U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statements after a federal judge formally enjoined Texas from providing in-state tuition for illegal aliens. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Department of Justice
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released the following statements after a federal judge formally enjoined Texas from providing in-state tuition for illegal aliens.
“The Justice Department commends Texas leadership and AG Ken Paxton for swiftly working with us to halt a program that was treating Americans like second-class citizens in their own country,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Other states should take note that we will continue filing affirmative litigation to remedy unconstitutional state laws that discriminate against American citizens.”
“I’m proud to stand with Attorney General Bondi and the Trump Administration to stop an unconstitutional and un-American law that gave in-state tuition to illegal aliens,” said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. “This law was an insult to our nation’s citizens and has now been rightly stopped from being enforced. I will continue to fight for the American people and work swiftly to defeat any policy that puts illegal aliens ahead of our own citizens.”
The motion came just hours after the Department filed a complaint in the Northern District of Texas seeking to enjoin enforcement of Texas laws that required colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain Texas residency, regardless of their legal status. Federal law prohibits institutions of higher education from providing benefits to aliens that are not offered to U.S. citizens. The Texas laws were in direct conflict of federal law and the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza of Mission. Courtesy image
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Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza of Mission, Texas, has been elected President of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC). This key regional planning organization supports the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy. Established in 1967 under Texas law, the LRGVDC was created to foster collaboration among local governments and guide strategic development efforts across South Texas.
In her new role, Mayor Garza will chair Council and Board of Directors meetings, oversee signing contracts and official documents, and carry out additional duties outlined by the Council’s bylaws. The LRGVDC’s Board plays a crucial role in shaping the Council’s direction through policy development, committee leadership, and long-range planning across vital areas affecting the region.
The LRGVDC’s work is structured around four central departments: Community & Economic Development, Health & Human Services, Public Safety, and Transportation. It also functions as the region’s Economic Development District, a designation given by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. Through this framework, the Council implements programs to strengthen infrastructure, improve public safety, expand workforce development, and support long-term economic resilience.
The current Board of Directors is composed of leaders from across the region, including:
• President: Mayor Norma Sepulveda, City of Harlingen
• 1st Vice President: Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, City of Mission
• 2nd Vice President: Judge Aurelio “Keeter” Guerra, Willacy County
• Secretary: Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville
• Treasurer: Mayor Ramiro Garza, City of Edinburg
Additional board members represent a range of municipalities and regional entities, ensuring diverse input and comprehensive representation in Council initiatives.
Mayor Garza’s appointment as president is expected to strengthen regional unity and advance efforts to address critical needs throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Her leadership builds on her commitment to public service, economic development, and cross-community partnership.
Teddy’s Barbecue in Weslaco has once again secured a coveted spot on Texas Monthly’s prestigious list of the Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas for 2025. Released every four years, the list is the result of an exhaustive journey by Texas Monthly’s team, who travel statewide to sample hundreds of barbecue spots in search of the very best.
Delicious! Courtesy image
“We were incredibly honored to make the list in 2021, and being recognized again in 2025 is truly humbling,” said the Garcia Family, who own and operate Teddy’s Barbecue. “This achievement is a testament to our amazing team’s dedication and love for what they do—we’re proud to serve some of the best barbecue in the Rio Grande Valley.”
Teddy’s Barbecue, located at 2807 Texas Blvd. N. in Weslaco has built a strong reputation for its signature Central Texas-style barbecue, uniquely enhanced with regional Rio Grande Valley flavors.
“When we came back to Weslaco in 2018, our goal was to help put the RGV on the barbecue map—right alongside cities like Austin and Houston,” the Garcia Family added. “We’re honored to be part of making that dream a reality.”
Everyone is invited to taste Teddy’s Barbecue’s award-winning offerings and experience why this Weslaco gem continues to earn statewide acclaim.
The City of Brownsville will be launching the development of its first “Downtown Renaissance Master Plan” in partnership with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI), this summer. Image courtesy of The City of Brownsville
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville will be launching the development of its first “Downtown Renaissance Master Plan” in partnership with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI), this summer. The Master Plan marks a major step in shaping the future of Downtown Brownsville by identifying opportunities and addressing concerns through a shared community vision that will guide visionary downtown preservation and growth for the next 10 to 20 years.
The Master Plan will focus on creating a long-term vision for Downtown Brownsville that includes downtown’s uses and physical environment, walkability, housing, parks, trails and public spaces, infrastructure upgrades, economic development, parking, and preservation of the City’s unique architectural, historical and cultural assets.
