability, and a vision focused on the future.”
Hegar ’93, a graduate of Texas A&M University, has served Texans for more than two decades in elected office, as a member of the Texas House and the Texas Senate and, most recently, as Comptroller. In that role, he managed the state’s budget and economic forecasting as Texas’ economy grew to become the eight largest in the world, ahead of nations such as Russia, Canada and Italy.
As Chancellor, Hegar will oversee a system that soon will expand to include Texas A&M University–Victoria, following the passage of Senate Bill 2361 and $25 million in new legislative funding to grow the Victoria campus. The addition of A&M–Victoria underscores the System’s continued commitment to expanding access, supporting regional economies and serving Texas students.
Over the coming weeks, Hegar will continue meeting with university presidents, agency leaders and key stakeholders to gather input and outline his priorities. His will emphasize academic excellence, operational efficiency, innovation in applied research and a renewed focus on developing the System’s regional universities to prepare students for high-demand careers in Texas.
“This System is full of dedicated public servants — from faculty and researchers to campus staff and agency field workers,” Hegar said. “It’s a privilege to lead them, and together we’re going to continue building a future Texas can be proud of.”
This action follows the Department’s Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR’s) investigation that found UPenn violated Title IX by allowing a male to compete in female athletic programs and occupy female-only intimate facilities. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) has entered into a Resolution Agreement to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). This action follows the Department’s Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR’s) investigation that found UPenn violated Title IX by allowing a male to compete in female athletic programs and occupy female-only intimate facilities.
“Today’s resolution agreement with UPenn is yet another example of the Trump effect in action. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, UPenn has agreed both to apologize for its past Title IX violations and to ensure that women’s sports are protected at the University for future generations of female athletes,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Today is a great victory for women and girls not only at the University of Pennsylvania, but all across our nation. The Department commends UPenn for rectifying its past harms against women and girls, and we will continue to fight relentlessly to restore Title IX’s proper application and enforce it to the fullest extent of the law.”
“As a former UPenn swimmer who had to compete against and share a locker room with a male athlete, I am deeply grateful to the Trump Administration for refusing to back down on protecting women and girls and restoring our rightful accolades. I am also pleased that my alma mater has finally agreed to take not only the lawful path, but the honorable one,” said Paula Scanlan, former University of Pennsylvania swimmer. “Today marks a momentous step in repairing the past mistreatment of female athletes, and forging a future where sex discrimination plays no role in limiting girls’ potential.”
“From day one, President Trump and Secretary McMahon vowed to protect women and girls, and today’s agreement with UPenn is a historic display of that promise being fulfilled. This Administration does not just pay lip service to women’s equality: it vigorously insists on that equality being upheld,” said Riley Gaines, former University of Kentucky swimmer. “It is my hope that today demonstrates to educational institutions that they will no longer be allowed to trample upon women’s civil rights, and renews hope in every female athlete that their country’s highest leadership will not relent until they have the dignity, safety, and fairness they deserve.”
UPenn has signed OCR’s Resolution Agreement to resolve its Title IX violations, which requires UPenn to undertake the following action items:
UPenn will restore to female athletes all individual UPenn Division I swimming records, titles, or similar recognitions which were misappropriated by male athletes allowed to compete in female categories;
UPenn will issue a public statement to the University community stating that it will comply with Title IX, specifying that UPenn will not allow males to compete in female athletic programs or occupy Penn Athletics female intimate facilities;
The statement will specify that UPenn will adopt biology-based definitions for the words ‘male’ and ‘female’ pursuant to Title IX and consistent with President Trump’s Executive Orders “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism” and “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports”;
UPenn will post the statement in a prominent location on its main website and on each of its websites for women’s athletics;
UPenn will rescind any guidance which violated Title IX, remove or revise any internal and public-facing statements or documents that are inconsistent with Title IX, and notify all staff and women’s athletics of all such rescissions; and
UPenn will send a personalized letter of apology to each impacted female swimmer.
Background:
On February 6, the Trump Administration’s OCR opened a Title IX investigation into UPenn after the University awarded Lia Thomas, a male swimmer, a roster spot on the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team. One of Thomas’ former teammates, Paula Scanlan, testified before Congress that she and her teammates were “offered psychological services to attempt to re-educate us to become comfortable with the idea of undressing in front of a male.”
On April 28, OCR concluded in its investigation that UPenn violated Title IX. OCR issued a proposed Resolution Agreement to voluntarily resolve its Title IX violations or risk referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for enforcement proceedings, which UPenn signed today.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Packages containing more than 50 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Hidalgo Port of Entry. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge, intercepted more than $668,000 in alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle.
“CBP officers work tirelessly to keep harmful narcotics off our streets,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry. “Seizures like these exemplify CBP’s continued commitment to upholding our border security mission.”
On June 27, CBP officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a white Ford SUV attempting to make entry to the U.S. from Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection, which included utilizing nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 20 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 50.08 pounds (22.72 kg) concealed within the vehicle. The narcotics have an estimated street value of $668,700.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
Steven A. Franz swearing-in ceremony. Courtesy image.
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By Roberto Hugo González
Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the legal community, Steven Andrew Franz raised his right hand and took the oath of office as an attorney. The moment carried a unique and deeply personal weight—not only was Steven beginning his legal career, but he was being sworn in by the same judge who had administered the oath to his father, John David Franz, Sr., over four decades earlier.
