On June 7, a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico at the Del Rio International Bridge as a pedestrian and refused to comply with officer requests. USCBP Flikr Public Image for illustration purposes
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the Del Rio International Bridge detained a male U.S. citizen for allegedly resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.
“Alleged threats made to our CBP officers conducting their inspectional duties are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Port Director Liliana Flores, Del Rio Port of Entry. “Prosecution in cases like these will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
On June 7, a 28-year-old male U.S. citizen arrived from Mexico at the Del Rio International Bridge as a pedestrian and refused to comply with officer requests. The man allegedly made verbal threats to officers, assumed a combative stance with clenched fists and refused to comply, impeding officers from continuing their inspection. Officers secured the pedestrian and placed him in a detention cell.
Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the pedestrian and initiated a criminal investigation. CBP Office of Professional Responsibility also reviewed the incident.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a touchless biometric system that uses facial recognition to verify identities at international arrival passport checkpoints. Image courtesy news.aa.com
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Texas Border Business
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has implemented Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP), a touchless biometric system that uses facial recognition to verify identities at international arrival passport checkpoints. The technology, deployed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is already in place at 11 major U.S. airports and is designed to reduce wait times by roughly 25% for U.S. citizens. At the same time, non-U.S. travelers see screening times drop from about 50 to under 35 minutes.
Travelers approach a camera-operated tablet that quickly compares their live image to government-held records. They proceed if a match is confirmed; if not, they are referred to a CBP officer for further review. CBP emphasizes that officers retain full authority and final decision-making capabilities.
DFW has invested over $32 million in upgrades to international traveler technology. The system supports the airport’s goal of handling growing traffic, with international passenger volumes projected to reach around seven million annually by 2030.
Biometric rollout follows previous EPP deployments at JFK and elsewhere, and CBP now uses facial recognition at 238 U.S. airports, including departures and preclearance sites, with a growing airline partnership.
American Airlines, DFW’s dominant carrier, began piloting biometric bag drop in 2020, enabling travelers to check bags without showing a physical ID. In earlier programs, it pioneered biometric boarding at DFW and LAX, verifying identities against CBP records before boarding begins. More recently, American teamed with CBP, TSA, and UK authorities on a “One Stop Security” pilot: U.S. passengers connecting through DFW to London Heathrow (and onward international flights) can bypass additional re‑screening and bag re‑check at Heathrow.
Despite efficiency gains, privacy advocates remain wary. A U.S. Senate bill introduced last month would prohibit retaining or sharing facial recognition data and mandate that travelers must actively opt in without suffering delays if they decline.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the State Bar of Florida urging it to reject the baseless, politically motivated bar complaints lodged by radical left-wing activists against United States Attorney General Pam Bondi. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has sent a letter to the State Bar of Florida urging it to reject the baseless, politically motivated bar complaints lodged by radical left-wing activists against United States Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“These complaints against Attorney General Bondi are nothing less than rank lawfare targeting the lawful exercise of executive authority that the American people overwhelmingly gave to the Trump Administration,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Radical, left-wing lawyers must not be allowed to attack the legal credentials of public servants merely because they disagree with a certain policy of official decision. I call upon the Florida Bar to side with the rule of law and shut down these ridiculous, unfounded complaints.”
In the letter, Attorney General Paxton explains, “The complaint against Attorney General Bondi is a naked attempt to intimidate a federal official in the exercise of her duties. It is political vigilantism dressed in the garb of professional ethics. And it represents a dangerous encroachment upon the federal executive’s constitutional domain.”
Following Attorney General Paxton’s attempts to vindicate the rights of Texas voters following the flawed 2020 presidential election, similar radical activists filed baseless grievances with the State Bar of Texas’s Commission for Lawyer Discipline. Ultimately, the Supreme Court of Texas completely vindicated Attorney General Paxton’s actions and clarified that the State Bar could not be weaponized to attack official actions with which they disagreed politically.
DHR Health hosted a deeply moving graduation ceremony for the children of Bobbie Adame, a patient currently receiving advanced life support through ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). Photo by Roberto Hugo González
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By Roberto Hugo González
DHR Health hosted a deeply moving graduation ceremony for the children of Bobbie Adame, a patient currently receiving advanced life support through ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation). Bobbie, hospitalized and unable to attend her children’s official ceremonies, watched proudly as her daughter Kaylynn and son Robert celebrated their academic milestones in her presence, surrounded by family, medical professionals, and community leaders.
Bobbie, hospitalized and unable to attend her children’s official ceremonies, watched proudly as her daughter Kaylynn and son Robert celebrated their academic milestones in her presence, surrounded by family, medical professionals, and community leaders. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Dr. Andrew Phillips, Intensivist and Medical Director of the ECMO Program at DHR Health, welcomed attendees and emceed the event. “There are few things more special to families than a graduation,” he said. “It’s not just a piece of paper—it’s a moment of achievement with your loved ones. We’re grateful to be a small part of that.”
Dr. Phillips also explained the life-saving nature of ECMO, a treatment used when even ventilators cannot supply enough oxygen to the body. DHR Health is the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley with an ECMO program, allowing patients like Bobbie to remain close to home rather than travel to Houston, San Antonio, or Dallas. “We think of ourselves as the Valley’s ECMO Center,” he said, recognizing the hospital’s specialists and staff for their commitment and expertise.
The ceremony included full graduation regalia—caps, gowns, and personalized certificates—for Kaylynn and Robert Adame. Another graduate, Jose Manuel Acosta Jr. from IDEA San Juan College Prep, was also honored. Each was acknowledged individually, and DHR Chaplain Father Mishael Koday offered a blessing.