“A comprehensive downtown master plan is essential for tackling the unique challenges and opportunities we face, here in downtown,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “From preserving our historic character to driving sustainable economic growth. With this plan, we’re laying the groundwork to guide future development, attract new investment, and create a thriving, resilient downtown for generations to come. By engaging our community and stakeholders throughout the process, we ensure that the vision reflects their aspirations and needs. “
Engagement will be at the heart of this planning effort. A comprehensive outreach strategy is rolling out this summer and will include downtown property and business owners,
nonprofits, housing and commercial developers, artists, museum and cultural stakeholders, and the public. Input will be gathered through a mix of community meetings, town halls, surveys, stakeholder workshops, downtown events, and digital outreach tools to ensure everyone has a seat at the table.
“Downtown is the heart of where Brownsville’s past, present, and future intersect,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, City Manager. “The Downtown Renaissance Master Plan gives our community an opportunity to create a realistic and visionary roadmap that supports our growing economy, art, culture, and vibrant quality of life, together as One City.”
“We could not be more excited to partner with the Brownsville community to continue and enhance the ongoing momentum in Downtown Brownsville. Downtown is an incredibly important place in bringing people together, celebrating culture, encouraging entrepreneurship, boosting quality of life for all, and telling Brownsville’s story” said Chance Sparks, FAICP, CNU-A, ENV SP, Principal-in-Charge with Freese and Nichols.
Freese and Nichols brings extensive experience from successful downtown projects across Texas, including the cities of Fort Worth, Canyon, Brownwood, Victoria, Longview, and Midlothian. FNI has already partnered with Brownsville on several key initiatives such as the Unified Development Code and the Mobility Plan. Their familiarity with Brownsville will allow for a more efficient planning process with tailored recommendations for the City’s short and long-term needs.
Freese and Nichols, Inc. is a state and nationally recognized planning and engineering firm that recently received the 2025 Vernon Deines National Award from the American Planning Association for the Brownwood Downtown Plan.
To learn more about the City of Brownsville’s “Downtown Renaissance Master Plan,” please visit: www.BrownsvilleTX.gov.
AMO agents from the El Paso Air Branch conducted overwatch from an AS350 A-Star helicopter when a human smuggler failed to yield and attempted to flee Border Patrol agents from Ysleta Border Patrol Station’s Anti-Smuggling Unit and Tigua Tribal Police. USCBP Public Flickr image for illustration purposes
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El PASO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations partnered with U.S. Border Patrol to apprehend a fleeing human smuggler on June 2.
AMO agents from the El Paso Air Branch conducted overwatch from an AS350 A-Star helicopter when a human smuggler failed to yield and attempted to flee Border Patrol agents from Ysleta Border Patrol Station’s Anti-Smuggling Unit and Tigua Tribal Police.
At 8 a.m. Border Patrol agents apprehended two illegal aliens that were waiting to be picked up by a smuggling driver near Socorro Road in Socorro, Texas. The Border Patrol Anti-Smuggling Unit from the Ysleta Station and the Tigua Police monitored the area after the apprehension and observed a red Nissan Altima come to a stop in the same area. The Tigua Police attempted to perform a vehicle stop on the Nissan Altima. However, the Nissan failed to yield and fled at a high rate of speed.
The AMO helicopter crew maintained visual of the vehicle and relayed direction of travel and situational awareness to ground agents. Due to erratic driving, the aircrew suggested the ground agents pull back from the Nissan Altima, advising they had clear visual of the vehicle.
The aircrew maintained visual surveillance of the vehicle for nearly 30 minutes before it came to a stop on Carmelita Circle, where the driver absconded on foot. The aircrew guided Border Patrol agents to the location where the suspected driver was hiding.
During questioning, the driver admitted he was in the area to pick up and transport illegal aliens. Record checks later revealed a charge from January 2025 for shooting at or from a vehicle -conspiracy resulting in death. The driver, a U.S. citizen was charged with 8 USC 1324 conspiracy to transport illegal aliens.
AMO safeguards our nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through our aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. AMO conducts its mission in the air and maritime environments throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
For nearly 10 years, Nicholas Hinojosa has transformed the lives of hundreds of South Texas College students pursuing degrees in Computer Science, and for his dedication and commitment to student success, professional development and research, he has officially been named an assistant professor. STC image
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By Amanda Sotelo
For nearly 10 years, Nicholas Hinojosa has transformed the lives of hundreds of South Texas College students pursuing degrees in Computer Science, and for his dedication and commitment to student success, professional development and research, he has officially been named an assistant professor.
“I’m elated that I’ve earned this accomplishment,” said Hinojosa. “This is a huge milestone in my career, and I’ve found support and motivation all around me. From our Dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor Programs Ali Esmaeili, Ph.D., to my family, everyone encouraged me to do this. They all helped me get here.”
Hinojosa in the classroom. STC image
It’s a meticulous process to achieve an academic title such as assistant professor. For the last year, Hinojosa had to compile and create a 600-page portfolio that included student surveys, professional development completions, industry certifications, information on conferences attended and research within his field. The portfolio was then reviewed and judged.