Judge Ricardo Hinojosa offers a warm handshake to newly sworn-in attorney Steven A. Franz, as proud parents John David and Annette Franz look on—witnessing one of the most meaningful moments of their lives come full circle. Photo by Roberto H. González
U.S. Southern District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa, a towering figure in South Texas legal history, stood before the young attorney, reflecting on the moment with reverence.
“It’s a very special honor for me to be able to administer this oath to a young man who has done so well,” Judge Hinojosa said. “Like most of you, I was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley. And I’ll tell you—we are lucky. When something good happens, like tonight, we show up. And when something hard happens, we still show up. That’s the kind of people we are.”
The crowd listened intently as Hinojosa invoked his own family’s history and the Valley’s enduring spirit, before inviting Steven to repeat the words that would welcome him into the legal profession.
Judge Ricardo Hinojosa signs the official swearing-in documents atop the podium, marking the formal beginning of Steven A. Franz’s legal career. Photo by Roberto H. González
The emotional peak came not just from the present, but from the past. In 1984, Judge Hinojosa officiated a similar ceremony for a young attorney starting his legal career—Steven’s father. Now, 41 years later, the judge returned to honor the next generation.
Steven, a native of McAllen, demonstrated determination from an early age. While still in high school, he earned an associate’s degree from South Texas College. At just 18, he graduated from St. Edward’s University with a degree in Political Science. His academic journey eventually led him to Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor—a road that would test not only his intellect but also his perseverance.
Dr. Ricardo Solis. Photo by Roberto H. González
Dr. Ricardo Solis, President of South Texas College, reflected on Steven’s journey with pride: “This is a very significant event—especially because Mr. Franz began his academic journey with us at South Texas College as a very young student. He took full advantage of our early dual credit program, and I truly believe that opportunity helped give him the confidence and drive to pursue everything that followed. That means a great deal to us at STC. We’re incredibly proud of him, and we’re confident he will continue to do great things.”
Steven took to the stage afterward with his trademark mix of humility, humor, and heart. “It seems like everywhere I go, I end up with a microphone in my hand,” he joked, before turning serious. “But today is different. It’s one of the most meaningful moments of my life.”
He thanked his family—his mother Annette for being his best friend, his father for his constant guidance, and his older brother for pushing him never to give up. But most striking was Steven’s honesty about the journey it took to get there.
“I didn’t make it through law school on my first try. I had to reapply and start over,” he shared. “I also didn’t pass the bar exam on my first attempt. But I’m still here. I’m standing before you, having completed something I set out to do years ago. And I’m proud of that.”
His message resonated with many in the audience. Steven offered a rare and refreshing vulnerability: that failure is not the end—it’s part of the path forward.
What makes Steven’s journey even more unique is that while attending law school, he also built a successful career as a social media influencer. Balancing full-time legal studies with a growing online brand is no small feat, and for five years, Steven says, he lived two lives “at a hundred miles per hour.”
“If you stop posting content, you lose momentum. But in law school, if you fall behind, you’re in real trouble. So, I had to be two different people at once,” he said. “What I’ve learned from that is it’s absolutely okay to fail. It’s just not okay to give up.”
Steven shared a heartwarming story from his first-grade year, when he was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. Inspired by his father, he drew a man in a suit carrying a briefcase. His three reasons for becoming a lawyer? “They get to watch all the Astros games, go to the ranch on weekends, and eat as much ice cream as they want without asking.”
Steven used the anecdote to reflect on what he later learned: “As I got older, I realized what my dad actually did every day after dropping me off at school—he helped people. People who were injured, those who were wronged, and those who needed someone to stand up for them. That’s why I went to law school.”
And now, Steven is ready to take that same mission forward. In an exciting announcement, he shared that he will be joining his father in launching Franz Law Group, a new legal firm based in the Rio Grande Valley. With deep roots in the community and a passion for service, Steven sees this as a way to give back to the very people who have supported him through every chapter of his journey.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today—on social media, in school, in life—without the support of people here in the Valley,” he said. “I’m excited to use this law license to help the people who helped me.”
John David Franz, Jr. (Courtesy image)
Steven’s older brother, John David Franz, Jr., shared his reflections on the moment: “As his older brother, this moment is incredibly special. We’ve always been very close—he’s my only brother, and I’m his. There’s about an eight-and-a-half-year age difference between us, so I remember him as a baby, a toddler, and watching him grow into the man he is today.
Despite being the older one, I’ve often found myself looking up to him, especially as we’ve entered adulthood. I really admire all that he’s accomplished in such a short time. Our family is close-knit, and I know how hard he’s worked to get here. I couldn’t be prouder.”
As the ceremony concluded, the applause was more than congratulatory, after witnessing the continuation of a legacy and the emergence of a voice uniquely its own. One that’s honest, resilient, and rooted in the values of faith, family, and fortitude.
In June 1776, a little over a year after the start of the American Revolutionary War, the US Continental Congress huddled together in a hot room in Philadelphia to talk independence. Kenneth C. Davis dives into some qof the lesser known facts about the process of writing the Declaration of Independence and questions one very controversial omission.