United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 30 through June 5. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 30 through June 5.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Texas residents have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – Two Texas residents have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Hernan Cortez, 40, Houston, and Daniel Elizondo, 37, Laredo, pleaded guilty Jan. 8.
U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now imposed a 63-month-term of imprisonment for Elizondo. Cortez previously received 66 months. Both must also serve four years of supervised release following completion of their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed how Cortez brought the fentanyl to Laredo and how Elizondo decided to hide the drugs after he learned law enforcement was watching the house. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Kazen noted that fentanyl is lethal and kills many people.
Cortez transported approximately a half of a kilogram of fentanyl from Houston to Laredo Aug. 28, 2024. He intended to sell the drugs there with Elizondo’s assistance.
The following day, Cortez brought the fentanyl to a stash house where Elizondo was located. Authorities conducting surveillance observed Elizondo exit the house wearing a black satchel bag and walk into an alleyway connected to an adjoining property. Shortly after, he returned without the bag.
Authorities executed a search warrant and found 274 grams of fentanyl hidden in a tire wheel in the covered alleyway between the two properties.
Cortez initially believed the narcotics were cocaine or heroin and tried selling them in Houston but couldn’t find any buyers because it was actually fentanyl.
Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officers detained one male wanted for an alleged sexual crime against a child. Image for illustration purposes
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LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Laredo Port of Entry officers detained one male wanted for an alleged sexual crime against a child.
“Due to the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers, a fugitive wanted for this heinous crime is now in custody,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and upholding the law is a testament to their vital role in protecting our borders and ensuring justice is met.”
The fugitive apprehension occurred on Sunday, June 8 when CBP officers at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge referred Osbaldo Gomez, a 34-year-old U.S. citizen for secondary inspection. After escorting the passenger to secondary, subsequent biometric verification through law enforcement databases confirmed that the subject had an outstanding felony warrant for indecency with a child by sexual contact, issued by the Laredo Police Department in Laredo, Texas. In Texas, indecency with a child by sexual contact is classified as a second-degree felony. Gomez was turned over to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to await criminal proceedings.
The National Crime Information Center is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
A total of 202 cases have been filed from May 30-June 5 in immigration and border security matters. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A total of 202 cases have been filed from May 30-June 5 in immigration and border security matters.
The filed cases include seven involving human smuggling. A total of 129 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 63 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to other immigration crimes.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Construction has started on a $165M project to upgrade US 281 to interstate standards, between Edinburg and San Manuel. Image courtesy of TxDOT
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HIDALGO COUNTY – Construction has started on a $165M project to upgrade US 281 to interstate standards, between Edinburg and San Manuel.
The seven-mile segment of improvements, between FM 490 and FM 1017/SH 186, will include adding two new northbound and two southbound expressway lanes and new frontage roads.
This phase of construction, expected to be completed in 2 ½ to 3 years, is part of a larger initiative to extend I-69C between Hidalgo County and Brooks County.
Drivers are reminded to slow down and stay alert in work zones to keep everyone safe.
The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) today released its June 2025 Monthly Energy Economics Review (MEER), highlighting record-setting natural gas production and strong exports that reinforce Texas’ central role in powering the U.S. and global economies. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN – The Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) today released its June 2025 Monthly Energy Economics Review (MEER), highlighting record-setting natural gas production and strong exports that reinforce Texas’ central role in powering the U.S. and global economies.
According to TXOGA’s estimates, Texas crude oil production remained steady at 5.7 million barrels per day (mb/d) in May 2025, while natural gas gross withdrawals rose to 36.9 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d), with marketed production reaching a record 34.4 bcf/d. Natural gas liquids (NGLs) production remained strong at 4.0 mb/d.
“Texas consistently sets the standard for energy leadership,” said TXOGA President Todd Staples. “With abundant natural resources, top-tier infrastructure, and an ongoing commitment to innovation and improvement, this industry reliably delivers for families, communities, and our trading partners at home and across the globe.”
“Natural gas production in Texas continues to scale new heights, helping meet domestic needs while advancing our role as a global energy supplier,” said TXOGA Chief Economist Dean Foreman, Ph.D. “Strong market access and infrastructure investments have enabled Texas to deliver record volumes to consumers and export markets alike.”
March 2025 Highlights: Based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC):
Estimated Record Natural Gas Flows. Texas produced 27.7 bcf/d of dry natural gas, supplying 11.8 bcf/d to in-state consumers—primarily for industrial use and electricity generation—while exporting 12.5 bcf/d. Exports included 8.6 bcf/d as LNG and 3.9 bcf/d via pipeline to Mexico.
Robust Energy Exports. In March, Texas exported $19.8 billion in energy products, a 2.6% increase year-over-year. Crude oil accounted for $8.8 billion, refined products for $5.5 billion, HGLs for $2.9 billion, and natural gas (LNG and pipeline) for $2.6 billion.
Europe and Asia Lead as Trading Partners. Europe received 61% of Texas LNG exports and 40% of crude oil exports, while Asia Pacific was the leading destination for HGLs (57%) and also received 43% of crude oil exports.
Refining and Consumption Milestones. March set new records for crude oil supply at 9.5 mb/d and refined product demand within Texas at 4.7 mb/d.
From January through May 2025, Texas accounted for 42.2% of total U.S. crude oil production and 29.2% of U.S. marketed natural gas production.Information Source: TX