Hinojosa’s journey at STC began as a student, earning his associate degree in Math in 2009 and a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Technology in 2012.
“I’ve really enjoyed my journey at STC. The college changed my life,” he said. “As a student, I got the degrees I needed to kickstart my career and as faculty, I’ve been inspired to be a lifelong learner and am motivated to teach the future professionals of our field.”
Prior to making the classroom his home as a faculty member, Hinojosa also earned a master’s degree in Information Technology from the University of Texas-Pan American, now known as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV).
Nonetheless, from his time at the STC library as a part-time employee to the classroom as full-time faculty, Hinojosa’s goal has remained the same – to inspire students.
“Mr. Hinojosa merits academic classification due to his exceptional performance as both a professor and mentor,” said Saeed Molki, STC associate professor of Computer Science. “His students consistently praise his courses, providing excellent evaluations each semester. He maintains a strong rapport with both students and colleagues, participating in departmental initiatives and serving as the advisor to the Computer Science Club. His most notable strength – his ongoing commitment to professional development.”
Hinojosa holds a wide array of certifications within the IT field from leading organizations such as EC-Council, Oracle, CompTIA, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco.
He has also contributed to the academic community through presentations at nationally respected conferences hosted by Community College Baccalaureate Association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the League of Innovation in the Community College.
Combining everything he learns and teaches through these organizations, he can continue motivating his students and modeling success within the field, giving students something to aspire toward and getting them excited about their chosen profession.
“It has been a lot of work getting to this milestone, but everything I do, I do for my students. Not only do I aim to inspire them, but they inspire me also,” said Hinojosa. “Their ‘aha’ moments are rewarding and it’s a treasure knowing that we all inspire each other.”
Drawing from his students’ and family’s inspiration, he aims to pursue an academic classification that will allow him to be an associate professor soon.
“There is no stopping now,” said Hinojosa. “I must continue striving to be my best. As faculty members, our job is to change lives and at STC, we get the chance to grow so that as we evolve, so do our classrooms. The goal is to become better at serving our students and community.”
For more information on STC’s Computer Science program, visit southtexascollege.edu.
A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for attempting to coerce and entice the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a Finnish minor. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for attempting to coerce and entice the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a Finnish minor.
Brandon Roy Alvarez pleaded guilty Oct. 9, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton has now sentenced Alvarez to 210 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including that Alvarez would collect child pornography and store it on multiple devices. He would then pose as a minor and utilize the CSAM he collected to entice his victims to produce more. Alvarez will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Alvarez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began after authorities discovered a 10-year-old minor victim residing in Finland had received sexually explicit messages and CSAM videos from an English-speaking individual through various social media and other applications. They identified Alvarez as that person.
He had attempted to entice the minor victim into sending him a nude photo and/or a video of the victim masturbating from on or about Sept. 17-20, 2023.
Alvarez admitted he used his accounts to meet underage children online. He said he would pretend to be a minor female child to gain the other user’s trust and then use child pornography he collected to lure minors into sending sexually explicit photographs and videos.
FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
The referral comes within weeks of Texas gaining access to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s SAVE Database. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson
AUSTIN — Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson today referred to the Office of Attorney General for investigation the names of 33 potential noncitizens who voted in the November 2024 General Election. The referral comes within weeks of Texas gaining access to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s SAVE Database.
“Gaining access to this database has been a game-changer. Not only have we been able to identify individuals who should not have voted in the last election, we have also been able to confirm naturalization of dozens more,” Secretary Nelson said.
In March, President Trump issued an elections integrity executive order that directed the Department of Homeland Security to provide free access to the SAVE database to all states. Having worked to gain this access for more than a year, Texas was among the first states to log in and recently joined a pilot program working with DHS, USCIS and DOGE to improve the database’s functionality.
“We are in the early stages of this pilot program, but we already see promising results. This may be the most current and accurate data set there is when it comes to citizenship verification,” Secretary Nelson said.
Citizenship is a requirement to vote under the Election Code Sec. 11.002. In November, Texans will vote on Senate Joint Resolution 37, which would add this requirement to the Texas Constitution.
The Secretary of State is required to report potential criminal violations to the Office of the Attorney General, which has authority to investigate these matters under the Election Code.
Information source: Texas Secretary of State’s Office
RUNNING WITH A PURPOSE: Pictured are participants from the 2024 Purple Project 5K event. This year’s 5K will be held on June 28, 2025, at the Edinburg Municipal Park located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. To participate, register by June 9, 2025 at www.dhrhealth.com/purpleproject5K. Funds raised will help cancer patients from throughout the Rio Grande Valley through the Renaissance Cancer Foundation. Image courtesy of DHR Health
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Edinburg, Texas – DHR Health will once again host the 5th Annual Purple Project 5K for All Cancers. The event scheduled to take place at 8:00 a.m. on June 28, 2025, at the Edinburg Municipal Park located at 714 S. Raul Longoria Road. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Renaissance Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization of DHR Health dedicated to helping local underserved cancer patients with financial and transportation assistance, as well as free wigs.
The 5K aims to raise cancer awareness during the month of June, which is known as “National Cancer Survivors Month.” For this event, DHR Health invites cancer survivors, caretakers, family members, and friends to participate in this empowering gathering. The event helps unite cancer survivors, remember the memory of lives lost to cancer, and show support for those currently fighting the disease.
The annual Texas tradition of Free Fishing Day is back this Saturday, June 7, at public waterways across the state. Each year on the first Saturday in June, Texans and out-of-state visitors can fish on any public waterway in the state without a fishing license. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
AUSTIN – The annual Texas tradition of Free Fishing Day is back this Saturday, June 7, at public waterways across the state. Each year on the first Saturday in June, Texans and out-of-state visitors can fish on any public waterway in the state without a fishing license.
“Free Fishing Day is an annual event that encourages Texans to get outdoors, enjoy nature, and go fishing with family and friends,” said Tim Birdsong, Director of Inland Fisheries at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “Our hope is that experienced anglers will use this opportunity to take others fishing and share their knowledge, skills, equipment and love of the sport to recruit new anglers.”
Texas boasts an abundance of high-quality fishing opportunities within its 6 million acres of public waterways. These waters support recreational opportunities for 2 million licensed anglers who spend an estimated $9 billion annually on fishing-related expenditures, resulting in a statewide economic impact of $14 billion annually. Sport fishing is big business in Texas, supporting an estimated 78,040 jobs.
Anglers help sustain sport fishing opportunities through their purchase of a fishing license, which is one of the primary sources of funding available to TPWD to manage and conserve Texas fisheries resources. Conservation efforts such as fisheries monitoring, fish stockings, fish habitat improvements and angler access improvements are supported through the purchase of fishing licenses, and these efforts help keep Texas one of the best places in the country to go fishing. For more information on licensing, visit the TPWD license page.
To help celebrate Free Fishing Day, TPWD offers multiple resources to provide fun, high-quality fishing opportunities to anglers of all skill levels and ages.
Fishing 101 – Learn the basics of fishing with tips and a variety of videos. Find resources for how to get started, safety, supplies and gear, casting and baiting, cleaning and storing fish on the TPWD Learn to Fish webpage.
Visit Sea Center Texas – Grab your fishing poles, bait and lawn chairs for a free fishing event for youth under age 16. It takes place from 9 -11 a.m., June 7 at Sea Center Texas in Lake Jackson. Visitors can also explore aquaria and exhibits of Texas marine life, the largest redfish hatchery in the world, 36 one-acre fish culture ponds, an outdoor wetland exhibit and a 20-foot touch pool that allows visitors to gently touch marine animals such as blue crabs, hermit crabs, stone crabs, snails and even anemones.
Find a Place to Fish Close to Home – Texas offers numerous lakes and rivers with access to fishing throughout the state. The Lake Finder page on the TPWD website can help anglers find lakes by region or alphabetically. Information and fishing tips on more than 150 lakes are available. Check out the River Fishing page to find out where to get access to Texas’ flowing waters.
Saltwater Fishing from a Pier – There are numerous wheelchair-accessible fishing piers available for public use up and down the coast. Piers are a great place for the entire family to try saltwater fishing without the need for a boat. Public access sites can be found in every bay system.
Go Fishing in the City – TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes provide urban angling access for the entire family across the state. All 18 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes provide a great opportunity to catch channel catfish, including five lakes in Dallas-Fort Worth, four in the Houston area, two each in the Austin and San Antonio areas, and one each in Amarillo, College Station, San Angelo, Waco and Wichita Falls. Information on lake locations and how-to fishing videos can be found on the Neighborhood Fishin’ website.
Community Fishing Lakes – Check out all the community fishing lakes in Texas which can be great options for Free Fishing Day and year-round.
Go Kayak Fishing on a Texas Paddling Trail- With more than 3,700 named streams, 15 major rivers and some 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline along the Gulf Coast, Texas offers unlimited possibilities for paddling adventures and angling opportunities of all types. Enjoy improved and maintained fishing and paddling access to rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, bayous and bays on any of the 83 official Texas Paddling Trails available throughout the state. Kayak fishing opportunities also abound through TPWD’s River Access and Conservation Areas (RACA) program.
Buy a License – The Year-from-Purchase All-Water Fishing Package for Texas residents offers a great value, allowing anglers to fish in fresh and salt water. It’s valid from the date of purchase through the end of the purchase month of the next license year. (Example: License purchased on March 13, 2025, expires March 31, 2026.)
If you plan on fishing in federal waters, keep in mind that a license is needed for the private recreational angler red snapper season that opened June 1.
